Many modern cars lock the steering with a small electric motor controlled by a module: the ESL (electronic steering lock). When it fails, the car won't release the steering and won't start. It looks serious, but it's a repair we do on site.
Signs of an ESL fault
- The steering wheel stays locked when you insert the key or press Start
- No dash lights, or the car doesn't "wake up" (common on Mercedes)
- A "steering lock" warning on the dashboard
- The car starts some days and not others
ESL faults are especially common on:
- Mercedes C-Class (2007–2014) and E-Class (2009–2016)
- Volkswagen Passat (B6/B7) and Passat CC
- Renault Mégane and Scénic
Real jobs: Mercedes ESL repairs
On a 2011 Mercedes E-Class and a 2012 Mercedes C-Class, the story was the same: key in, nothing happens, steering locked. On these models the ESL sits on the steering column, so the column has to come out. We removed it at the car, repaired the lock, refitted everything and checked that the car started and the steering released every time.
Repair, not replacement
A dealer will usually replace the whole steering column or lock unit. We repair the ESL where we can, which is usually much cheaper, and we test it with the key, the EIS and the immobiliser before we leave.
Want to understand the symptoms first? Read our guide: Key turns but the car won't start, or the steering wheel is locked.
Where we work
South London and Surrey, 24/7: Croydon, Sutton, Kingston, Wimbledon, Streatham, Lewisham, Epsom, Redhill and Reigate, and the areas around them (SE, SM, CR, SW, KT and RH postcodes).