W203 won't recognize key in ignition!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2003 C320 4Matic Sport
W203 won't recognize key in ignition!
I have a 2003 C320 4Matic and this morning when I went out to start the car, the ignition would not recognize my key. When I put the fob in the ignition, nothing happens (this is the same for the spare key as well). The remote can unlock and lock the car just fine, and can even move the windows up and down when pointed at the IR receiver on the handle. Also worth noting is that when I unlock the car using the remote, the lights blink once. However when I lock it, they no longer blink three times as they should.
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Yes - this would seem to be an EIS problem. The EIS powers up your key inductively & you have IR handshaking between the key & the EIS. Batteries in the key play no part in this.
You can't do this job yourself. This is dealer work & the damn EIS & new keys are very expensive.
Let's hope it's a blown fuse or something simple - Good luck!
You can't do this job yourself. This is dealer work & the damn EIS & new keys are very expensive.
Let's hope it's a blown fuse or something simple - Good luck!
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Nov 1, 2009 at 05:06 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,848
Likes: 15
From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
I concur with Glyn. One thing you can try is a wee bit of house cleaning. Use a window cleaner like Windex on a very soft cloth to clean the IR window on the tip of the key device. Using a moist cloth on you finger stick it in the hole on the dash and using a motion that come natural to you clean the infrared window in the EIS. (Electronic Ignition System)
Good Luck.
Good Luck.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Good point Movie - I'm not very hopeful with both keys duff but maybe the EIS window is really gooed up ?????
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
C180 W203
Help plz!!
I replaced the brake light and headlight bulbs on my '02 C180 W203 and drove the car fine. After a few hours I walked out, unlocked the car using the FOB but when I placed the key in the ignition nothing happened! No click to suggest key was recognised, can't turn the key, nothing. The FOB unlocks/locks the car and opens the boot remotely. I've exchanged the batteries and confirmed that the FOB IR is transmitting. I've also checked the Command & engine electronics fuses and they all look fine and cleaned the cleaned the 'red windows' on the key and ignition.
So I'm wondering whether it's the EIS and would it just go without any pre-warning? Also does it have a dedicated fuse I should check?
The kick in the teeth is that I'm parked in a restricted zone on weekdays and need to move the car. I can push it around the corner if I can unlock the steering and put it in neutral but is there a way to do this?
Does anyone have any thoughts on the problem and how I can resolve it please?
So I'm wondering whether it's the EIS and would it just go without any pre-warning? Also does it have a dedicated fuse I should check?
The kick in the teeth is that I'm parked in a restricted zone on weekdays and need to move the car. I can push it around the corner if I can unlock the steering and put it in neutral but is there a way to do this?
Does anyone have any thoughts on the problem and how I can resolve it please?
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
That sounds like the EIS to me. Yes they do just go out like that with no warning. I have heard that if it is cold sometimes a little heat can get it working but I have never personally tired that/ had the eis go out knock on wood. I think you will just have to have the car towed to a dealer as at least here in the USA you have to have a dealer install an EIS as it is a security part.
Trending Topics
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Likely the EIS is not energising the key & achieving the handshake. Check start enable fuses 31, 52 & 57 just to make sure they are not blown.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 0
2013 UFO
You can also try wiggling the key fob in and out. When my EIS started going out, I would sometimes put the key with a slight slant and sometimes with a slight force with my palm. Some times it would work on the first try, others after MULTIPLE times. If it recognizes the key, then it is definitely the EIS based on my experience.
Last edited by edgarinho10; Mar 3, 2013 at 11:47 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
C180 W203
Excuse the ignorant question but why can't I just exchange the EIS for a second-hand one if the keys come with it?
I've been quoted $1500 for a new EIS and the car was bought for $3800. You can see my predicament. (FYI, I'm based in the UK)
I've been quoted $1500 for a new EIS and the car was bought for $3800. You can see my predicament. (FYI, I'm based in the UK)
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
My problem with what you are suggesting, other than potentially needing two keys (one for door, one for EIS), is that any second-hand MB part is a ticking time bomb.
What I'd say about your predicament is that there's a reason why you were able to pick up the car for only $3800, and now it's biting you on the ***. So like the rest of us, you're stuck with either dumping the car or paying a lot to get the damn thing fixed. Only you can pick which poison will taste better to you.
What I'd say about your predicament is that there's a reason why you were able to pick up the car for only $3800, and now it's biting you on the ***. So like the rest of us, you're stuck with either dumping the car or paying a lot to get the damn thing fixed. Only you can pick which poison will taste better to you.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
There are some module repair companies that can repair an EIS but as tommy says, reliability will be an unknown.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 0
2013 UFO
You can try but it might be futile if the EIS are VIN coded.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 0
2013 UFO
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,848
Likes: 15
From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
I think the Genie has been let out of the lamp. Manufacturers were required to turn loose the key business to locksmiths, and 30 seconds later hardware was for sale in Hong Kong to allow programming keys and the EIS. It is not always easy, in some cases you need a surface mount device soldering station to remove proms from circuit boards and reattach them.
The original poster might contact UK locksmiths to see if a solution is at hand for less than the dealer jacking up your trousers and rotating your wallet.
The device I see being sold in HK is:
http://www.obd2tool.com/goods-2803-M...rogrammer.html
The original poster might contact UK locksmiths to see if a solution is at hand for less than the dealer jacking up your trousers and rotating your wallet.
The device I see being sold in HK is:
http://www.obd2tool.com/goods-2803-M...rogrammer.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,848
Likes: 15
From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
...I placed the key in the ignition nothing happened! No click to suggest key was recognised, can't turn the key, nothing. The FOB unlocks/locks the car and opens the boot remotely. I've exchanged the batteries and confirmed that the FOB IR is transmitting. I've also checked the Command & engine electronics fuses and they all look fine and cleaned the cleaned the 'red windows' on the key and ignition.
So I'm wondering whether it's the EIS and would it just go without any pre-warning? Also does it have a dedicated fuse I should check?
Does anyone have any thoughts on the problem and how I can resolve it please?
So I'm wondering whether it's the EIS and would it just go without any pre-warning? Also does it have a dedicated fuse I should check?
Does anyone have any thoughts on the problem and how I can resolve it please?
Inside the key is a transformer secondary. This is a wee coil of wire on the key circuit board. It is heavy compared to other componets on the circuit board and can be disloged or have a wire broken should the key be dropped. Inspection with a small hand lens should show if the secondary coil is properly attached. If you have a second key, it might work because it is doubtful both would have a loose secondary coil.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
200 C200 Kompressor W203
similar problem
Hello there, I have a similar problem with my second key on my '00 c200. It will open car/boot, etc, but the engine will not recognize this key.
I disassembled key to see if it was something obvious.
I actually found a broken part on the pcb board of this key.
I had a phone repairer reaffix this bit, hoping It would work again.
Alas, no good, still doesn't work.
My other key does work fully, though.
I disassembled key to see if it was something obvious.
I actually found a broken part on the pcb board of this key.
I had a phone repairer reaffix this bit, hoping It would work again.
Alas, no good, still doesn't work.
My other key does work fully, though.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
C240
Hello guys,
If I buy an EIS w/ key from a third party (Not dealer), will it work on my car (2003 C240).I don't mind having a different key for my doors. I am NOT ready to spend $1100 from the dealer. Please advice
If I buy an EIS w/ key from a third party (Not dealer), will it work on my car (2003 C240).I don't mind having a different key for my doors. I am NOT ready to spend $1100 from the dealer. Please advice
