C220 CDI - Car won't start/Ignition dead/blank

[Chris01]

Hi, please help!
I drove a short journey yesterday to pick something up and on return to the car it wouldn't start.

The car has always been well looked, never once had a problem with it and was running fine until this happened.

I had the car recovered and towed home, the guys that recovered the car (whilst not really interested in trying to start it) said that they'd seen this before but didn't know what it was. They did try to jump it but with no luck.

Symptoms are as follows -
When I put the key in the ignition and turn it to the point of starting it the dashboard is completely dead, no lights are showing on it at all.
When I turn it again (at which point it would normally start) nothing happens.
The car locks and unlocks using the key fob(s).
The radio comes on and off.
The battery has been tested and is fine.
Lights don't seem to be working.

Please help! I can't get the car off the drive so I'll need to call out at mobile mechanic but I was hoping to get an idea of what the issue is beforehand.

Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[thebiglad]

The very first thing to do is to find a Mercedes specialist near you and get them to scan the car with the Mercedes specific diagnostic terminal called STAR.

This will identify if there are any fault codes to help with the problem diagnosis.

 

[Chris01]

Thanks "thebiglad" at this stage I was hoping to try and establish whether anyone has any idea as to what it may be, it's just I'll have to get it towed to a specialist,any ideas?

 

[thebiglad]

Thanks "thebiglad" at this stage I was hoping to try and establish whether anyone has any idea as to what it may be, it's just I'll have to get it towed to a specialist,any ideas?

Hi Chris, if I might say, don't jump to too many conclusions or it might cost you 'big bucks'. If you find a local Merc specialist who could come out to you?

My guess would be that it has something to do with the ignition socket/lock. Problem is without a scan with STAR it'll only be a guess.

Good luck

Dave

 

[markjay]

If the car behaves exactly the same with the ignition on as it does when the key is not in the ignition switch, then the issue could be with the key fob (elinate by trying the spare), or with the Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) module.

EIS module replacement is not cheap (though some type of faults can be repaired), so best get the car checked on STAR before spending money on repairs.

 

[Chris01]

If the car behaves exactly the same with the ignition on as it does when the key is not in the ignition switch, then the issue could be with the key fob (elinate by trying the spare), or with the Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) module.

EIS module replacement is not cheap (though some type of faults can be repaired), so best get the car checked on STAR before spending money on repairs.

Thanks Mark, yes when I unlock the car the main circle central in the dashboard illuminates but when I insert the key and switch through the ignition nothing happens. I have tried both fobs as I thought that may have been the issue to begin with but no luck. Crikey I hope it's not the EIS, thanks for your input.

 

[Chris01]

Hi Chris, if I might say, don't jump to too many conclusions or it might cost you 'big bucks'. If you find a local Merc specialist who could come out to you?

My guess would be that it has something to do with the ignition socket/lock. Problem is without a scan with STAR it'll only be a guess.

Good luck

Dave

Many thanks Dave, I appreciate your input.

 

[HITECH]

Check in ur local ads paper and ask about. You should find somebody independent for under £45 in your area easily to scan your car and at least give you the information on what the problem is and what faults (if any) the car has logged. keep any jump leads well away from it for now and dont let anybody try with them either. Not a good idea.

Hi, please help!
I drove a short journey yesterday to pick something up and on return to the car it wouldn't start.

The car has always been well looked, never once had a problem with it and was running fine until this happened.

I had the car recovered and towed home, the guys that recovered the car (whilst not really interested in trying to start it) said that they'd seen this before but didn't know what it was. They did try to jump it but with no luck.

Symptoms are as follows -
When I put the key in the ignition and turn it to the point of starting it the dashboard is completely dead, no lights are showing on it at all.
When I turn it again (at which point it would normally start) nothing happens.
The car locks and unlocks using the key fob(s).
The radio comes on and off.
The battery has been tested and is fine.
Lights don't seem to be working.

Please help! I can't get the car off the drive so I'll need to call out at mobile mechanic but I was hoping to get an idea of what the issue is beforehand.

Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Chris01]

Check in ur local ads paper and ask about. You should find somebody independent for under £45 in your area easily to scan your car and at least give you the information on what the problem is and what faults (if any) the car has logged. keep any jump leads well away from it for now and dont let anybody try with them either. Not a good idea.

Thanks Hitech - I'll have a look to see if there is anyone local. The recovery guys did try to jump it, I hope that hasn't damaged it as by the sounds of it that's the last thing we should have tried.

 

[ash59fifty-uk]

If it is EIS as mark mentions, which is a common problem, try not to get it stuck in the lock position

It’s a cheap fix if you DIY and have some spare time. IIRC a member on here did a write up on it, however I’ve misplaced his screen name. I know he had a red prefacelift

 

[Chris01]

If it is EIS as mark mentions, which is a common problem, try not to get it stuck in the lock position

It’s a cheap fix if you DIY and have some spare time. IIRC a member on here did a write up on it, however I’ve misplaced his screen name. I know he had a red prefacelift

Thanks - I'll try and make sure that doesn't happen. When I put the key in the ignition it does release the steering so currently it isn't locked.

 

[Old spanners]

Thanks - I'll try and make sure that doesn't happen. When I put the key in the ignition it does release the steering so currently it isn't locked.

This may shed some light on your problem.

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[Dizz]

I had a similar problem a few years ago (non Mercedes) turned out i had slid the passenger seat back too forcibly and tripped the emergency/collision inertia cutout switch which was mounted under the passenger seat, this is to cut fuel supply and thus prevented the car being driven after an accident, simple fix just press down on the rubber button on the switch under the seat to reset it, good old RAC man worked it out (although he was the third man to look at it)



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[optimusprime]

Charge the battery up and try it again .

 

[Chris01]

This may shed some light on your problem.

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Thanks for this, the symptoms are similar - if it is this then probaly beyond my skill set so I'll have to get it done by someone who knows what they are doing. Hopefully a diagnostic check will give me some insight.

 

[Chris01]

Charge the battery up and try it again .

The battery currently has 12 vaults in it, could it likely be the battery with this much voltage?

 

[XJ600]

12v is only 25% charged
12.6 is 75%
Try a jump start.

 

[optimusprime]

Charge the battery up and try it again .

 

[optimusprime]

I am now thinking its to do with your alarm - imobiliser .

 

[markjay]

I am now thinking its to do with your alarm - imobiliser .

The dash lights should still come on? And the mobiliser light showing on the dash?