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Like many of you with theses issues I scoured the internet/forums/U-tube and even under rocks for a solution. Unlike many of you with ESL issues…I think I have something different and here is why. The vehicle will lock and unlock with both keys as normal. When I open the door,(top pic), the left instrument cluster has the high beam light indicator illuminated and the right cluster has the fog lamps illuminated, orange/yellow on top and green just below it. When I insert the key the normal screen appears in the center. Upon turning the key, the ESL can be clearly heard…I also have a 2008 C300 and the sound is the same in comparison. Back to the 2010, as I continue to turn the key I get the full range of xmas tree lights including the warning indicator between the left and center instrument cluster (bottom pic). The center cluster begins to cycle through messages…airbag not functioning/tire pressure monitor not functioning/ESC inoperative… Other items of note, the headlights/tail lights will not turn. The radio, windows, locking and unlocking the car works fine but without the flashing lights indicating the car is being locked or unlocked. There is no clicking when turning the key all the way to the right for starting. Many of you may be thinking battery…my first thought as well…I purchased a new battery from Mercedes and checked it after it did not solve the issue…its putting out 12.36 volts. I swapped out the starter relay from the 2008 C300…all was the same as stated above. If there is another fuse I should check please be specific as to what fuse and its location…I’m at the point of towing to the dealership. I have also tried starting the car in neutral…nothing!
Last edited by wcsmith88; Jul 23, 2019 at 11:21 AM.
Reason: spelling
I Believe I’m having the same/ similar issue as you (the dash lights I’m being hit with are different) did your battery died before this happened or did you remove the battery at all? My battery died completely before this happened to me then when I replaced it and My dash started acting funny ( traction,abs,srs lights on) car started at first but still had all the lights and the rpm gage went from 0 to 1000rpm repeatedly without affecting the idle, came back with a better battery a week later and got different set of light and the high beams keep turning on, also I discovered that I was supposed to hook the car to a battery charger while swapping the battery, and my car sat with the dead battery for a few weeks so I believe it needs to be reset with a Mercedes diagnostic computer
I have seen symptoms such as yours related to the SAM as mentioned above but also poor or corroded canbus connections under the driver seat. Has the car ever had water in it from a clogged sunroof drain ?
Also a icarsoft i980 can be a great tool to assist in diagnosing problems and potentially saving you some serious money at the dealership.
Last edited by Roush2fast; Jul 8, 2019 at 01:44 AM.
I discovered that I was supposed to hook the car to a battery charger while swapping the battery, and my car sat with the dead battery for a few weeks so I believe it needs to be reset with a Mercedes diagnostic computer
I have replaced my car's batteries 3 times thus far, and have had it sit there with a dead battery for over a month and a half... No reset was needed in any of those cases.
Ive been out of pocket tending to other matters...however, as for as the battery is concerned...about 7/8 months back I got the xmas tree lights and the car would not start...the current battery at that time was about a year old...I took that battery back and was given a new one and the car was fine up til now. Since there was no questioned asked when I took the battery back, I felt it perhaps was a poor quality battery. After speaking to someone in a car shop who owned Mercedes all his life...he convinced me that I should eventually go with the Mercedes battery in the future. So when the car would not start and I got the lights I have pictured above...I didn't hesitate and purchased a Mercedes battery from the dealership...no difference in cost really!! Prior to replacing the current battery, I had to jump start the car from my wife's place of work. After bringing the car home it sat for a couple of days but I was able to start the car...checking to see if it would start and it did...however, a couple of days after that...nothing... which led me to the initial post...and as for my car...no issues with water!! I will add that It was recommend that I use the icarsoft, however I had already purchased the Autel 319...it can not establish a link...I've tried repeatedly and tested the unit on my other cars with no issues linking up and giving me a readout. I would think the Autel would at least link up as its Mercedes specific??
Last edited by wcsmith88; Jul 23, 2019 at 11:10 AM.
Reason: spelling
Probably too late now but some on the Forum past have taken the torx screws holding the front drivers side SAM out and disconnected, cleaned with electronic contact cleaner those connectors that could be disconnected and sprayed the crud out of the bottom area..that SAM is right downstream from the cowl water drain just in front of it and if the drain tube is partially clogged or rainfall/car wash volume overwhelms it the excess goes right under the SAM over time leading to corrosion.
Yes...very untimely indeed...wish someone would have suggested this much earlier...no guarantees but just may have saved $1400...thx...certainly something I'll have for consideration in the future if my 08 acts up with similar symptoms.
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