Confused about panel oil temperature reading

[MarshMan]

Hi all,
The title sort of says it all really. My car's an 03 plate C180 as left, and I can't get an oil level reading. What it says should happen in the handbook doesn't! I get two messages, first is something like 'cannot measure level with engine running'. So, I turn the engine off, go back into the menu, and it now says 'turn the ignition on'! Well clearly the ignition is on otherwise I wouldn't be able to read the message?! I'm hoping that this isn't a fault, but just my ignorance.
Any help or explanation very much appreciated.
Max

 

[whitenemesis]

Key in position #2, IGN is on but engine isn't running.

 

[MarshMan]

Key in position #2, IGN is on but engine isn't running.

Thanks, yes that's when I get the message 'turn on ignition' ?

 

[whitenemesis]

Message as shown in handbook

"If the key is not turned to position 2 in the starter switch

""For Engine Oil Level Ignition On Please!""

 

[MarshMan]

Message as shown in handbook

"If the key is not turned to position 2 in the starter switch

""For Engine Oil Level Ignition On Please!""

Hi again,
I'm sorry to be thick, but I'm not sure what you're saying. The key only has two positions, inserted and on, then next comes start. I have to turn the key to the on position (2) before I can get any readouts. Clearly the ignition is on already isn't it? So how can it be asking to do something I've already done?

 

[ItalianTuneUp]

^ Isn't there:

1. key inserted but not turned
2. key inserted, turned one position
3. key inserted, turned one position, and then turned one further turn to start engine (ignition)

I believe you need 2. above, no?

 

[grumpyoldgit]

See if this helps. There are 4 positions in total.

Insert key - position 0
Turn to position 1 on and scroll through menus to select 'check oil'
Turn to position 2 (Dashboard lights come) when instructed to do so. (Do not start the engine).

You may get a message to wait for the necessary time period, or similar, if the engine hasn't been OFF for 5 minutes or more.

 

[BlackC55]

You will also need to wait 5 mins after switch off and the oil MUST BE hot

 

[MarshMan]

See if this helps. There are 4 positions in total.

Insert key - position 0
Turn to position 1 on and scroll through menus to select 'check oil'
Turn to position 2 (Dashboard lights come) when instructed to do so. (Do not start the engine).

You may get a message to wait for the necessary time period, or similar, if the engine hasn't been OFF for 5 minutes or more.

Er no, I don't have four positions, I only have three. The only messages I have seen are the two I mentioned in my first post. Also, I have tried waiting five minutes plus, but still I only see the same messages.
Max

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Very odd.

When you turn the engine off, how many positions do you have to turn the key through before you can remove it?

When inserting the key, does the steering lock buzz and release WITHOUT turning it?

 

[MarshMan]

Very odd.

When you turn the engine off, how many positions do you have to turn the key through before you can remove it?

When inserting the key, does the steering lock buzz and release WITHOUT turning it?

Now THAT is something I haven't noticed! I'm fairly sure it doesn't, but not certain. I wondered what that strange noise was, and you say it's the steering lock - OK. But either way, I still have only one position between inserting the key and the starting position. When I turn the key to the 'first' position, all the test lights etc come on. I can't get to the car at the moment, but I'm certainly going to check to see if the key turns after unlocking the steering.
I think I'm missing something here, but I can't see what! Sorry to be so stupid.
Max
Whoops, just noticed I didn't answer your first question. I'm again not certain, but think it's just that one 'first' position.

 

[markjay]

The 'ignition on' position will have all your instrument cluster lights lit, ABS, SRS, etc (and then go out). Does this help?

 

[MarshMan]

The 'ignition on' position will have all your instrument cluster lights lit, ABS, SRS, etc (and then go out). Does this help?

I'd love to say it does, but unfortunately no. To perhaps clarify this point, I am asked to turn the ignition on when it's already on (engine off)? This is the major part of my confusion.

 

[ItalianTuneUp]

Confusingly in the diagram above 'ignition' is the name given to the position the key must be turned to...from where ignition can then occur by a last final twist of the key to the starter position, which cranks the engine (marked start or starter in the diagram above I think: can't see it in app??).

Once the engine cranks you release the key and it returns from the starter position to the ignition position.

Have I got this right?

 

[BlackC55]

Can I make a suggestion?

Take it to a specialist like me and they will show you how to do it.

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Now THAT is something I haven't noticed! I'm fairly sure it doesn't, but not certain. I wondered what that strange noise was, and you say it's the steering lock - OK. But either way, I still have only one position between inserting the key and the starting position. When I turn the key to the 'first' position, all the test lights etc come on. I can't get to the car at the moment, but I'm certainly going to check to see if the key turns after unlocking the steering.
I think I'm missing something here, but I can't see what! Sorry to be so stupid.
Max
Whoops, just noticed I didn't answer your first question. I'm again not certain, but think it's just that one 'first' position.

Yes, when the key is inserted (without turning it) the steering lock should buzz and release.

Olly's (Black55) suggestion of popping into a local Mercedes indie garage sounds like a good idea and at least that way you'll know if someone has replaced the original ignition switch with an incorrect part. I bet they wouldn't charge you for something like that either.

 

[MarshMan]

I want to apologise to all who have replied here, because I've made an unbelievably stupid error. I DO HAVE four positions, and my 'problem' is now solved! I can't explain how it happened, just putting it down to old age. I haven't replied earlier because the car has been back in the dealer's, due to the engine management light coming on, and the engine running on three cylinders! Apparently oil was leaking from the rocker box and running into the plug wells. This has been sorted, and a new set of plugs installed (all on warranty) and I'm hoping this is last of my problems for a while! I've also had a new set of four tyres put on (Dunlop Blueresponse Sport) which if anything are even quieter than the previous tyres, whose only benefits were quietness!
Max