ESL Frequently Asked Questions

The Electronic Steering Lock (ESL) is a security feature that prevents the steering wheel from turning without a matching set of DAS (Drive Authorization System) components. The EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch), ESL (Electronic Steering Lock), and key are the three components that must share the same FBS data (security data) to unlock the steering column lock and start your car. When replacing the original ESL with an emulator or factory ESL, programming is necessary.

When you insert your key into the Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS), a working ESL will unlock, and then you can turn the steering wheel. When you remove the key from the EIS, the ESL should lock the steering wheel. If either one of these scenarios is not happening, the ESL has likely failed.

Your Mercedes does not crank, and you do not hear the starter motor turning the engine. You have a no-crank, no-start condition. When the key is turned to the on position, the red and yellow dash lights in the instrument cluster do not turn on. The on position is two turns to the right, just before the "crank" position. 

Insert your key into the EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) with the driver door open. Did you hear a "ding" sound? If yes, your key has been recognized by the EIS. Is there a message on the instrument cluster that reads, "Take key from ignition." Or "Remove key from ignition." (Your driver door must be open in order to see this message on the cluster). If you see this message, it is confirmation that your EIS and key are working. 

Next, turn the key two full turns to ignition position two. At this point, with a working ESL, you should see yellow and red lights light up in the cluster. These red and yellow lights will not be present with a failed ESL. 

Now try your windows. Do they roll up or down? If not, this is further confirmation that your ESL has failed. 

Did your steering wheel unlock when you inserted the key into the EIS? It should have if it were working correctly. Sometimes, the steering lock fails in the unlocked position. When you remove your key from the EIS, your steering wheel should lock. If it is not locked, your steering lock failed in the unlocked position.

The factory lock has two systems: a mechanical system composed of an electric motor, gears, plastic arms, and a circuit board. The circuit board contains security data that enables Mercedes-Benz's "Drive Authorization System" or DAS, which is what gives your vehicle the ability to start. The factory lock fails when the electric motor fails. It usually lasts about 8-12 years. Once it fails, you won't be able to start your car.

 The emulator has the same circuit board as the factory lock, except it is not dependent on the electric motor to actuate the gears and activate DAS. The emulator does not have a lock. Once the emulator is installed, your steering column will not lock after removing the key from the EIS. Eliminating the electric motor that actuates the lock makes the emulator more reliable. We back our programmed emulators with a lifetime warranty. We always recommend using the emulator instead of the factory steering lock.

Programming requires specialized tools and the knowledge of how to use them. We recommend you have an emulator or factory lock programmed by a professional for quality assurance and to mitigate any damage to the security data that enables your vehicle to start.

We need your Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) and one of your key fobs. We don't need the factory ESL. 

The programming takes less than an hour. Shipping transit times make up most of the time your parts are away from you. Typically, shipping takes 2-3 days per way. However, many customers opt for overnight shipping. With overnight shipping, you can have a programmed emulator in 2 days. We have several shipping options available on our website. Choose the option that works best for you.

Purchase the service here on our website:

 https://mercedesbenzspecialist.net/shop/ols/products/mercedes-c-class-glk-class-e-class-coupe-slk-class-electronic-emulator

Then send your EIS, key, and order number to the address we provide during checkout.

 Once we receive your package, we check your EIS and key to ensure they function well. If they do, we program an emulator and send it with your EIS and key. We send 95% of our ESL emulator orders out the same day they arrive. If there is a problem with your EIS or key, we will contact you and offer a solution.