SL/R230: Remote key won't turn EIS
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1
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SL500
Remote key won't turn EIS
I have an '03 SL500 that will start via Keyless Go, but won't allow either of my 2 remote keys to turn in the ignition (EIS). The problem first occured after lowering the top from outside with the remote...no problem there. The next day, I had a smoke outside of the SL with the windows down and radio playing (car shut-off by keyless shifter button...re-pushed the radio's power button to keep it on after shuting down).
Upon finishing the cig I pushed the power button on the radio to shut it off, and inserted the remote key in EIS to raise the windows, but the key would not turn.
Replaced remote batteries, but key wouldn't lock/unlock or work in EIS.
Used the 2nd remote key and lock/unlock works fine. So I figured the first key had gone bad.
Car starts via keyless go, but remote key(s) won't start or turn the EIS.
Starter and consumer battery fully charged. Fuses inspected.
I never, ever usually use the remote key to start the car. Is it possible it's sticky from non-use?
Also, shouldn't the keyless go fail if the EIS is dead?
Thank you for your input.
PS. Anyone know how to access the "user name edit"? I had a typo when registering...
Upon finishing the cig I pushed the power button on the radio to shut it off, and inserted the remote key in EIS to raise the windows, but the key would not turn.
Replaced remote batteries, but key wouldn't lock/unlock or work in EIS.
Used the 2nd remote key and lock/unlock works fine. So I figured the first key had gone bad.
Car starts via keyless go, but remote key(s) won't start or turn the EIS.
Starter and consumer battery fully charged. Fuses inspected.
I never, ever usually use the remote key to start the car. Is it possible it's sticky from non-use?
Also, shouldn't the keyless go fail if the EIS is dead?
Thank you for your input.
PS. Anyone know how to access the "user name edit"? I had a typo when registering...
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
2003 sl500
I dnt know why it worked but after reading ppl say it happened on cold days i think EIS gets to cold to work. Car powers key, key just unlock doors, car can start without Battery. Something in EIS dont connect r power on when cold and your EIS is the cars security to whole car. Benz needs to fix they cars.....from shocks to EIS only major problem all benz have in common
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
2003 sl500
2014 Eis trick
IDK why it works.
I think it's a recall issue. I did that 10yrs ago.
Glad it worked out for ya, just not a good look when u have a passenger in car. On cold days just go to car 10mins b4 passenger 😆
Go to MB and ask them why is it, with blow dryer in ur pocket....🤣😂
I think it's a recall issue. I did that 10yrs ago.
Glad it worked out for ya, just not a good look when u have a passenger in car. On cold days just go to car 10mins b4 passenger 😆
Go to MB and ask them why is it, with blow dryer in ur pocket....🤣😂
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 24
Likes: 2
From: Wiltshire, England
2000 R170 SLK 320 manual, 2018 E200 E Class Estate, 2016 GLA 250, 1996 R129 320, 2003 R230 500.
I am dealing with a simlar problem at the moment with a 2003 R230 - totally random refusal to unlock/lock the car, and/or turn in the lock/and or do anything. According to people in UK who repair the EIS (electronic ignition switch) this can be caused by damp/cold/low voltage from the services battery/water leaks into the footwells and/or the boot/trunk. Because the EIS has links to just about every electronically controlled function in the car the cadence of faults is legion.
Now the lock removal tool has arrived, my EIS is about to the taken out of the car (by me) and sent to a specialist repairer (with both keys) for it to be fixed and reprogrammed.
Wish me luck.
Now the lock removal tool has arrived, my EIS is about to the taken out of the car (by me) and sent to a specialist repairer (with both keys) for it to be fixed and reprogrammed.
Wish me luck.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1,322
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
On the R230, you just need power to the EIS (and a good EIS with matching key) for the key to turn. CAN communication is necessary for the car to start, but not for the key to turn.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 24
Likes: 2
From: Wiltshire, England
2000 R170 SLK 320 manual, 2018 E200 E Class Estate, 2016 GLA 250, 1996 R129 320, 2003 R230 500.
It's the 'good EIS' bit that is causing me problems. Anyway I have removed it (easy but fiddly) and it will go to a specialist repairer in Leicester (UK) tomorrow.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
SL500
I assume it means the part is failing. Am I correct with that assumption? Planned to get it replaced to prevent from happening again.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 2
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From: Riverdale Ga
sl550
07 SL550 Key Fob won't turn but ignition seems to be fully activated
When I insert the Key Fob into the Ignition and the Ignition is in the A position alll the instrument lights come on and the car has full power as if the ignition is in the C position but I can't turn the Key Fob out of the A position and the Starter never turns over. The power only stays on for 30 seconds and a complete shut down of the power happens like I disconnected the battery. The same thing happens when I hit the Push to Start Button on the Gear Shifter as long as I have the Key Fob close to the Grear Shifter making it impossible to use the Scanner tool. Is there a Relay or Module that will cause this to happen any help will be much appreciated
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 24
Likes: 2
From: Wiltshire, England
2000 R170 SLK 320 manual, 2018 E200 E Class Estate, 2016 GLA 250, 1996 R129 320, 2003 R230 500.
I am assuming (dangerous I know!) that because the keys have been reprogrammed to work with the repaired EIS they have to be re-synched to the car so need to find out how that is done - I have heard it said that I should put the key into the EIS and then press a button x 2 within 4 secs - but no advice on which button or whether the key should be turned at all. Anyone know? May have to RTFM but that book is useless...
EDIT:
Tracked the problem down to a faulty services battery. It had spent all its life on a CTEC charger which hid the problem as it just about OK overnight providing there isn't a frost.
New services battery from Mercedes, which is essential, on the shelf at MB Salisbury for £210 all in.
Last edited by Bismarck; Mar 10, 2024 at 06:58 AM. Reason: additional information
