key wont turn in ignition after car battery went flat
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C180
key wont turn in ignition after car battery went flat
my c180 w203 model has a problem.my key can lock and unlock the doors but it can not be sucked in by the EIS and cannot turn in the ignition.this happened after my battery went flat and had to try to jump start but the key cldnt turn.got another fully charged battery but nothing happened.all other electrical systems are fine except that the key wont turn.i have one key.pliz help
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: VA
THE C350
You need a star system to properly diagnose but sounds like a bad EIS. Another good thing to try is a spare key which if you only have one is not a bad thing to invest in now and see if it fixes your problem. Worse case you have an extra key.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Northwest Arkansas
2016 C450
Point your key into your cell phone camera to check if it's sending an IR signal. If you jumped the car improperly there's some hefty pre-fuses you could have blown. Best bet is pay a 1hr fee for a pro to diagnose it. You'll save money in the long run instead of throwing parts at it.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
The key does not use the battery inside the key to start the car. There is a coil in the key that is inductively coupled to the EIS. This is the power source for the electronics in the key to transmit the unlock code. No code, the EIS remains limp.
You should get an additional key anyhow, so now might be the time to consult a locksmith. In the USA some locksmiths now have the tools to program new keys. Keys can only be programmed once, so forget buying a used key and reprogramming it for your car.
A savvy smithy might be able to re-attach a loose component in the key that had come loose from dropping the key.
You should get an additional key anyhow, so now might be the time to consult a locksmith. In the USA some locksmiths now have the tools to program new keys. Keys can only be programmed once, so forget buying a used key and reprogramming it for your car.
A savvy smithy might be able to re-attach a loose component in the key that had come loose from dropping the key.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
The key does not use the battery inside the key to start the car. There is a coil in the key that is inductively coupled to the EIS. This is the power source for the electronics in the key to transmit the unlock code. No code, the EIS remains limp.
You should get an additional key anyhow, so now might be the time to consult a locksmith. In the USA some locksmiths now have the tools to program new keys. Keys can only be programmed once, so forget buying a used key and reprogramming it for your car.
A savvy smithy might be able to re-attach a loose component in the key that had come loose from dropping the key.
You should get an additional key anyhow, so now might be the time to consult a locksmith. In the USA some locksmiths now have the tools to program new keys. Keys can only be programmed once, so forget buying a used key and reprogramming it for your car.
A savvy smithy might be able to re-attach a loose component in the key that had come loose from dropping the key.
What I was wondering was, if the key was inductively coupled, as you say, with the EIS , when the jumper leads were attached ? . This voltage surge may have done damage to the EIS ?
I understand it is wise to remove the key , therefore isolating all you can when applying jumper leads or attaching or removing battery terminals to any modern vehicle.
JC
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
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From: VA
THE C350
Check Fuses
Check for damaged key (doubt it as that would be a very strange timing unless you left key in or dropped it)
If all that fails get the car to a good indy or the dealer for proper STAR diagnostic.
...Cry if the EIS is bad as you just lost $1000 *I believe that is how much a new EIS and programing cost (please correct me if I am wrong)
Check for damaged key (doubt it as that would be a very strange timing unless you left key in or dropped it)
If all that fails get the car to a good indy or the dealer for proper STAR diagnostic.
...Cry if the EIS is bad as you just lost $1000 *I believe that is how much a new EIS and programing cost (please correct me if I am wrong)
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