C180 w203 not starting
#1
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: South Africa
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w203 C180
C180 w203 not starting
Hi
I am new to this forum, after much reading on this forum I decided to seek help for my personal problem.
About a month ago, as the key was placed in the ignition, the car would start or rather only turn after a few seconds. Before moving forward, please note that the car would remain unlocked when parked in our garage. We hardly locked the car when parked at home.
So anyway, this would continue everyday and the period it took to start was increasing. Finally it gave up and now cannot turn or start at all.
When this problem started, the key would not unlock the car, as if the key was unrecognizable to to unlock and to the ignition.
I changed the key batteries of the key as well as the spare key. When I open the door (as it is always unlocked), the display dash shows for few seconds and then goes off. Point to be noted is when it displays, the mileage is blank. It looks like this: ----------
This morning I tried again, same thing happened, but this time, when I switched on the radio, after few seconds the radio went off and displayed P R O D.
I have called to mechanics to check up, both of them suggested I take it to the dealership due to a possible EIS or steering lock problem.
After all the reading on this forum, it makes sense, but what I don't understand is:
1. Why the key does not unlock.
2. Why the radio switching off and displaying P R O D.
3. Why the mileage is blank: ---------
Thanks in advance, any help will be much appreciated.
I am new to this forum, after much reading on this forum I decided to seek help for my personal problem.
About a month ago, as the key was placed in the ignition, the car would start or rather only turn after a few seconds. Before moving forward, please note that the car would remain unlocked when parked in our garage. We hardly locked the car when parked at home.
So anyway, this would continue everyday and the period it took to start was increasing. Finally it gave up and now cannot turn or start at all.
When this problem started, the key would not unlock the car, as if the key was unrecognizable to to unlock and to the ignition.
I changed the key batteries of the key as well as the spare key. When I open the door (as it is always unlocked), the display dash shows for few seconds and then goes off. Point to be noted is when it displays, the mileage is blank. It looks like this: ----------
This morning I tried again, same thing happened, but this time, when I switched on the radio, after few seconds the radio went off and displayed P R O D.
I have called to mechanics to check up, both of them suggested I take it to the dealership due to a possible EIS or steering lock problem.
After all the reading on this forum, it makes sense, but what I don't understand is:
1. Why the key does not unlock.
2. Why the radio switching off and displaying P R O D.
3. Why the mileage is blank: ---------
Thanks in advance, any help will be much appreciated.
#2
Super Moderator
![](https://staticssl.ibsrv.net/autocomm/Content/MB/mbwambassador2.gif)
This could well be an EIS or Key problem. Batteries in the key do not do anything for this. They only power IR & RF functions. The key is inductivelly energised for handshake & start.
Check start enable fuses 31, 52 & 57. Change fuse 52 from 15 amp to 20 amp as per the Benz DTB. You might have a parially cooked fuse 52 that does not conduct properly.
Understand the following from the Wiki & troubleshoot.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...t-process.html
What you are seeing on the display is somewhat meaningless. Read stored codes with an OBDII scanner & post them so we can help.
Good luck!
Check start enable fuses 31, 52 & 57. Change fuse 52 from 15 amp to 20 amp as per the Benz DTB. You might have a parially cooked fuse 52 that does not conduct properly.
Understand the following from the Wiki & troubleshoot.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...t-process.html
What you are seeing on the display is somewhat meaningless. Read stored codes with an OBDII scanner & post them so we can help.
Good luck!
#4
Super Moderator
![](https://staticssl.ibsrv.net/autocomm/Content/MB/mbwambassador2.gif)
On Board Diagnostics scanner. There is an OBDII plug under a rectangular cover below the steering column inside the car.
Example:
Example:
![](https://mbworld.org/forums/attachments/c-class-w203/149277d1234218907-very-rough-start-up-idle-mornings-when-cold-cel-equus3130-1-lg.jpg)