Limp Mode after ESL issues

[Alan32195]

Hi all, my C220 CDI 2008 has gone in to limp mode after I had issues with the esl(?) motor on the steering column. I had an issue whereby I’d put my key in and there would be no connection, no lights even when I turned the key. I looked around and found a suggestion to tap the steering column / steering lock motor, which I did and managed to then get the car started but now it’s in limp mode. Do I need a new esl or can I get a diagnostics machine to clear it?

 

[LostKiwi]

Is the engine management light on?

 

[Alan32195]

Is the engine management light on?

No. It’s not been on at all, even with the key issue

 

[LostKiwi]

Ok so the engine isn't in limp mode - if it were the engine light would be on.
Best bet would be a star session to see what codes it's thrown.

 

[Alan32195]

Ok so the engine isn't in limp mode - if it were the engine light would be on.
Best bet would be a star session to see what codes it's thrown.

Thanks. I’ll get that done. Is it also correct that you only get 20 starts once in limp mode before it shuts down? Does the car think it’s been tampered with or stolen?

 

[LostKiwi]

Never heard that one before!

 

[Steve@Avantgarde]

Your steering lock won't be connected to a loss of power or limp mode, its a lock which has a communication stream to the EIS and engine ECU but has no bearing on what the engine does.

So I am afraid to say you have another fault to look at!

 

[Alan32195]

Your steering lock won't be connected to a loss of power or limp mode, its a lock which has a communication stream to the EIS and engine ECU but has no bearing on what the engine does.

So I am afraid to say you have another fault to look at!

Thanks. It’s a strange one as it was fine before the key issue and now it’s in limp. Only other things I checked before tapping the steering column was all fuses related to ignition

 

[Steve@Avantgarde]

Nothing more than a coincidence I think matey, they do happen.

If I had a pound for every fault that I created after working in a completely different area of the car I could retire.

I did a CLK this morning. Did a 4 wheel alignment and adjusted the tracking and as soon as I finished the boot flew up because the catch had failed....didnt even open the boot!

 

[Alan32195]

Nothing more than a coincidence I think matey, they do happen.

If I had a pound for every fault that I created after working in a completely different area of the car I could retire.

I did a CLK this morning. Did a 4 wheel alignment and adjusted the tracking and as soon as I finished the boot flew up because the catch had failed....didnt even open the boot!

Seems to be the case here. Just had a diagnostics run. Threw up 3 codes that I’ll post (22DD, 22EO & 2054). Codes were cleared but still in limp mode and also have engine light

 

[Steve@Avantgarde]

Think you are going to need STAR for this to do the guided test. Both of the lower fault codes can cause limp mode.

 

[domwild]

Hi all, my C220 CDI 2008 has gone in to limp mode after I had issues with the esl(?) motor on the steering column. I had an issue whereby I’d put my key in and there would be no connection, no lights even when I turned the key. I looked around and found a suggestion to tap the steering column / steering lock motor, which I did and managed to then get the car started but now it’s in limp mode. Do I need a new esl or can I get a diagnostics machine to clear it?

This is not called "limp mode" when you no longer are able to start, limp mode means it harshly moves into R or D and in Drive it has moved into 2nd gear and will not change gears even up to 3,000RPM.

Your problem has been my problem with the ESL motor losing it carbon brushes. $5 motor from China and DIY or $2,000 repair from stealership.