Ignition-central lock problem

[nightsurfer]

Greeting everyone,

I'll really appreciate any help with this: I have E240 1998 - avantgarde. One morning I put the key in the ignition and no response. I could not hear the ignition lock mechanism unlock, could not turn the key. I then realised the remote control on the key wouldn't open the doors. changed the key batteries, no response. Car battery is ok. Tried the spare key but again no response at all. Central lock system works when using the central lock switch on the dashboard. Any suggestions?

Many thanx

 

[television]

Hello and welcome,, do first check both keys in front of a digital camera where the IR beam can be seen

 

[nightsurfer]

Thanks Malcolm.. I did check both keys in front of my mobile cam. they both seem to work fine judging by the flashes they produce. I even took the keys to the agent and they did the same thing and suggested that there is no problem with the keys.

 

[television]

This looks like the EIS ignition switch gas gone down, as the car does not recognize the RF or IR and also the ignition lock

 

[nightsurfer]

That sounds chinese to me Malcolm. Does that mean I have to take it to the dealer God forbid?

 

[television]

Wait till the techie guys come on this evening,,this work can be done by an indie

 

[star]

Def sound like the ign switch gone awol. had 2 in this week with exactly the same problems. One s class and a C class. Funny how you get a "run" on things.

 

[nightsurfer]

Hi Star
If the problem is with the ignition switch, does that also cause the doors not to respond (open or close) to the remote control on the key? which is what I am experiencing. Thanx

 

[television]

Yes it does all pass through the EIS switch, all of the indies seem to have had 2 this week and we have had 4

 

[star]

Yes it does all pass through the EIS switch

As above, sure does.

 

[nightsurfer]

Thanks Malcolm,, so that means most probably the EIS switch need to be changed. is it something that could be done onsite? or the car needs to be towed away to the garage. the gear is locked on P, the steering wheel is locked as well.

 

[television]

The switch needs STAR to set it,,some indies will come out..where are you in the UK

 

[nightsurfer]

Not in Uk.. I live in Bahrain! will try to get somone to have a look at it and may be repair it onsite. Thanks a lot for your help.. I'll keep you posted.. Cheers

 

[television]

Not in Uk.. I live in Bahrain! will try to get somone to have a look at it and may be repair it onsite. Thanks a lot for your help.. I'll keep you posted.. Cheers

Funny thing the web,,just like talking to someone down the road

 

[nightsurfer]

Isn't it a small world Malcolm! by the way tomorrow we are playing New Zealand for a place in the World Cup. wish us luck!

 

[television]

Isn't it a small world Malcolm! by the way tomorrow we are playing New Zealand for a place in the World Cup. wish us luck!

Good luck

 

[nightsurfer]

Update

Hi all,

I took the car to a workshop specialising in Mercs and this is what they said to me:

That I need to change the Electronic Ignition Switch, key and Engine Control Unit, which will cost a fortune. They said that they managed to start the car using another EIS and key and that everything seems to be ok. If that's the case I'm not sure why they want to change the engine control unit!! Shall I take it to the dealer? I'll appreciate your good advice. Thanx

 

[Alex Crow]

i suggest they are covering their backs! i doubt you need an ecu - probably just the eis needed as has been said here already. having said that, these faults can be very hard to pinpoint, and i am assuming that BOTH your keys worked, then BOTH stopped working AT THE SAME TIME. simple logic, but usually foolproof.

 

[nightsurfer]

You are right. Both keys stopped working at the same time. However, my question is: if they change the EIS do I need a new key as well?

 

[MB Service Centre]

Hi, no you wont need a new key< but further more cant see how they had your car running from eis off another sac? might be wrong.
If you order an eis and green key? which is now orange you can chang it yourself and the car will run< but you will need someone with a ster to set all your codes in eis.
Hope this helps
Rob