Turn Key and nothing happens...and other electrical grimlims
Yes, I believe the EIS is similar in design on most models.
I can tell you that if you're not experienced in soldering, you really want to seek the help of a pro (like I did)
I have tried to load pics 3 times now but no luck. Let me know if I need to do something special to gain those privileges or if it just doesn't work on a mobile phone.
Last edited by beachcruzer; May 27, 2016 at 02:05 PM. Reason: No pics
Intermittant nothing turning on, - then with battery fully charged does not recognise key. Both keys.
I used 2 flat blade screwdrivers with another between them as a lever to start the trim ring rotating, took a bit of force to get the EIS out of its postion because theres a polystyrene block behind the dash.
Work along with a thin blade of any kind (not sharp) to get the back off push lock tads in + keep it apart as you go.
Sure enough white plug was broken off, got pro to solder back on only cost $18.75
I would not attempt to do the soldering yourself unless you have the correct gear for fine soldering + some experience.
I have some pics but would not know how to load them.
Last edited by Kiwi Ed; May 30, 2016 at 05:45 PM.
Cheers,
John
Probably would not hurt to pull EIS + do this, as not a lot lost if its not the problem + you know its right for the future.
Good Luck
Probably would not hurt to pull EIS + do this, as not a lot lost if its not the problem + you know its right for the future.
Good Luck
Cheers,
John
Then I just pulled outwards a bit on the dash cover (its flexible) and used brute force didn't break or have to cut any thing but most importantly its how you hold your mouth (facial expression) or words X%%$$%&!!!!....... nah wasn't too hard... pulling the dash outwards I think is the main thing then flip sideways and remove wires as step 4 then carry on as step 4 while pulling on dash.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG


I am having the same intermittent EIS issue: insert key; no steering wheel lowering, turn key; no lights, no start, on my 2008 ML320 CDI. The frequency has been occurring on a more regular basis for the past two weeks.
I have replaced the batteries in both keys and have switched them. Issue persists with both keys.
Spoke to the local MB dealer service advisor and was told there are no codes stored when this happens. They really cannot provide a print out proving that the EIS module is faulty. The only way to prove is to wait until the EIS module fails completely and then have the vehicle towed in on a flatbed. Not very encouraging, and the estimate for replacement is $1,200 to $1,500.
Happy to have found your write up thumbdoctor! The question I have regards step 2, 'steering accordion (column dash filler)'.
I have attached a picture of my steering column fully out and up. Are you talking about the grey piece at the bottom of the column? Or does yours look different?
Thank you.


Do I just grab the solid piece at the base of the column? I tried moving it a little but it does not want to move up? It appears that the 'material' portion is connected to the fitted portion which goes all around the entire opening. When I'm able to move the solid piece up will it then take the material part and larger base portion along with it?


Have removed the PC board from the EIS module but cannot see the three pin connector referred to by thumbdoctor. The only connector from the PC board to the module is a seven pin one as shown in the attached pics. It is attached very well to the PC board.
Maybe because mine is a 2008? Mercedes module part number is A 1645451308.
Did find some fine debris on the clear plastic lens and cleaned it and the infra red receptor chip as per thumbdoctor's instructions. Maybe that is what has been causing my intermittent issues?


After reading beachcruzer's post regarding accessing the EIS module via the Command opening, I located these videos:
This one shows the removal process for the A/C control panel and Command unit:
This one shows the above plus access to the EIS module:
I found this method very easy and had plenty of room to access the EIS module.
Thanks again to thumbdoctor, beachcruzer, and KiwiEd!
Tip: to safely unlock printed board from lock body insert wooden toothpicks between clips and board.
Soldered connector back to place and problem solved. 1.5 hour job for inexperienced MB owner.
Thanks
So, here's what I've found and repairs some switches for those who are handy and have basic tools(sorry no photos).
First, to get the ignition switch out does not require dashboard disassembly on an ML. You only need telescope the column all the way out & raise it.
Second, pull the steering accordion (column dash filler) toward the steering wheel. Its held on by snap locks which release easily. Once the cover releases, pull it all the way up the column.
Third, using a wide blade standard screw driver (plastic trim tool) rotate the ignition switch escutcheon (trim ring) counter clockwise until the EIS releases into the dash pad.
Fourth, reach in through the opening at the base of the steering column where you previously removed the cover. Grab the EIS module and rotate it so you can observe the 2 harness connectors. Using needle nosed pliers, through the ignition mounting hole, disconnect the 2 plugs. Now you can pull the EIS module out though the steering column gap (after rotating the switch a little to clear). A quick diagnose is to place the EIS module in the freezer for 20 minutes then pull the 2 connectors through the dash panel mounting hole, reconnect them to the chilled switch outside the dash and retry start up sequence (this also can be performed by spraying the back of the module using electronic component freeze or canned air (CO2) held upside down. Another test would be warming the EIS with a hair drier. This will prove what I've found with said defective switches, cold solder joints.
Fifth, With the EIS module on a bench (kitchen table) carefully pry the rear cover off the EIS module using feeler gauge blades placed under the lock tabs. Next, carefully pry the printed circuit board out of the EIS module by un-clipping the locking tabs. Make sure you pull the PC board straight out to avoid breaking the inside 3 terminal plug (white in color). What you may find is the white connector plug that connects the outer PC board has stayed connected to the inside terminals of the module (this has come un-soldered (fractured) from the main PC board causing your failure). The fact is, that this is technically a "cold solder" connection thus affected by heat/cold.
Sixth, pull the white connector(3 pin) out of the module housing and re-solder it the the PC main board. While you're inside the module, using a Q-tip, clean the infra red receptor chip in the middle of the main PC Board located on the inside facing part of the PC board (its aligned with the clear plastic lens in the middle gear mechanism of the module (this repairs intermittent communication issues). I suspect this is the problem most EIS rebuilders face when reconditioning bad switches. You can retest the repaired switch with the 2 plugs still passed through the mounting hole in dash pad. Once repaired, reverse the disassembly process. The repair doesn't require new EIS coding or key programming. I also suspect this issue occurs more frequently in the warmer, dustier climates. Saves wallet bleeding and visit to your favorite MB dealer. Enjoy!

So, here's what I've found and repairs some switches for those who are handy and have basic tools(sorry no photos).
First, to get the ignition switch out does not require dashboard disassembly on an ML. You only need telescope the column all the way out & raise it.
Second, pull the steering accordion (column dash filler) toward the steering wheel. Its held on by snap locks which release easily. Once the cover releases, pull it all the way up the column.
Third, using a wide blade standard screw driver (plastic trim tool) rotate the ignition switch escutcheon (trim ring) counter clockwise until the EIS releases into the dash pad.
Fourth, reach in through the opening at the base of the steering column where you previously removed the cover. Grab the EIS module and rotate it so you can observe the 2 harness connectors. Using needle nosed pliers, through the ignition mounting hole, disconnect the 2 plugs. Now you can pull the EIS module out though the steering column gap (after rotating the switch a little to clear). A quick diagnose is to place the EIS module in the freezer for 20 minutes then pull the 2 connectors through the dash panel mounting hole, reconnect them to the chilled switch outside the dash and retry start up sequence (this also can be performed by spraying the back of the module using electronic component freeze or canned air (CO2) held upside down. Another test would be warming the EIS with a hair drier. This will prove what I've found with said defective switches, cold solder joints.
Fifth, With the EIS module on a bench (kitchen table) carefully pry the rear cover off the EIS module using feeler gauge blades placed under the lock tabs. Next, carefully pry the printed circuit board out of the EIS module by un-clipping the locking tabs. Make sure you pull the PC board straight out to avoid breaking the inside 3 terminal plug (white in color). What you may find is the white connector plug that connects the outer PC board has stayed connected to the inside terminals of the module (this has come un-soldered (fractured) from the main PC board causing your failure). The fact is, that this is technically a "cold solder" connection thus affected by heat/cold.
Sixth, pull the white connector(3 pin) out of the module housing and re-solder it the the PC main board. While you're inside the module, using a Q-tip, clean the infra red receptor chip in the middle of the main PC Board located on the inside facing part of the PC board (its aligned with the clear plastic lens in the middle gear mechanism of the module (this repairs intermittent communication issues). I suspect this is the problem most EIS rebuilders face when reconditioning bad switches. You can retest the repaired switch with the 2 plugs still passed through the mounting hole in dash pad. Once repaired, reverse the disassembly process. The repair doesn't require new EIS coding or key programming. I also suspect this issue occurs more frequently in the warmer, dustier climates. Saves wallet bleeding and visit to your favorite MB dealer. Enjoy!

Broken 3 pin connector
Sorry it's not clear, but this is after the connection was soldered.
Can you please PM me luxauto contacts?
Thanks!



