Dead ignition

[markg14]

Just put key into ignition, and nothing!

No “click” when the car recognises they key, and when key is turned nothing at all.

Battery ok, car locks and unlocks on the key.

I suspect the EIS unit, but not sure what else it could be.

Any ideas anyone?

 

[Blobcat]

Try second key

 

[tpn]

Just put key into ignition, and nothing!

No “click” when the car recognises they key, and when key is turned nothing at all.

Battery ok, car locks and unlocks on the key.

I suspect the EIS unit, but not sure what else it could be.

Any ideas anyone?

you say "no click" and "when the key is turned" are you saying that you are able to turn the key and release the lock?

 

[markg14]

Normally when the key is inserted, a “clunk” is heard. This is the steering lock releasing, but this is not happening at all now. The key can be turned ok, but no dashboard lights light up, and when the key is turned to its fullest, the starter motor does not activate. Nothing at all. Dead. Both keys tried. Battery fine, door locks operating normally on both keys.

 

[Blobcat]

Sounds like EIS not recognising the key

 

[markg14]

My suspicions too. Owned the car from new, and this will be the second time the EIS unit has needed replacing.

£600 ten years ago, so goodness knows what it will cost this time around.

 

[star]

Sounds like the esl not the eis is at fault.

 

[tpn]

Normally when the key is inserted, a “clunk” is heard. This is the steering lock releasing, but this is not happening at all now. The key can be turned ok, but no dashboard lights light up, and when the key is turned to its fullest, the starter motor does not activate. Nothing at all. Dead. Both keys tried. Battery fine, door locks operating normally on both keys.

That is the lock I would think. With the key inserted rock the steering from side to side. It may release. Try banging the steering column low down.

If it does release I would then disconnect the battery. It is much easer to remove the unit in an unlocked state.
I replaced one over a year ago. I got the motor off Amazon for £6.00.
I
basically replaced the cheap Chinese Mercedes installed motor with another cheap Chinese motor.

Bit of work lying on the back to get it off, otherwise easy enough.

The state of the battery in the key is not relevant.
You can also get an emulator but it needs to be coded and may impact on your insurance.

 

[markg14]

Fantastic tip tpn!

Did exactly as you said, inserted key and rocked steering wheel - hey presto!

I have a Mercedes technician turning up today (advantages of Mobilo-Life), so will see what he says when he plugs his Xentry gadget into the diagnostics.

Thank you so much for your help people, much appreciated.

P.S. What part did you say needed replacing?

 

[ajlsl600]

600! Ten Yr ago for cheap Chinese shxte I wud be looking cheaper solution. Like dumping steering lock.

 

[EmilysDad]

600! Ten Yr ago for cheap Chinese shxte I wud be looking cheaper solution. Like dumping steering lock.

Put your specs on ..... there's a dot in there

 

[markg14]

Put your specs on ..... there's a dot in there

No, he is right. In 2013 I paid MB Dartford £600 to replace EIS. I am looking at the bill right now.

 

[EmilysDad]

No, he is right. In 2013 I paid MB Dartford £600 to replace EIS. I am looking at the bill right now.

but tpn paid £6.00 for a 'cheap chinese motor' ..... & assumed that's what ajls was referring to

 

[markg14]

but tpn paid £6.00 for a 'cheap chinese motor' ..... & assumed that's what ajls was referring to

I think he was referring to my comment timed at 8.10pm

 

[ajlsl600]

No worries. No stress levels yet. This am Emily s dad, feel free to add dots

Just to make all giggle, spent 10 min lookin f glasses this am, eventually her indoors pointed out that they were on my f head!!!!!!!!!

 

[tpn]

Fantastic tip tpn!

Did exactly as you said, inserted key and rocked steering wheel - hey presto!

I have a Mercedes technician turning up today (advantages of Mobilo-Life), so will see what he says when he plugs his Xentry gadget into the diagnostics.

Thank you so much for your help people, much appreciated.

P.S. What part did you say needed replacing?

Glad it worked for you.

There is a brass screw head on the motor. This operates a nylon gear which in turn releases the lock and also makes an electronic connection.
I don't know what Xentry will do for you, or tell you while it is working.
You can be assured that it is the motor.

You can also be assured that it will fail again shortly.
There is a metal pin on the unit and if it fails in the locked position the whole column will need to be taken out in order to cut the pin, making the job way more difficult.

Once out its just an awkward job to drill out the 4 rivets. Carefully lift out the motor without disturbing the position of the cog wheel and inserting the new motor.
Should be enough grease in there for the new motor.
I used tie straps to keep the cover on.
It will.make life easier when it fails again.

 

[tpn]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/HouYeen-Steering-Wheel-Motor-M-ercedes-Benz/dp/B0BFWTJHJ8/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?crid=2M453MTNREVV0&keywords=mercedes+steering+lock+motor&qid=1682600554&sprefix=mercedes+steering+lock+motor%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1

 

[ajlsl600]

Good read. Well sorted

 

[tpn]

Fantastic tip tpn!

Did exactly as you said, inserted key and rocked steering wheel - hey presto!

I have a Mercedes technician turning up today (advantages of Mobilo-Life), so will see what he says when he plugs his Xentry gadget into the diagnostics.

Thank you so much for your help people, much appreciated.

P.S. What part did you say needed replacing?

Come back with the Xentry info. Interested to see if and how it interprets a failing ESL