ELV
Key won’t turn? It’s often the ELV.
The electric steering lock (ELV) on the steering column locks and unlocks the steering wheel. If it fails, the Mercedes can’t be started. We repair your original ELV.
Typical symptoms
- Key won’t turn in the ignition switch
- Steering stays locked, vehicle won’t start
- Whirring or clicking at the steering column when starting
- Problem first appears only sometimes, then more and more often
- Fault entries for the steering lock in the fault memory
What causes it?
The ELV consists of a small electric motor, mechanics and its own electronics. Wear in the drive and ageing components mean it no longer unlocks cleanly – the ignition switch then won’t release the key.
Because the ELV and the ignition switch (EZS) work together, the symptoms are similar. We test both and repair the part that is really faulty.
Focus on Mercedes-Benz. AEZ is an independent master workshop; brand names are used for description only. We tell you whether a repair is possible after testing.
How the repair works.
- 1
Get in touch
Vehicle, VIN and what happened – via WhatsApp, phone or form.
- 2
Drop off or send in
Hand it in at Bottrop or, after a quick chat, send it by DHL. How shipping works
- 3
Test, price, repair
You get the findings and price before we repair. Then the unit goes back to you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I remove the ELV myself and send it in?
That depends on the model – on some it is easy to reach on the steering column. Ask us briefly first – we’ll tell you whether removing it yourself makes sense or whether you’d better drop by.
How much does the repair cost?
That depends on the unit and the fault. After testing we tell you the price – we only repair with your approval.
Can I send the control unit in?
Yes. After a quick chat, by DHL to AEZ, Werkstraße 4, 46240 Bottrop, Germany. Packing tips and the shipping note to fill in are on the “Sending in a control unit” page.
Do you only work on Mercedes-Benz?
Our focus is Mercedes-Benz. For other makes, just ask with the vehicle and part number – we’ll tell you honestly whether we can help.