ThePotent1

Hello, I am hoping to get some advice on this issue.

Everything was fine the evening before. Then went to make a quick trip..turn the key and nothing. No crank attempt, clicking sounds or anything OTHER than being able to unlock/lock with the keyfob and everything else works such as radio and trunk release...even the dash turns on and displays mileage like always. I can not roll down the windows either seems like no auxiliary power?

I did take part the keyfob made sure it's got good batteries and did the IR test with my cell phone camera so that to me seems good. At a loss here what to start looking at first.

Vehicle is a 2010 e350 coupe with appx 74k miles.

Any help , tips even good luck wishes lol appreciated as I've learned so much from this forum . Thank you all in advance for your time and advice.

CaliBenzDriver

MB "No crank-No start" can be a number of things...

• poor Tranny selector module
• bad starter unit
• drained battery
• key issues
• misc electrical
• ....?

The best thing to do is to use a scanner to retrieve fault codes. This may help you decide how to proceed: easy fix or trip to indy shop.
🤞

Thin blue line

I had similar issue with my 2011 E350. Turned out to be the ESL. Electronic steering lock. I fixed myself. Got an emulator and installed that. If this is your problem and you go with an emulator the steering in your car won't lock. Not a problem for me but may be for you. If it is the ESL the steering column has to be removed to access.

ThePotent1

Thank you so much for your reply. After many attempts yesterday it did finally start once and I drove it around for 3 minutes parked it and tried it again but same issue I only got lucky that one. time.

I went and got a multimeter last evening so I could check the battery but on top of the original issue now the key fob will not arm or disarm the alarm and unlock the door so I can get in. Visually the LED comes on when I press the key fob buttons, it has new batteries and I tested the IR.

​ Sure will make a tow to the shop a pain.

CaliBenzDriver

Yes 100%! ESL is an all-time MB favorite
If ESL is bad: fix it !If ESL is not bad, it'll be you soon.

In any case deal with ESL module attached at the base of steering column, facing up.

ThePotent1

Thanks for the details on the emulator and fix you did I'll look into that now online. Has that triggered any warning messages or is check engine light on going that route instead of the ESL repair?

Thin blue line

I don't recall any codes being set when mine went bad. My memory is not what it once was. As I recall the ignition switch must recognize your key and send info to the ESL. The ESL then sends a signal to the ECM which then sends the signal to start your car. If I remember correctly the ESL can fail in one of 2 positions, locked or unlocked. If you are lucky it will have failed in the unlocked position. It is much easier to remove unlocked. I used the following company to obtain the emulator. http://paylesscarkeys.com/ There are probably others but this one did what was needed for me.

Thin blue line

Oops. I hit submit before I was done. It is required that you send them your ignition switch and key because there is some programming that needs to be done. In 2020 when I did mine it cost $405 including shipping and tax. Has been working flawlessly since then. It can be done by a FLYer with above average skills. Plan on taking the driver's seat out of you are going to do it yourself. Makes it much easier to access.

Thin blue line

That should DIYer not FLYer. I'm a member of the fat finger club.

Sharkfan928

I would love to hear if you found your issue to be the ESL or something else. I went out the my car today and appear to have the same issue. Drove it twice yesterday without any issues at all. Today I go out to the car and It has No power at all from the key being inserted and turned.
I get the mileage PRNDL and temp I think from opening the door, lock and unlock with fob. But absolutely no other power from using the key.

inspecta

I had the exact same happen to my 2012 A207 E220 recently. Had to get the ESL replaced.

I could start the car by wiggling the steering wheel and turning the key, then parking the car with the wheels slightly turned so the lock didn't engage.

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