E240 key not responsive on ignition

[mugerwai]

I own a Mercedes E240 year 2005 here in Kampala Uganda. These cars are wonderful but can be frustrating in Africa. I lost my fob/key last Christmas and got a new one programmed which worked fine for a few days. Please note the lost/ old one had a problem locking and unlocking doors without directly pointing to the infrared receiver very closely to the sensor at the door. When the new one was made it worked fine with a little improvement on the locks but a few days later reverted to what the old one used to do. A week later the new key could not be read by the ignition switch without attempting several times. The attempts are now increasing in number before it can turn the key. I discovered the lost key but the problem did not go away trying with the old key. The keys have been reprogrammed several times. Soon after reprogramming they are read well. By morning the car reverts to its old habits, the key will not be read before attempting 15 to 20 times. Take it out and put it back in several times and the kids clap for you when it starts! The locks respond better at night although the distance from the door sensor should not exceed one metre at night! I am afraid of taking it back to the mechanic who seems to be frustrated now! He says bring it to me, leave it for four days as I study its behaviour ! I trust I would get a better solution from you guys here. I am crossing my fingers to get a positive response from this forum.

 

[television]

Could be a EIS ignition switch problem. One thing that you can try is to leave the key in the ignition switch for 90 minutes. The long range locking could be something else, is the radio good on all weak stations.

 

[mugerwai]

Hi Malcolm

I have followed your posts closely and love your enthusiasm and knowledge on these cars. Actually I noticed that when I leave the key in the ignition it will start very well without problems the next time I am starting g it but it does not solve the problem. Some stations on the radio have become a bit weaker but I have not noticed a major difference. How do I confirm it is an EIS switch. The diagnostic did not report the EIS. Thanks for your response

 

[television]

Only when the key will not turn will you know. Just for the record, when locking the key uses its internal batteries, when in the ignition it is powered from the ignition switch, I do not know if any switch cleaner sprayed into the ignition switch will help.

 

[mugerwai]

Thanks for the quick response. This problem started after the reprogramming of the key. Is it possible it was not done well? Why does it work well soon after programming and forgets by morning? The switch was cleaned when removed for programming so I don't think the spraying will help any more. Is the EIS REPAIRED ? Or replaced? What would be the cost? Could it be a loose relay or fuse ?

 

[television]

We know that the 211 ignition switches can do this. Try warming it up with a hair drier, if this works the only option is to change the switch, they cost about £500

 

[mugerwai]

Thanks Malcolm. I should point the heat towards the switch? How warm should it get? I suppose the switch would need reprogramming too after purchasing . Do you supply these? How about the locks ? What do you suggest ?

 

[mugerwai]

You have not commented on the possibility that the reprogramming may be the issue if not done correctly ? Is it possible?

 

[television]

I have never heard of one not being programmed correctly, this is not really possible, the code is either right or wrong, there is no in between.

They come programmed to the car.

 

[Mark@RMK]

How did you get a key programmed? Did a locksmith do it?

 

[mugerwai]

A locksmith broke into the car to get the ignition switch which was taken to a guy who programmes these keys using a special tool and software I guess. He purchased a new key which was programmed and worked straight away save that a few days later the key became unresponsive on ignition without attempting several times. It was reprogrammed and it was fine but by morning it would resume its bad habbit.

 

[mugerwai]

Thanks Mark

The locksmith broke into the car to get the ignition switch which was taken to this specialist who uses software and a tool I guess. It worked perfect straight away but reverted to old ha bits by morning. He performed a diagnosis check on the car in my presence and there were no issues found

 

[Mark@RMK]

Its bad soldering on the EIS I guess, or a bad key..

 

[mugerwai]

Thanks Mark, you are giving a different dimension. Thanks. But when I discovered the old key that worked well in the ignition it had also become unresponsive . So I guess it would be the bad soldering . Can I post this to you? Or could you give instructions to my MB electrician and I send you a token to say thanks ? My number is +256776038255. And it is on whatsapp.

 

[mugerwai]

Butheway as long as I don't take the key out after driving it will start without any problems

 

[Mark@RMK]

it would be hard for me to advise someone else on how to resolder the job

Take it back to the person who did the job?! or send me the EIS to the UK and I can fix it no problems

Thanks

 

[mugerwai]

Mark thanks. Get me a physical address. Send me the fee privately on mugerwai@kpadvocates.com

 

[mugerwai]

obviously this will not sort out the other issue ; the locking issue mentioned above. What will resolve the locking problem?

 

[television]

The EIS switch is the master of the locking.

 

[Mark@RMK]

Click the link to my website below and all the information is there!