Mercedes engine cut out while driving

[gemgem222]

Hi all, my Mercedes A150 '58 plate just cut out while driving. The petrol gauge showed as zero, steering lock and no brakes. Managed to pull into a car park and restarted no problem. Luckily very close to a garage so drove it there with no issue's. Mechanic didn't have time to have a proper look but suggested it could be the key reader. My key has been having intermittent lock/unlock issues and so he said it could definitely cause the reader to disconnect and immobilise the car. I have a spare key with me, but had been using the not so good one to drive as was told by Timpsons that it was self-charging when in ignition.

Does it sound like the key is the culprit? Bit worried about driving with the potential of cutting out and losing steering and brakes if it could be something else?

Thanks in advance.

 

[AMGeed]

Where is your location? Someone may be able to point you to a Mercedes specialist where the fault you describe will be logged in the ECU.
Mercedes specialists should have the Star diagnostic equipment to detect what the problem is.

In the meantime, use the other key.
Your Timpson's man should stick to repairing shoes. Mercedes keys do not "self charge" when in the ignition.

 

[mattkh]

........ as was told by Timpsons that it was self-charging when in ignition.

The button batteries in the key I am sure are NOT rechargeable ones.

 

[Blobcat]

The button batteries in the key I am sure are NOT rechargeable ones.

They're not - CR2025 usually

I wonder if they're referring to the inductive loop that reads the chip in the key to enable the key to turn and switch off the immobiliser. You don't need any batteries in the key for that to work

 

[brandwooddixon]

I would test with the other key for now.
The fact that the car started immediately should rule out CPS issues as usually the car needs to cool for a bit before it will restart.
If your ignition key is on a heavy key ring/chain remove that just in case, we had a member with a similar issue triggered by the weight of the keys on the key ring.
I'd advise getting it on STAR when you have the chance for codes to be read.

 

[alexanderfoti]

2 things.

Definitely not self charging (ala BMW or Mini)
Also, nothing to do with the ignition. The key will work in the ignition without any batteries installed.

 

[SL63 Mark]

My SL63 cut out the other day, turned out I had brushed the ignition key with my knee. Very embarrassing.