SL/R230: 2003 SL500 key not turning
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Joined: Jun 2017
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Sl500
2003 SL500 key not turning
Ok new post same car, 2003 SL500 75k miles, always garaged. Kept on ctek trickle charger, driven extensivley in summer, but weekly in the winter. Recently had vario roof work, fixed s117 relay and one new cylinder replaced. See previous post. Jumped in car, started just usual, windows would not go down. Kept running backed it out. Noticed displays went blank. Stopped and restarted then appeared only half display screen working. Drove up a block came back home not wanting to get stranded. In the garage and parked. Now, key fobs do not operate doors windows and key does not turn in ignition? Fuse......? Open door car lowers as usual, dash lights up with proper display, no fault codes, just cannot turn key to start, Both batteries full charge and load worthy. Thanks for any direction
Last edited by Pauld363; Oct 31, 2023 at 12:32 AM.
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Joined: Aug 2020
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
Key should turn if the EIS (ignition switch) has power and key is recognized. EIS also must recognize key code to unlock doors. Check power supply to the EIS. I believe that it is fed from the front prefuse. However, my guess would be an EIS failure. EIS replacement is basically dealer only, but if yours is still readable, a used one can be cloned.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
Sl500
batteries ok, but am told they have no effect on key fob being read by EIS. thanks.
Problem here is car is in the garage, thankfully. I cannot get the key(s) to start the car to put it in tow mode to take it to a shop. all consumers appear to light up and function as they would without a key problem.
Problem here is car is in the garage, thankfully. I cannot get the key(s) to start the car to put it in tow mode to take it to a shop. all consumers appear to light up and function as they would without a key problem.
