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Hi everyone,
I own a 2003 Sl55. Recently it had a broken glovebox that had the light running. I didn't think much of it, however, one day it drained my battery. I bought a new glovebox and replaced it however, the car will no longer read my key. I charged both batteries and its not allowing my car to start. I can't even get the car into neutral. With no key in, the radio still turns on, yet I don't have any power windows. When I open and close the door, the cluster lights go on. I'm not sure why it would do this. Any recommendations or help would be appreciated
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Apart from not crancking, what you describe is normal for the car without a key inserted or recognized. I replaced my EIS, which solved a set of symptoms very different from yours. Replacing your EIS is an expensive affair, so make sure you rule out everything else with the help this forum.
Okay so I put both batteries in. Still unable to read my key. I’m still able to get trunk lights and some electrical power. Signals aren’t being read. Unable to lock/unlock. Key will not budge once put in. Any help or recommendations?
My fob has been dry. There is a crack on the lock button. Im not too sure if my fob is damaged cuz iphone camera is still picking up the beam as well as the red light flashing.
I had a similar issue --My fob was damaged and since it was the only one I had, I removed the ignition switch and sent it out to have it reprogrammed to 2 new fobs. I can't recall the cost but it was reasonable and quick. Removing the ignition switch was not difficult (pulled it out after removing the gauge cluster.
I had a similar issue --My fob was damaged and since it was the only one I had, I removed the ignition switch and sent it out to have it reprogrammed to 2 new fobs. I can't recall the cost but it was reasonable and quick. Removing the ignition switch was not difficult (pulled it out after removing the gauge cluster.
oooo thank you for your input. I also have 1 key. I will be running some tests on it soon. However, can you send me the service you used? Thanks in advance
Apologies if I’m teaching you to suck eggs, but have you actually read all the fault codes and cleared them down? When I had battery issues my car had 51 separate faults recorded which were doing all sorts of things, some examples, low voltage brake warning, which then lead to half power brakes, increased idle speed warning etc etc.
The point I’m making is that these cars don’t like low batteries and develop all sorts of things from it. Until you clear all the resultant codes you won’t get a clear picture of what you’re dealing with
I did this with a service I found on Ebay, but since it was over 3 years ago I can't find the history on ebay anymore. The turnaround was very quick and the fobs are brand new. I did have to send in proof of ownership.
Alright so I was able to put the car on STAR diag. Unfortunately, with the key being rigid in the EIS, I can't run any trouble shooting. I have changed both batteries in the key fob today also. Anyone have any experience with this? Both batteries are good, tested by multimeter. Fuses look all good also. Passenger footwell and under the hood. Please send advice or recommendations.
Oh man, I wonder who was the little complainer lol. Thank you for the link bob. I am not able to navigate any of the menus with the key in position 0. Would my EIS be faulty? On Star, it reads my key which is kind of weird. I am clueless on what is wrong now.
Some control systems can communicate with the key removed from the ignition switch while others require the key inserted and turned to position 2. I'm fairly certain the EIS is among the former and require no key.
I personally would be comfortable with the c. $350 expense of sending the EIS in to a repair service, Brian, but as Frederick mentioned it would be good to get input from Rodney. He can be found over on the R230 forum at Benz World.
quick update everyone,
I bought a brand new key and got the problem solved. Seemed like my old key was faulty. Thank you for the quick responses and help.
Never mind......bought the key. Everything was running fine for 2 days. Today woke up and car won’t read it again? Wtffff. Such a pain in the a**. Anyone know why something like this would happen
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