Car thinks it's off, when it is in fact running!!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19
Likes: 2
2004 CLK320
Car thinks it's off, when it is in fact running!!
Hi guys,
I have a very strange and dangerous issue with my 2004 CLK320.
The car starts fine, engine runs, headlights and interior lights come on, but while the car is running:
UPDATE: The car seems to work fine with my spare key. But not my usual key.
I have a very strange and dangerous issue with my 2004 CLK320.
The car starts fine, engine runs, headlights and interior lights come on, but while the car is running:
- The digital display thinks the car is off (ie, digital speedometer not available)
- Turn signals don't work (since these are not available when the car is powered off)
- Radio, audio system, and air conditioning don't turn on (again, since the car thinks it's off).
- The front fan / radiator fan goes to max RPM.
- Interior lights stay on since this is what they do when the car is powered off (until you leave the car or the lights time-out after some time)
UPDATE: The car seems to work fine with my spare key. But not my usual key.
Last edited by Leather; Oct 9, 2019 at 08:10 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 61
From: Atlanta Metro
2008 clk550 - Navigator - Frontier
Have you changed the battery the primary key/fob?
If it works with one key and not the other consistently over a reasonable period of time, I would think the problem was the primary key.
If it works with one key and not the other consistently over a reasonable period of time, I would think the problem was the primary key.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
The SmartKey continuously communicates with the EIS. The first thing I'd try is disassembling the key to look for two things. First, check the IR window for any lint or dirt. Then check the circuit board, especially on the end where the IR sensors and coil are located, for damage, cracks, etc.
