EIS not responding in morning

[television]

They advised me that there's a 'data' key which comes from Germany which costs £160 - but as it's returned to Germany once used - I'm not actually charged for it. They suggested that the info was a replication of the data assigned to my car (but I may have picked this up wrongly).

It comes ready coded for your car

 

[eGuru]

They advised me that there's a 'data' key which comes from Germany which costs £160 - but as it's returned to Germany once used - I'm not actually charged for it. They suggested that the info was a replication of the data assigned to my car (but I may have picked this up wrongly).

The "data key" is also known as the "green" key. The data from the faulty EIS is downloaded onto this key. When new EIS has been fitted the data is uploaded again.
The removal and installation of EIS takes about 15-20 minutes, the data swap takes about 30 minutes.

 

[Jasper220]

Thank you Television and eGuru for all the help.
The information you have provide will be useful when I call in with Mercedes on Friday. At least I'll be able to let them know, that I know, I'm being ripped off!!!

 

[Uncle Benz]

The "green" key is actually orange...

I have only ever changed one, and Olly talked me through it on the phone. It needs Star machine as well as the green key, and Olly told me to stick a charger on the battery as it can take hours before the key will actually turn, and if the battery runs too low in this time you are screwed. The green key part is pretty much instant - Star prompts you to insert it, it flashes rapidly (the key), and then Star asks you to remove it. You are then prompted to insert your ignition key, but the steering lock does not immediately release. You then leave it until you hear it release, and job done. Olly told me it can take a few hours, and I am sure he told me he has had to leave them overnight in some cases. mine went in after about 45 mins. Whether the Star machine is actually essential I could not say. It basically instructed me to do various things on the way, but it may have only been instructing me rather than doing stuff to the car...

 

[Jasper220]

Well - Here's the latest.
Merc confirmed that EIS was at fault.

The Service Assistant said he'd pursue 'best prices'.

And the All-up cost totalled £500


Thanks to you all for your information throughout my 'ordeal'

Philip

 

[eGuru]

Glad you got it sorted and thanks for update.

 

[television]

Thanks for posting back, with a result, not cheap,but no other way

 

[jackwall5]

Another confirmed EIS replacement for me fixes my issue ... [Exact problem as the OP].

384 + vat [Euro] with the garage assuming the labour cost out of good will.

Safe Driving

 

[Lammy]

Looks like I have exactly the same issue as this. Has anyone else experienced this issue since this thread was started? I have a 2000 W203.

Otherwise I guess I am looking at a new EIS

Cheers all..

 

[Alex Crow]

Looks like I have exactly the same issue as this. Has anyone else experienced this issue since this thread was started? I have a 2000 W203.

Otherwise I guess I am looking at a new EIS

Cheers all..

i have one to fit tomorrow on a 2000 w203, also changed one two weeks ago on a w203.

if you are specific about what issues you have, and what tests you have done we may be able to help more.
how many keys have you got??

 

[television]

Interesting that these faults always come up this time of the year

 

[Lammy]

i have one to fit tomorrow on a 2000 w203, also changed one two weeks ago on a w203.

if you are specific about what issues you have, and what tests you have done we may be able to help more.
how many keys have you got??

Hi Alex thanks for your reply. I have two keys and they both are behaving the same when there is an issue. My symptoms are exactly the same as what's been described in this thread by the OP. We've been having a few warm mornings lately and I have not been having any issues. Only happens when I need to use the car at 6am and when it's cold/moist in the air. I always end up getting it started after about 5-6 attempts but I can see this getting worse as it gets colder later this year. Lately it's been clicking the steering lock release and just keeps on clicking until I pull the key out. Pretty convinced that I need a new EIS now. Too much of a coincidence that other early 203's are experiencing the same

Thanks in advance for advice

 

[Lammy]

Also just to add that I have a newish battery and the CR2032 batteries have been replaced as well since I first experienced this issue (genuine MB batteries).

Cheers
Lammy

 

[television]

Also just to add that I have a newish battery and the CR2032 batteries have been replaced as well since I first experienced this issue (genuine MB batteries).

Cheers
Lammy

The batteries in the key play no part in the car starting

 

[Alex Crow]

.......... My symptoms are exactly the same as what's been described in this thread by the OP.......

thanks for that, so i can assume you have both starting AND central locking faults that always occur at the same time. if this IS the case, and with the hot/cold observations, it does sound like EIS/EZS failure.

however, when you say "Lately it's been clicking the steering lock release and just keeps on clicking until I pull the key out" i wonder, it does not fit the typical scenario, so not a totally typical situation. note that a failing steering lock will not give central locking issues, but will stop the ignition key from turning - think on...

 

[television]

Is this always the case Alex,,I am sure we have had many post where just the key not turning was the problem

 

[Alex Crow]

no malcolm, not always the case, but if it is the case then a very strong indicator.

as you say, sometimes it is just the key will not turn, but the 2x early w203 ignitions i have changed recently both had these combined symptoms with locking issues too. neither would communicate with star (a working eis will talk to star with ignition off as i am sure you know).

 

[television]

no malcolm, not always the case, but if it is the case then a very strong indicator.

as you say, sometimes it is just the key will not turn, but the 2x early w203 ignitions i have changed recently both had these combined symptoms with locking issues too. neither would communicate with star (a working eis will talk to star with ignition off as i am sure you know).

I have not got that involved as yet Alex as I have had no reason to and thank you for your answer

 

[Mark@RMK]

I see alot of the problems with EIS.

The first w203 EIS contained 2x HC908AZ60 MCU's (Maskset 1j35d or 4j47y) and have a tendancy to fail inside. A very tiny contact breaks down and once heated will start to work again. Common on the 03-06 Vitos also.

Easy Fix is to replace the complete EIS unit. But an Actual fix is to replace the failed MCU!

Another Problem I have encountered is the C Coupe (early CLC) EIS not recognising the remote control command so no locking via remote key... Key acceptance is perfect but no locking! - This one i'm working on a fix for!

- To any of the above traders/Indie - Keep old ones and send them to me!

 

[Alex Crow]

................Another Problem I have encountered is the C Coupe (early CLC) EIS not recognising the remote control command so no locking via remote key...

common to have reception problems on these mark, sticky pad failing at top of rear screen.
what about the IR locking on these C2037** cars you are struggling with??