C_R

Took my 2012 GL450 to get the rear shocks, rear airbags and the airmatic pump replaced. After everything was done. We went to start the car, nothing. Window does NOT go up or down, lock, unlock doors don't work, seats do move however, hazard lights work. Initially pressing that start button, got a message "key not recognized". Popped off the start stop cover and inserted the key, nothing. Steering lock doesn't make sound. Just dead. Car is still on the lift.

Would appreciate any pointers. Happened all of a sudden.

BlownV8

My first thought would be there is a mix-up of keys. Do you have a second key? There is also a possibility they damaged the key or it was dropped in water.

C_R

No, none of the above happened. I was there the whole time. The key turns but nothing happens. dead. I don't have a second key.

Max Blast

Try replacing the fob battery before pulling the trigger on a new key at the dealer.

eric_in_sd

Pretty sure the system recognizes the key even if the battery is dead. That's how you get in and drive with a dead fob battery: Unlock with the metal key, and insert the fob to cancel the alarm and run the vehicle.

It almost has to be they mixed up the keys. OP if you have a second key, try it.

BlownV8

It does recognize if the battery is dead if you insert into the ignition. It is possible the main car battery is dead or dying but some things don't point to that. The key was damaged in some way. The wrong key is being used in the ignition. The shop in some way damaged the car by inserting the wrong type of relay into the fuse box or ground out and fried the fuse box when changing the pump.

Max Blast

And you are positive it's your key?

C_R

Thanks for all the replies guys. So I went there this morning and stayed with him for about 6-7 hours while he diagnosed and looked at wiring diagrams, etc. He narrowed it down to the ignition box. I think it's called EIS or ESL.

Key is not being recognized. Says key not detected. Also has key fob battery low message.
Replaced key fob battery......same thing.
Push start button will start the car sporadically (see below what it takes to start the car), however, car will NOT start by sticking it into the key hole......does nothing.

If key is inside the car and I try to lock the car from outside by the keyless door handle button, the instrument cluster say "Key inside" or something similar.

He took out the ignition box and reconnected it outside of it's location so it is hanging..... You have to literally touch or tap the key on it and press the start button for the car to start otherwise it says that key is not detected. And sometimes, he had to slightly move the harness wires for the car to come alive.

Seems like it's a dealer only item. Does anyone know roughly how much this repair will be at the dealer?

Also, any stellar place that repairs these for you if you send them in?

Definitely wasn't expecting this.

C_R

yes

C_R

No second key. Keys not mixed up.

Max Blast

Well, dealer is faster than mailing your old key in to random internet shop, but more costly.

And that’s still cheaper than swapping modules, also dealer only (or mBSTAR equipped third party); so start with a key first.

C_R

UPDATE:

Dealer diagnosed as ignition switch. $1200 total bill.
The airbag recall will also be done.
Get the car back Friday hopefully.

Thank you guys for all your help and replies. Much appreciated.

Max Blast

Glad it’s sorted.

I’d be asking your mechanic why.

C_R

You think he might have done something?

The Thomas J

Goes in for suspension work and comes out with a bad ignition switch? Out of the blue? No warning at all? that's sketchy.

BlownV8

Never heard of one of these failing on a 164 GL.

C_R

Hi, yes I agree. Twice in the weeks before I took it in, the car didn't start on the 1st push of the button and I had to bring in the key closer. On this repair, I was there throughout the repair to keep my eye on it. He did it all in front of me. Could have been just bad luck or he may have done something but the guy does know his cars and quite competent. Also made my classic 1983 Jeep run like a brand new engine that starts faster than a fuel injected engine. His specialty is BMW and worked for BMW but also works on Mercedes and my Volvo. Who knows what happened. I don't at all like to be out $1200 but don't want to blame the guy either as I simply don't know.

C_R

And a 2012 at that.... I think I've read a thread or 2, maybe on the other forum site when I was researching...