R230 Engine Start Problem

[bluesl]

I have a problem with starting my SL55 though I can imagine it could apply to any R230. The car starts perfectly on Keyless Go. Using the key, it can be inserted and turned but when I turn the key to start the car, most of the time, the engine just grunts; other times it starts fine. I’ve traced the problem to the drive to the start relay from the engine ECU. When the engine starts normally, the relay is energised for a couple of seconds. When the fault occurs, it’s energised as normal and then gives up after about 1/10 second. The grunt is the sound of the starter motor being switched on and almost immediately off. The dealer wants me to spend £1000 to replace the shift lever. The diagnostics are saying a drive authorisation message is not being received, but it sounds more like educated guess work and no one can offer any explanation why it is then ok with Keyless Go. Any thoughts anyone?

 

[Wearsafoxhat]

Could it be as simple as a fault with the key. Might not always be recognised by the ies.


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[McDonald]

when I turn the key to start the car, most of the time, the engine just grunts; other times it starts fine. ... The dealer wants me to spend £1000 to replace the shift lever.

Get to an Independent specialist. Someone who really knows these cars and still has a sensible hourly rate. A number of them support this forum. If you say where you live, someone will be able to recommend one local to you.

 

[bluesl]

Same result with both keys which are being recognised by the EIS when inserted because the barrel unlocks and the key can be turned. Tape up the IR window on the end and you then can’t turn the key because it’s not being recognised.

My feeling is there’s intermittent CAN-BUS communication so I’m searching for the connector blocks where the bus connections come together.

I’m in Gloucestershire, went to an independent in Cheltenham who convinced me it was the starter motor (this was before I realised it was fine on Keyless Go - expensive mistake). I could also take it to London, are the people in Harrow any good. I sent them a message and they have not responded.

 

[LostKiwi]

Steve @ Avantgarde near Bristol is where I'd be going.
Regular contributor on here and very well respected.

 

[bluesl]

Thank you...