Just had that problem before you take the van completely to bits take off the bottom panel and give the steering lock a bang with a light hammer and presto it’s working again (I’m not saying it will work for everyone but it worked for me😀)

It is a nightmare there's no other word for it. Good luck.

My "quick & dirty" temporary fix for this problem on my 2005 Vito 109cdi W639: Never again remove the ignition key from the electronic ignition switch, always LEAVE the key in the running position! When I park the car i just stall the engine by holding the brake and letting of the clutch in second gear. Then I just slide out the battery from under the drivers seat and unplug the negative battery cable. This actually works but then I have to leave the van unlocked, maybe I could lock it with the manual key, but I dont worry about that! When I need to start the van I just hook up the battery cable again and QUICKLY turn the ignition key OFF and then turn it to glow and then continue to start the engine. But you have to be fast as a shark, never let the key be in the OFF position more than a fraction of a second!! As I said, this method works for me now and I dont know if it´s because of the colder climate in the wintertime (slow electronics) but I have done this procedure 6-7 times when it has been around -10 celsius. Works every time! Before that the key would not turn at all, have cleaned the lock and key and done everything I possibly could, even take it apart and check solderings etc. Was about to ship the EIS and ESL to England to be repaired but now I will wait because I can use the van whenever I need by doing the procedure above. // Hope this will help someone with a stranded Vito! // Daniel in Sweden.

At what point do you show removal of the steering lock?

WISH I FOUND THIS VIDEO 3 YEARS AGO :) LOL

Can you please tell me the company you sent it to and that was successful ? Thanks again, Mark

I had my mine repaired by autotronics,

So how did you get on? I have ignition switch and/or key problems with my 2005 Vito so I'd like to know.

i had mine done by mercedes £80 to get it there mercedes charged £750 ouch . did same again 18 months later ffs sussed out my self shit connection plug to electric steering lock fixed it my self been good since

Is it just me or is the steering lock not been removed as per vid title?

you might have cancer you dont know about have ever thaught about could festering away in your head now you might only have months to life if wear you im not but if was you should be worrying have another big list of things to give you would not have know existed untill i said but il remind you