E Class w212 Automatic key start not working

[Jim2]

Hi all recently I have noticed that when starting the car, I have to turn the key to the last position to get it to start. Before, it was a case of (1) insert Key (2) turn Key to position 1, (3) turn key and dash lights come on, and car starts. But now, it won't start until you turn the key a bit further to engage the starter motor. i've scanned it ( iCarsoft CR PRO ) but no fault codes showing, Any suggestion's?

 

[CowleyStJames]

 

[Jim2]

TH

Thanks for your reply CowleyStJames....appreciate it !! The car in these instructions is a different one to mine,,,( 2010 E Class W212 2.1 CDI Automatic, with the MB 651 engine, its does not have keyless entry, or stop/ start ) When starting, transmission in "P" ( nothing will happen unless its in "P" ) Handbrake on and foot on the brake pedal, Insert key and turn to position "1" then turn to position "2" ( dash lights come on) and car starts automatically. (normally, up to recently that is..... now after the engine does not start automatically, ) turn the key to position "3"......it starts instantly.) So it's not a matter of life or death, but I'd like to rectify it if possible.

 

[Craiglxviii]

You don’t need the parking brake on, and if you’re parked on a flat & level surface you really shouldn’t apply it. The transmission is locked in P, all you do is stretch the brake cables.

 

[Jim2]

You don’t need the parking brake on, and if you’re parked on a flat & level surface you really shouldn’t apply it. The transmission is locked in P, all you do is stretch the brake cables.

Force of habit Craiglxviii more than anything. I've driven a big selection of vehicle's/ machine's, and applying the park or as its sometimes called the service brake has always figured prominently in training. But I well understand your point about stretching the brake cables.....I replaced the brake shoes a few weeks ago, and checked the cable's while I was at it. They are all fine, passed the NCT ( your MOT ) with flying colors.
But my more immediate concern is the failure to self start when the key is turned to position 2 . Have you ever met this particular problem?

 

[CowleyStJames]

Mine is a 2011 E250 S212, same engine as yours, and I'm confused as to why the engine would even start on 2.
It starts on 3 not 2.
3 is the activation of the starter motor not 2.

 

[Srdl]

Mine is a 2011 E250 S212, same engine as yours, and I'm confused as to why the engine would even start on 2.
It starts on 3 not 2.
3 is the activation of the starter motor not 2.

From my memory of my C207, that was the same - position 1, then 2 and then to position 3 to start once the glow plug light had gone out.

You might want to turn the ignition on without starting and that’s what position 2 is for.

 

[Jim2]

Mine is a 2011 E250 S212, same engine as yours, and I'm confused as to why the engine would even start on 2.
It starts on 3 not 2.
3 is the activation of the starter motor not 2.

Ok, not so long ago, when you key started the car ( any car ) you turned on the ignition then turned it again and kept it turned until the engine started. Once the engine start's,you release the key, and as its spring loaded, it comes back from the "start" position. Lately, this is what I have to do with my car. But it was not like this upto recently, you turned it to the "last" position, and it started without any further pressure on the key. Does this make any sense? Sorry for any confusion, but it might be a bit clearer now what the problem is?