c320 changed steering lock, now I'm locked out
 

My 2002 c320 electric steering lock was making funny noises, so I decided to change it before it quit altogether. For the last month the lock chatters when it is locked or unlocked, in the past it was always one smooth continuous sound. And some days it chatters differently than other days.

Online EPC showed the original lock was a 203 462 06 30, and it was superseded by a 203 462 09 30. The factory replacement part appears identical to the original.

So I followed the WIS instructions which were:
1. Insert key and turn to position 1
2. Disconnect battery ground
3. remove kick panel, turn special locking bolt 1/2 turn and remove bolt
4. remove electric steering lock and disconnect cable

Reassembly was reverse.

Everything came apart and went together smoothly. After reconnecting the battery, I turned the key from "1" to "0" and removed it, expecting to hear the new lock drive to a "steering locked" position. I heard nothing. When I insert the key I hear nothing, and the key will not turn from position 0. The steering wheel is NOT locked.

I've checked that the connector is properly seated on the lock. I'm reluctant to try swapping back the old lock because I can't follow step 1 above, so I'm worried I'll make things worse (things are bad now, but I'll bet they could get worse!).

Any helpful suggestions? My pride is really taking a beating on this one. Thanks.
(Car has 105k miles)

Without removing the new lock, try connecting the connector to the old lock, I think that will at least let you turn the key. I think the new lock has to be programmed at the dealer.

Gilly

Gilly - thank you! Connected the old lock, and the key turns.

Swapped in the old lock - noisy (as before) but everything works!

Funny - my WIS doesn't say anything about reprogramming, but maybe my version of WIS is before the lock got superseded to a new number, and the new number requires the reprogramming.

Thank you again! I am SO glad not to be having my car towed to the dealer to fix a repair I bungled!