Replaced EIS & Key still won't start.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1
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2011 ML350
Replaced EIS & Key still won't start.
Hi, I have a 2011 ML350 that the key would turn in ignition, but not start or light up the dash. I got a second key made and it seemed better for about a week. It would take 3-4 attempts to start every other day or so. Last week my wife tried for 2 hours to start it and when I tried my key it started on 3rd attempt. I took it back in and had the Ignition Module replaced. Mercedes said no errors or faults and said STAR said to replace EIS in this case. It started with the New Key when we picked it up, we went to the store and it would not start again. The new key would not work again and only second key will work. Both keys are having the same symptoms but seem to switch back and forth which key works better.
Any ideas? Just spent $781 on the EIS and don't want them to just throw more parts at it. Thanks for any help or insight.
Any ideas? Just spent $781 on the EIS and don't want them to just throw more parts at it. Thanks for any help or insight.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
ML300cdi
A similar theme EIS
Hi there
I had same problem with ML300 $1784 later problem fixed with a new EIS recoded. MBaus wont offer $$ support. Because I didn't purchase vehicle from their dealer, it is out of warranty. It can be expected of a vehicle of that age less than 5 years old at time of issue. 86k on clock. Blah blah blah. So presumably your fault was covered being a 2011 so why did you pay. Did they recode both keys?
I had same problem with ML300 $1784 later problem fixed with a new EIS recoded. MBaus wont offer $$ support. Because I didn't purchase vehicle from their dealer, it is out of warranty. It can be expected of a vehicle of that age less than 5 years old at time of issue. 86k on clock. Blah blah blah. So presumably your fault was covered being a 2011 so why did you pay. Did they recode both keys?
Last edited by unhappy MB owne; Jan 20, 2015 at 06:37 PM. Reason: additional note
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 18
2009 ML 320
Try cleaning the end of both smart keys. Sometimes the key gets pocket lint or other small debris in the tiny slot at the infra red projector inside the key. How the system works is: The key's communication with the vehicle is "Passive"(doesn't need fob's battery power). When the key inserted into the ignition barrel (EIS) an internal coil energizes the infra red circuitry and sends a coded signal to a receptor chip then a decoding chip inside the Electronic Ignition Switch. This enables communicate on the vehicle's CANBUS otherwise known as a "handshake". A lot of MB ignition switches suffer from cold solder connections between the EIS's main printed circuit board and the exciting coil (usually the internal white plug fractures at the solder connection). I've had success disassembling the EIS and re-soldering the plug back onto the printed circuit board.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
2006 R350
Try cleaning the end of both smart keys. Sometimes the key gets pocket lint or other small debris in the tiny slot at the infra red projector inside the key. How the system works is: The key's communication with the vehicle is "Passive"(doesn't need fob's battery power). When the key inserted into the ignition barrel (EIS) an internal coil energizes the infra red circuitry and sends a coded signal to a receptor chip then a decoding chip inside the Electronic Ignition Switch. This enables communicate on the vehicle's CANBUS otherwise known as a "handshake". A lot of MB ignition switches suffer from cold solder connections between the EIS's main printed circuit board and the exciting coil (usually the internal white plug fractures at the solder connection). I've had success disassembling the EIS and re-soldering the plug back onto the printed circuit board.
I am trying to diagnose my start, then cut off issue and would like to rule out needing a new key for the vehicle (2006 R350). I scanned for codes and there were none.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
2010 ML 350 4Matic
W164 2010 ML 350 4matic
Same problem with no dash lights, windows don't work.
For me, it usually happens when its left out in the sun. never have problems when starting the car in the morning.
Thoughts anyone?
W164 2010 ML 350 4matic
For me, it usually happens when its left out in the sun. never have problems when starting the car in the morning.
Thoughts anyone?
W164 2010 ML 350 4matic
Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 205
Likes: 21
From: Florida & North Carolina
2008 ML320CDI 4Matic, 2006 C350
Good info in this thread - it's how I fixed my problem:
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...-grimlims.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...-grimlims.html
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1
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MERCEDES C300 2010
I have a 2010 Mercedes (Luxury Model) C300 . I have had this car for a year and a half now . I had no major problems with it until now . My car wouldn't start and I was parked in my home garage no one wanted to tow it out of the garage . When the car finally got out of the garage and to the Mercedes specialist located in Brooklyn NY they told me that the EIS needed to be replaced it will cost me $1200. I have read so many different forums and people are complaining about the same thing this should be recalled . My engine mounts broke last year November 2015 due to me hitting a pothole but my insurance covered that . That was $1400 to replace and repair. This is the first time I will shell out big money for this car . I am looking to trade it in next year this is absurd .
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 6
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Ml300
I have the Australian right side driver ml. Meaning the EIS is on the right side of the steering wheel so closes to the right door.
not next to the radio.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,037
Likes: 1,012
From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
Ahh I assumed right hand drive would be on the opposite side of the radio, not out by the door. Can you access it via the outside of the dash? The outer panel that is accessible with the door open should pop off, if the switch is way out there, you may be able to reach it.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 6
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Ml300
[QUOTE=ItalianJoe1;7609087]Ahh I assumed right hand drive would be on the opposite side of the radio, not out by the door. Can you access it via the outside of the dash? The outer panel that is accessible with the door open should pop off, if the switch is way out there, you may be able to reach it.[/QUOT
The panel does come out but you can’t access through there not enough room, there is also a metal bracket marking it minimal access.
Thanks anyways
The panel does come out but you can’t access through there not enough room, there is also a metal bracket marking it minimal access.
Thanks anyways
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 6
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Ml300
figured it out!
The australian version comes out through the light switch panel.
It takes force to pop out that is why I assumed it wasn’t done through there.
Now i I have the EIS out and opened does anyone know which are the three pins that need to be soldered to fix the issue?
Every keeps telling me the soldering in the three pins three pins is the issue.
Member
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 121
Likes: 22
From: Melbourne, Vic, Australia
C230K M271 CL203 2003 model
I had this issue! My key had a minor split in it, that allowed dust to enter. I had a number of strange CAN errors on the OBD monitor, and the car would intermittently fail to crank, or allow electrics to turn on. I took the key apart, and cleaned the insides and the red IR window, it then worked perfectly! 
Some of the errors i was getting..:P202B-001- CAN BUS signal from ESP controller,speed signal error
==========================
P202C -001. CAN message from control module EIS ,: CAN signal interruption
==========================
P202D-001 CAN BUS signal from combination instrument controller,CAN BUS signal interrupt
==========================
P2041-001 N3/10 (ME controller),controller EEPROM error [P0605]
Some of the errors i was getting..:P202B-001- CAN BUS signal from ESP controller,speed signal error
==========================
P202C -001. CAN message from control module EIS ,: CAN signal interruption
==========================
P202D-001 CAN BUS signal from combination instrument controller,CAN BUS signal interrupt
==========================
P2041-001 N3/10 (ME controller),controller EEPROM error [P0605]
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 11
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e30 2000
This enables communicate on the vehicle's CANBUS otherwise known as a "handshake". A lot of MB ignition switches suffer from cold solder connections between the EIS's main printed circuit board and the exciting coil (usually the internal white plug fractures at the solder connection).
Speed Test
Speed Test
Last edited by ahmedroyce; May 18, 2022 at 08:48 AM.
