Fixing a Steering Lock Fault on a Mercedes A180 Sport
Mercedes continues to disrupt the luxury car market with the A180 Sport model, boasting a sleek design, advanced technology, and a powerful engine. However, some Mercedes A180 Sport owners have reported a steering lock fault. Unfortunately, for a recent customer of Shires Garage they were experiencing this issue.
At Shires Garage Auto Services, we understand the frustration and disappointment of unresolved car issues, especially when previous attempts at repair have been unsuccessful. Thankfully, our specialised expertise as a independent Mercedes Benz garage led to the A180 Sport in question being brought to our Langport location. Our customer had faith that we would pinpoint the problem and provide an effective solution, which we were able to do. Keep reading to learn more.
What is a Steering Lock?
The steering lock is a safety mechanism that stops the steering wheel from moving when engaged. In Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the steering lock is activated automatically when the car is turned off and the key is taken out of the ignition. It can also be activated manually by using a button or switch on the dashboard or center console. The steering locks purpose is to make it harder for thieves to steal the car by inhibiting their ability to steer it.
What happens when there is a fault in your Mercedes steering lock?
A steering lock malfunction occurs when the steering wheel is locked in place by the steering lock, making it impossible for the driver to turn the wheel. If the steering lock system is not working correctly, steering the vehicle may be difficult or impossible. It’s crucial to remember that a steering lock malfunction can be dangerous, so it’s essential to take appropriate measures to troubleshoot the problem and restore the car’s safe driving ability. In this situation, you need to call a Mercedes garage, like Shires Garage, to help.
Fortunately, there is a simple tip we recommend that our customers try first to troubleshoot this issue – simply disengage and re-engage the steering lock. This may solve the problem, but it’s important to make sure the steering lock is properly re-engaged after taking this step. If this doesn’t work, it is recommended to seek the help of a Mercedes specialist, such as Shires Garage Auto Services.
How to fix a steering lock fault on a mercedes A180 sport
There can be various reasons for a steering lock malfunction on a Mercedes A180 Sport.
In Mercedes-Benz cars, the steering lock is commonly controlled by a steering lock actuator, which is an electric motor that engages and releases the lock. The steering lock actuator is managed by the steering lock module, which is a computer that receives input from multiple sensors and sends commands to the actuator based on that input.
If you’re experiencing a problem with the steering lock in your Mercedes-Benz, it could be caused by a malfunctioning steering lock actuator, a faulty steering lock module, or an issue with the wiring or other electrical components. To diagnose and correct the problem, it will be necessary to have the vehicle inspected by Shire Garage’s Mercedes-Benz experts.
At Shires Garage Auto Services, our expert Mercedes technicians employ a multi-step diagnostic process to determine the root cause of the problem and identify if there is a mechanical or electrical issue.
Our Mercedes specialists also inspect other parts of the vehicle to ensure that there are no additional issues that could be causing the steering lock malfunction.
Let’s take a closer look
At Shires Garage Auto Services, we use various clues to identify the cause of vehicle issues, including our customer’s Mercedes A180 Sport. In this particular case, there were three main clues:
- The steering lock was not functioning properly
- The immobiliser was not working
- The key was not being recognised
With this information, our Mercedes expert technician began the process of identifying the underlying problem.
- Inspection: He visually examined the steering lock and the surrounding area for any signs of damage or wear, including checking the wiring and connections for any signs of corrosion or damage.
- Diagnostic evaluation: He utilised Mercedes dealer-level software to read and diagnose any diagnostic fault codes stored in the Mercedes’ computer system. These codes can indicate a problem with the steering lock system which helps Shires Garage Auto Services to narrow down the investigation, but there were no fault codes showing on this A180.
- System test: Our Mercedes expert performed a system test on the steering lock control module using dealer-level software to check for communication between the module and other control units in the car, check for input and output signals to and from the module, and check for the module supply voltage.
- Actuator test: Finally, our Mercedes expert performed a test on the steering lock actuator to check the function of the actuator and its ability to lock and unlock the steering wheel.
The outcome of these tests indicated that there was a fault with the steering lock control module. Therefore, our expert technician replaced the steering lock control module with a genuine Mercedes-Benz part. At Shires Garage Auto Services, we take pride in providing a high-quality service and expertise, and we never compromise on the quality of the parts we use.
Fixing the problem
Replacing the steering lock control module on a Mercedes-Benz is a task that should only be done by a trained Mercedes expert technician, as it requires specialised knowledge and equipment. The specific steps for replacing the module vary depending on the model and year of the Mercedes, but at Shires Garage Auto Services the following steps were taken:
- Diagnose the problem: Before replacing the steering lock control module, our Mercedes technician accurately diagnosed the problem and confirmed that the module was the source of the issue.
- Remove the module: The technician removed the steering lock control module from its location in the vehicle. Depending on the model, it can be located under the steering wheel, in the dashboard, or in the engine compartment.
- Replace the module: Once the old module was removed, the technician installed a new module.
- Re-program the module: After the new module was installed, the technician reprogrammed the module, to allow the new module to be recognised by the vehicle’s computer system and work correctly.
- Test drive the vehicle: The technician test drove the vehicle to ensure that the steering lock and the immobiliser system were functioning properly.
- Clear fault codes: Finally, the technician checked and cleared the fault codes stored in the module and the vehicle’s ECM to ensure that the system was running correctly.
It is important to note that the steering lock module is programmed to recognise the unique code of the lock cylinder installed in the vehicle. If the lock cylinder is replaced with a new one, the code will be different, and the steering lock module will not recognise it. To ensure that the steering lock functions properly after the lock cylinder is replaced, it is necessary to “recode” the steering lock module to recognise the new lock cylinder. This step is crucial in ensuring that the steering lock functions properly and prevents unauthorised use of the vehicle. If the steering lock module is not re-coded after the lock cylinder is replaced, the steering lock may not function properly, which could compromise the security of the Mercedes.
Finally, we informed the customer that their Mercedes A180 was ready for pick-up!
At Shires Garage Auto Services, we have skilled and experienced technicians who are well-versed in Mercedes and able to diagnose and fix issues accurately and efficiently. Our staff are friendly, helpful, and willing to listen to your concerns and answer your questions. We are transparent and provide clear explanations of the work that needs to be done and the costs involved.
Additionally, we use high-quality parts and adhere to Mercedes repair procedures to ensure that the work we do is of the highest quality and offers great value for money. To make it even more convenient for our customers, we offer a free collection service and courtesy vehicles.
If you’re looking for a reliable, trustworthy Mercedes garage that provides excellent service and great value for money, call Shires Garage Auto Services today on 01458 250570.
