Ok guys, my car wont start. it is a 2008 c300 4matic. I have both keys for the car and have replaced the batteries in both of them.

I have tested the battery and tried to jump start the car.

It still will not start. The steering wheel is locked and will not unlock.

if i pull the fuse # 19 or 27 i believe with the key turned half way if fools the car to ignition on switch where the instrument cluster actually works, windows go down, radio works, and cigarette lighters work.

If i don't do this all i get is a remove key from ignition message.

I posted a video of my trying both keys and trying to unlock the steering wheel.


PLEASE!!! help!! my car is dead in the driveway and I don;t know how to fix this.

 

Looks like an EIS failure. Unfortunately not really rare on a W204.

 

How do I fix it...

 

I doubt there is any other way except a new ignition switch. But wait a bit for other views.

 

Quick Fact, you can open your car with you spare metal key, remove the batteries and the car will start. Batteries only operates the lock and unlock of the car. Try it, a guy in the dealer show me that

 

The keys are inductively powered for handshake & start authorise. Batteries make no difference. They are for distance IR & RF comms.

Check start enable fuses 6, 7, 19, 27

Sounds like EIS.

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...r-problem.html

 

Here:

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...t-process.html

 

Bump.. anyone else experienced this and fixed it?

 

Hi,

I have exactly same problem. It was faulty steering lock cost 1100€! Take breakdown truck and go for repair shop.

Now i have problems again both tail light hanrnesses was melted. any one else this problem?

Sorry my english

 

utterly agree with you ! in my country is 900 E

 

MBNEWGUY, DID YOU FIGURE IT OUT

NEED HELP

 

Nope... been at the dealer for a few days now

 

did they tell what is wrong? is it EIS?

 

Haven't diagnosed it yet unfortunately.. I.will post when I figure it.out.

 

thanks, I appreciate that,

 

Another MB with this problem Sorry to hear about your car.

 

Exact same problem with mine. Had it towed and dealer fixed it by replacing the steering lock. Read many threads here with same issue. 2008 with 61k.

 

Same exact problem! 2009 C300...looks like I am having it towed out of my garage today! Not happy

 

My 2008 C350 just had this problem. Steering Lock Module that HAD to be fixed at dealer. USD938. Now my console knob will not scroll.

 

I just had my steering lock replaced and the command controller will not scroll too, I just talk to the service writer and they said that the steering lock has nothing to do with it.

 

Would not bet on it. the EIS module is the CANbus interface between CAN B the interior controls and Can C the engine controls.


http://www.mercedestechstore.com/pdf...2010-28-02.pdf

 

EIS failure is completely independent from remote lock/unlock. It's the unit in the dash that has failed and it's not a DIY fix.

 

The symptom on myne was the WRRR-Sound when the key is inserted was missing, worked one moment, dead a few minutes later.

I just spoke to a cludeup-electrician, can diag MERC vehicles with tester etc.
He said recently there was 3x EIS failures from the town I live in.
Mercedes has a problem on hand,EIS-bulliten to be replaced by a Re-Call-EIS.

I was one of the 1st in town to have a W204, then others, they all disappeared, replaced by Toyotas and Mitisibisi from what I saw.

Has Mercedes committed the ultimate sin, by outcontracting/outsourcing parts of the cars manufacturing, if so they going to get punished!

 

So it finally happened to my car @ 81k. EIS failure. Exact symptoms. Bill is $1300 so far..

To all owners, PLEASE BE AWARE.

 

Very sorry to hear this happened to you! It's a shame they can't do some kind of recall on this.

I did want to ask you a question, do you have a lot of keys on the keyring with the Mercedes key? In the old days, people would claim having a heavy keychain with lots of keys put strain on the ignition.