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I am currently stuck in a parking lot having issues with my key not unlocking the steering wheel. (No audible click or anything) The dash lights up as it's supposed to when unlocking but when the key is inserted nothing is happening. I have a theory that it may be the eis but I'm not the mechanically inclined. The battery is fine and no fuses are blown. Already looked at #23 and couldn't think of anything else that could cause this. I'm just trying to get more info or just full on help at this point. Waiting on a tow but it'll be about an hour til I can even start working on the car.
Any bit of information would help especially if it ends up not being the EIS.
As well as to what steps would be next if it is the EIS.
Last edited by AvengedAn9el; Apr 11, 2025 at 10:05 PM.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Sounds like an EIS problem, but it needs to be determined by someone who has the tools and skills to do so. Kinda late now, but I assumed you had the car towed home until you figured out what you are going to do.
I am currently stuck in a parking lot having issues with my key not unlocking the steering wheel. (No audible click or anything) The dash lights up as it's supposed to when unlocking but when the key is inserted nothing is happening. I have a theory that it may be the eis but I'm not the mechanically inclined. The battery is fine and no fuses are blown. Already looked at #23 and couldn't think of anything else that could cause this. I'm just trying to get more info or just full on help at this point. Waiting on a tow but it'll be about an hour til I can even start working on the car.
Any bit of information would help especially if it ends up not being the EIS.
As well as to what steps would be next if it is the EIS.
Update; ended up making some phone calls and some further diagnosis and the conclusion is the EIS however, after further tinkering with the actual key and EIS it seems that the key fob had to be turned the other way and had to be put in position to then wiggle it around and it will crank up the car. Still trying to figure out more about what the issue could be if it's still the EIS or if it's something else that could be causing this problem now if it is registering the key but not in position one but doing a position two.
Do you have XENTRY or a Mercedes-specific scan tool, like LAUNCH Creader Elite BENZ?
Currently have a run of the mill reader but then again this is my first car and I have been learning as much as I can on this car. However thank you for that info because that is something I'm looking at getting next for the future.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by AvengedAn9el
Currently have a run of the mill reader but then again this is my first car and I have been learning as much as I can on this car. However thank you for that info because that is something I'm looking at getting next for the future.
At this point, I am just going to pray that it continues to work with the janky method. So far whenever I get it to start I do not shut off the car until I get back home. I do that just in case. Will end up getting this scanner so that I can further diagnose the problem and figure out what route I am going to take from there. I hope and pray its a "simple" fix and I would rather it be something that I believe I can do instead of taking it to MB of south MS and pay the $1.6k to get it fixed. If anyone has any ideas or possible causes please let me know. I am willing to try anything including going and picking up a new battery for the key fob just in case.
Have you tried using a second key fob, I dont see it mentioned. Do you have two key fobs?
Wonder if there is an issue with the key where the coil has somehow loosened, this can happen when you drop the key on the ground.
They way the key fob works is the battery inside gives power to send signals for the car to unlock, but there is a coil inside the key fob that interacts with the ignition, basically works like a wireless phone charger. The car send energy to the key fob.
Have you tried using a second key fob, I dont see it mentioned. Do you have two key fobs?
Wonder if there is an issue with the key where the coil has somehow loosened, this can happen when you drop the key on the ground.
They way the key fob works is the battery inside gives power to send signals for the car to unlock, but there is a coil inside the key fob that interacts with the ignition, basically works like a wireless phone charger. The car send energy to the key fob.
Check IR output from key. Selfie cam on iphone will show key tip having purple glow when buttons pushed.
Blow out and clean the EIS where key goes in. Could also be dirty lens or lint in key itself.
The EIS powers it, but then key uses IR to chat with EIS.
You sir are a godsend, literally cleaned out the eis it was dirty and caked up and on my car fires up without a problem and I did not have to waste $300 plus to get it looked at or fixed. Thank you once again good sir.
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