pingmonster

Not sure if this is the right place to ask questions but....
How can you tell or what are the "pre symptoms" that Electronic Ignition Switch is about go?

I've got a report from mechanic that it is imminent to fail...

2009 C220 CDI, W204.

Thanks.

W204Motorsports

If you plan on keeping the car, I would just install an emulator before it fails because sometimes it's the small electric motor that gets old and it might be intermittent or hitting the steering wheel might unlock it(like hitting a starter) but it can also fail electronically, the module just goes bad(Chip on the board fails requiring need EIS module) and you can't see that coming, it is such a common issue, installing an emulator is what everyone should do before the stock EIS fails on them and cost them 1500+$ instead of 350$.

Not to mention if it fails in locked position and you are unable to get it to unlock one last time, the job gets a lot harder because you need to remove the hole column and cut a bolt that is there for thief reasons. Removing the EIS while you can unlock the steering wheel is a 30min job.

Knightmare69

Can you elaborate on the emulator? First time I've heard about it and any reliable sources/links you can provide?

pingmonster

Please do go on...about this "emulator".
I would really love to hear about it more...

Regards

W204Motorsports

Emulator is exactly what it states, it emulats the signal to the ecu by tricking it still thinking the ESL module is still there.

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/XHORSE-ELV-E...wAAOSw5cNYU3gz

^this is the emulator, its the same shape as the stock ESL module and can be placed at the same spot but you no longer have a locking steering wheel so it eliminates the mechanical chance of failure. Electronically, it is a simple device and I've yet to hear one fail( just dont install is somewhere stupid where you can kick it with your feet or get water on it)

You need to vin it to your ecu, it like programming a key so you need to send out you ignition switch and key and with that, they are able to vin the emulator to your key/car. I was lucky I found someone locally so i didn't have to ship it but even if you ship it, it shouldn't take more then a week.

Here are a few people that offer the service, the price included the emulator.





https://www.ebay.ca/itm/MERCEDES-W20...EAAOSw~y9ZJNnQ

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/MERCEDES-W20...tak6vA&vxp=mtr

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/New-W204-ESL...QAAOSwTuVZpvPt

Colin G

I sure could tell when my ESL was going. The sound of the lock engaging after you insert the key was pretty noticeable and would get more and more faint till it died.

W204Motorsports

Yes like I stated, sometimes its the motor that gets weaker and weaker or the module just fail instantly(chip on board)

pingmonster

Thank you for that info.
I've just fixed (repair) the EIS and ESL. Didn't go with "emulator"

Boy....! Those are not cheap at all...but 1/3 price of brand new one.....

You are right about the sound.... Itwargssf..
Before the fix, I didn't really noticed it when the key goes in and out...but compare to how it is now, after the fix, it is sharp and very fast short burst sound.

Regards