C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

EIS fault should I try ESL emulator?

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Old Dec 7, 2023 | 10:15 AM
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C180 Kompressor Avantgarde SE
EIS fault should I try ESL emulator?

Hi, my 03 car was working fine, no intermittent issues but now it won't turn over. Key turns though it seems to take a split second longer to recognise, ESL unlocks, lights come on dash briefly. I've checked fuses 31, 52 & 57 and they are all intact. Fuse 52 is still a 15amp but it hasn't blown.
I'm assuming it's most likely a key or EIS fault but I wanted to check if it was worth buying one of those ESL emulators first given my symptoms? I've read adverts on eBay stating that ESL faults can cause starting issues even if it seems to be working correctly. Does this seem correct?

Would an OBD reader be able to specify the issue? I ask this as I do have one but would have to turn the house upside down to find it, so don't want to bother otherwise!😂
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Old Dec 8, 2023 | 03:50 PM
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C180 Kompressor Avantgarde SE
Connected up OBD reader this evening and all I got was a P0600 serial communication link error which seems about as generic a code as you can get. I'll try disconnecting the battery overnight...
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Old Dec 16, 2023 | 04:04 PM
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Disconnecting the battery overnight did nothing. Got an emulator but now have a new mystery. I unplugged the ELS and it has 4 wires instead of the 3 that it's supposed to have! I'm wondering if I've unplugged the right bit?
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Old Apr 12, 2024 | 03:33 AM
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In the end it turned out to just be a faulty battery. Unfortunately it took ages to discover this as my puppy ate my only key! And the next 2 replacements before I could even program them!!
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