leelee19

Help.. my car wont start just wont start. Insert key panel lights go on but nothing not a sound. Took to dealer and key died so ordered new key and transponder. now main computer wont read key.. they say I need to order that part uber pricey. but that wont even tell me what was wrong with the car in the first place. any ideas as to why car didn't turn on? I did receive error on start up. Start engine failure if I recall. this happened a few months ago.

Maj. Dundee

Another terrible experience at a M/.B dealer. Their scanner can tell them in 5 mins. exactly what part is causing the problem. They unnecessarily sold you a key and transponder.

The first thing to do is insert the key (both the old key and the new one) into the ignition and turn the key to pos. #2 and see if the red LED light blinks once. If it doesn't, then you have a DAS (Drive Authorization System) problem. (explained below)

If it does blink then you do not have a key recognition problem and is something else.

I don't know what "computer" they said had to be replaced, but the DAS module is housed in the EAM which is under the dashboard. The module slides in and out of the EAM. It is not tat expensive but can only be installed and programmed by the dealer.

Ask them exactly what component, by name, has to be replaced before you agree to anything. And do not tell them what you know until they tell you what part has to be replaced.

Refer to the link below for explanation of START ERROR appearing in the instrument cluster.

https://mbworld.org/forums/5209551-post2.html

leelee19

yes thank you they did run a diagnostic. Per them its the Engine computer module. I also have the part number. I will however this weekend try your suggestion before going forward.. I had someone also say that its possible the main fuse is burnt? Is that possible and where is that located to check out that option as well?

Maj. Dundee

They must have charged you for diagnostics and supplied you with a bill.

Cross out all your personal information and post a copy here on the forum.

Believe me it's not a fuse issue.

Why when after they sold you a new key and transponder you didn't raise hell with them and ask for your money back. They are picking you apart piece by piece.

leelee19

thanks thought I did clear personal info. just went in there again to adjust. no the dealership told me the key and now the ecm. the fuse was someone else im not really paying attention to. just wanted to put that out .

Maj. Dundee

Did you get a bill from M/B? How can I help you if you don't answer the questions?

leelee19

oh i'm so sorry not my intention to ignore. Yes for the key and the transponder. Yes a payment was made.

art_arev

Maj even if the key was damaged surely the engine would have cranked but not started? OP is mentioning there was no sound, only lights. Wasnt the engine supposed to crank??

Maj. Dundee

Not necessarily.

leelee19

correct only the dash would light up. The car did not crank @ all. I tried to reset key but still no power so then had towed to dealership. few days later called me asking for 2nd key which was used a few years ago when locking mechanism went out. so by this time car per dealership won't power on at all. key ordered with transponder . so then im told that it still wont turn on so they cant run diagnostic again to see what issue could be so the ecm needed to be ordered

Maj. Dundee

You never even gave me an answer about the LED lighting up or not.

https://mbworld.org/forums/5852240-post2.html

leelee19

yes when I went to start the car and then the subsequent attempts to reset the key led would light up however I don't recall in blinking..

Maj. Dundee

One more time and one more time only. If you do not answer this question correctly I will not respond further.

The first thing to do is insert the key (both the old key and the new one) into the ignition and turn the key to pos. #2 and see if the red LED light blinks once. If it doesn't, then you have a DAS (Drive Authorization System) problem. (explained below)