Mercedes W204 ESL DIY Videos

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Your Mercedes C Class, GLK Class, E Class Coupe/Convertible, and SLK R172 won't start. It won't even crank. You have no red and yellow dash lights on the cluster. This video shows you how to diagnose the ESL issue without expensive scanners or using any tools.

You know your ESL has failed. Is there any hope of getting it started so you can drive home or to a shop? Try this!

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If your ESL failed in the unlocked position. You can try this trick to get it started. Don't do this too many times; you may damage your fuse box. This trick does not work on 2013–2014 models.

Attempting to jump-start a starter from the fuse box should be done at your own risk. While it may be a method used in certain situations, there are inherent risks involved, including potential damage to your vehicle.

Disclaimer:
We, Benz Tech Modules LLC D.B.A. Mercedes-Benz Specialist, provide this information for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any damage or harm that may occur to your vehicle as a result of attempting to jump the starter from the fuse box.

Warning:

  • Jump starting a starter from the fuse box may cause electrical damage, including short circuits, blown fuses, or damage to electronic components.
  • Improperly connecting cables or tampering with electrical systems can lead to injury or vehicle malfunction.
  • Consult your vehicle's manual or a qualified automotive technician for proper procedures and safety precautions before attempting any jump-starting method.

Use at Your Own Risk:
By attempting to jump-start the starter from the fuse box, you acknowledge and accept the risks involved. You agree that Benz Tech Modules LLC D.B.A. Mercedes-Benz Specialist is not liable for any damages, losses, or injuries that may result from such actions.

Consult a Professional:
For safe and reliable methods of starting your vehicle, we recommend consulting a qualified automotive technician or professional. They can provide guidance and assistance tailored to your specific vehicle and situation.

2008-2014 C300 C250 C350 C63 DIY If you are removing the factory lock from your C class with the electronically adjustable steering column. Watch this video.

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2008-2014 C300 C250 C350 C63 DIY If you are removing the factory lock from your C class with the manually adjustable steering column, watch this video.

If your Electronic Steering Lock failed in the unlocked position. Or if you're preemptively removing the ESL before it fails. Use this method to save yourself the work of removing the entire steering column.

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One of the most challenging parts of removing the steering column is putting it back into the steering coupler. Check out our video for tips.

How to find and disconnect the electrical connector to the factory Electronic Steering Lock (ESL).

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If you purchased our ESL emulator service and just received your programmed emulator from us, Here is what you should do next.

How do you get your Mercedes into neutral when it won't start? Watch this video to learn how.

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How to remove your Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) from your 2008-2011 Mercedes C Class. Also works for GLK350, E Class C207 models, and SLK350 R172 models.

How to remove your Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) from your 2012-2014 Mercedes C250 C300 C350 C63 AMG.

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Your ESL is not unlocking when you insert the key into the EIS, but you can hear it making a clicking noise. Try this to get it to unlock.

Mercedes W204 ESL Emulator Trouble Shooting Videos

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You just installed our programmed emulator, but your car still won't start. When you turn the key to position 2 in the ignition switch, you now have yellow and red dash lights. Follow the steps in this video to check your starter fuse, starter relay, and starter.

How to check your EIS and ESL fuses. They are located under the hood near the firewall on the driver's side. Check out this video.

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Starter fuse keeps blowing? It maybe because of an aftermarket relay. Watch this video.

Need an OEM relay? Get it here:

https://benztechmodules.com/product/mercedes-benz-oem-5-prong-green-starter-relay-for-w204-c207-w212-r172/

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You finished the job and your car starts! That's great, but now you have an airbag SRS light on, and/or ESP triangle light is on. Watch this video to find out what needs to be done.

The SRS light is on because the airbag connector for the steering wheel airbag was disconnected while you had the main battery connected. That's a no-no. You'll have to erase it with a good scanner. Don't have one? You can rent ours.

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Jesse Delaney profile picture
Jesse Delaney
September 3, 2026
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Wife’s C300 stranded her in the Costco gas station, the car suddenly failed to start! After much testing & trouble shooting I fortunately found this place!!! The ESL failed and Michael absolutely has the fix. Not only with the video’s but when you call, you get a call back! I took out the Ignition and sent it and the key and just as promised, I got them and the Emulator back, put it all in and it’s never going to happen to her again! I only gave it 5 Stars because I couldn’t do 6!
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Dave Kotasenski profile picture
Dave Kotasenski
August 26, 2026
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There has only been a few times I received service as excellent as this. I was able to identify the issue I was having with my Mercedes from his YouTube step by step instructions. Once I contacted him the response was immediate and informative. I mailed the part from P.A. to C.A. on Sunday and received back on Wednesday morning. As soon as I plugged it in and turned the key my car started. Through Micheals instructions he was able to help me from making a simple mistake of my steering column locking up and that would have cost thousands. Its a fantastic and great service and I am so appreciative. This was a E S L reprogram on a 2008 Mercedes C3000
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Lee Addington profile picture
Lee Addington
August 21, 2026
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This is a great shop. Run by actual people. Many sites do not list a physical address or give you any confidence that you are going to get a solution to your aging Mercedes. All problems fixed and helped through the process. Thanks MBS!
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Ernie De la torre
July 20, 2026
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Awesome
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Robert Mysn8ke_FL profile picture
Robert Mysn8ke_FL
July 6, 2026
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If you are looking for the best service on repairing your ECU, these are the people for you !!! Call them from Florida on Friday morning. Mailed off my ECU Wednesday night to California. And received it back on Friday morning, fully reprogrammed and repaired.
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Zayd profile picture
Zayd
June 19, 2026
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I have a 2010 ML350 that was having an intermittent starting issue. I took out the EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) and sent it to them. I know that these issues can be expensive but they did it for a much better reasonable price. They tried a basic fix but the unit was too broken. Once I received the cloned replacement, the engine started right up but I got an anti theft lockout on the radio. I messaged them and they told me it was an issue that happens on some ML's. They paid for shipping and I quickly sent it back out. The same day they received it, a new replacement was shipped out. Within the week, I received the replacement. Just installed it and now the car is starting with no more anti theft warnings and the electronic trunk hatch is working once again! (It was not operating when the EIS was out). Was so satisfying to get it working for such a reasonable price. These guys are blessed with talent and were able to do wonders for my 2010 ML!
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Dan Jason profile picture
Dan Jason
April 7, 2026
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The service that Michael provides is so valuable. I was quoted 3500 to fix my EI/ESL and was able to fix it myself with Michaels instructions and parts for around 900 including shipping. It only took a few days to get the parts back! My Mercedes would still be sitting if this service want available. Thank you Michael!
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Patriot Automotive profile picture
Patriot Automotive
March 12, 2026
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BTM, Benz Tech Modules is an anomaly in today's world. A group that actually exceeds their claims and truly delivers a completely tremendous product with unsurpassed quality in ALL regards. I have been in the automobile repair business for almost 54 years and BTM is one of the few vendors that has impressed me at every juncture. Please use them and their products with absolutely no apprehension. Michael and Crew are the best !!!