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) in order to unlock the steering column lock and start your car. Programming is necessary when replacing the original ESL with an emulator or another factory ESL.

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

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

With the driver door open, insert your key into the EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch). 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. With a failed ESL, these red and yellow lights will not be present.

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

When you inserted the key into the EIS, did your steering wheel unlock? It should have if it were working correctly. Sometimes, the steering lock fails in the unlocked position. With your key out of the EIS, your steering wheel should be locked. If it is not locked, your steering lock fails in the unlocked position.

The factory lock has two systems. A mechanical system is composed of an electric motor, gears, plastic arms, and a circuit board. The circuit board contains security data that enables the Mercedes-Benz "Drive Authorization System" or DAS. This 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 is what 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 the majority 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:

Mercedes C Class W204 GLK Class X204 E Class Coupe W207 SLK Class R172 Electronic Emulator

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

Once we receive your package, we check your EIS and key to make sure they are functioning well. If they are, we program an emulator and send it along with your EIS and key. We get 95% of our ESL emulator orders out the same day they come in. If there is a problem with your EIS or key, we will contact you and offer a solution.