tourdiablo666

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!

99210

possible eis problem//

Glyn M Ruck

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!

Moviela

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.

Glyn M Ruck

Good point Movie - I'm not very hopeful with both keys duff but maybe the EIS window is really gooed up ?????

merc-y

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?

samaritrey

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.

Glyn M Ruck

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.

edgarinho10

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.

merc-y

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)

tommy

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.

Glyn M Ruck

There are some module repair companies that can repair an EIS but as tommy says, reliability will be an unknown.

edgarinho10

You can try but it might be futile if the EIS are VIN coded.

Glyn M Ruck

I understand that that problem can be overcome with a Star connected live to Benz.

merc-y

Thanks guys for the input.

Tommy, I don't think I could've put it better myself (though admittedly I got it for the going rate).

edgarinho10

Dealerships are the only one who can order the EIS and they do not sell them to 3rd parties.

Moviela

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

Moviela

My specific thoughts lean toward checking the battery voltage (obviously) and since the Ir & RF portion of the key works with the coin cell battery but the EIS is not responding I think the inductive power circuit might be daft.

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.

race1

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.

babunda

Hello guys,
Where are the fuses #31,52,57 located

tommy

On the map that's located in the fusebox to the left of the steering wheel.

I think someone also put a pdf here also, you might want to search for it.

babunda

Thanks Tommy. I found that pdf also

babunda

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

samaritrey

Won't work sadly you have to buy one from a dealer. I would shop around though and try to find the lowest price possible.

babunda

Hello Samaritrey,

Thanks for your reply. Can you please tell me why?