New battery, new airbags, now the car won't start, no lights on the dash, could it be the immobiliser?

[bluekeys]

Car is a 2010 e350 cdi.

I had a new battery fitted 6 or so months ago. No trouble with it.

Mercedes replaced the airbags (passenger and driver) last week and the car has been on 2 long runs (an hour each) since without incident.

I was running low on diesel on the way home yesterday, so put £20 standard (non shell super diesel!) in to get me home. Perhaps the car is upset about that

I parked the car after an hours drive or so last night with no signs of issue.

This morning. I unlocked the car as usual from a distance with the fob. The lights flashed and the doors opened. As I opened the car door, the wing-mirrors opened etc. The central display behind the steering wheel lit up as usual, showing mileage etc. The clock hands were moving as usual and the time is correct on the dash.

When I put the key into the ignition, no dash lights came on.

I turned the key to the first (or is it second) position where I usually leave it a little to make sure the glow plugs are warm. Still 0 lights visible. No glow plug light, but nothing else either. The center display with the mileage etc. remained lit.

I tried to fully turn the key but nothing happened.

My assumption was the battery, so I checked the obvious 2 connectors under the bonnet. Both are firmly connected.

I tried the spare key, nothing changed.

I can switch the COMMAND system on, see where I am on the map etc. which in combination with the working clock and mileage display made me think it probably isn't the battery. It obviously isn't the standard diesel.

The car is automatic and remains in park since last night.

Can anyone steer me in the right direction? Is it the immobiliser? What should I test?

How do I get the car out of park, so it can be towed if necessary?

Thank you.

 

[markjay]

It could be any of a number of things.

Faulty Electronic Ignition Swiss (EIS), or faulty inhibitor switch (the one that won't let you start the car unless its in Park), are two common issues.

You really need to get the car scanned by STAR or iCarsoft.

As for the battery, simply check the voltage... buy by the sound of it, it's not a battery issue..

 

[bluekeys]

It could be any of a number of things.

Faulty Electronic Ignition Swiss (EIS), or faulty inhibitor switch (the one that won't let you start the car unless its in Park), are two common issues.

You really need to get the car scanned by STAR or iCarsoft.

As for the battery, simply check the voltage... buy by the sound of it, it's not a battery issue..

Thank you for the response.

I seem to have made some progress by banging the steering wheel and dash. I kid you not, it started, so is fixed (I assume temporarily).

I'm a little scared to move the car now, but if I take it to a garage and whatever was loose comes undone again, will I get a warning before it dies?

I mean, it's not going to just immobilise itself and lock the steering wheel whilst I'm overtaking on the 3rd lane of a motorway or something, right?

 

[BlackC55]

Sounds like the steering lock has failed.

 

[bluekeys]

Sounds like the steering lock has failed.

I noted a slight clicking sound when I turned the key. I don't remember ever having a steering lock engage since I bought it. It's only now you mention it that I realise this is probably strange.

Is it a common problem / expensive?

I'll try and get it into a garage for diagnostics, am just a little worried about driving it at the moment, probably going to arrange a tow.

 

[Diesel Benz]

Sounds like the steering lock has failed.

But does this car have a steering lock? It must be a W212, 212.025 or 212.225 with a gear lever at the steering column, these usually come without any steering lock.

 

[bluekeys]

But does this car have a steering lock? It must be a W212, 212.025 or 212.225 with a gear lever at the steering column, these usually come without any steering lock.
I just realised I hadn't responded.

The gearstick is in the middle of the car, not on the steering column.

It's a w212 (I think).

 

[bluekeys]

But does this car have a steering lock? It must be a W212, 212.025 or 212.225 with a gear lever at the steering column, these usually come without any steering lock.

The gearstick is in the middle of the car, not on the steering column.

It's a w212 (I think).

 

[MSG2004]

If you have breakdown service with MB, call them out. They should be able to pinpoint the fault with their diagnostics, hopefully
If you are not with MB but RAC or AA - they too can often do a diagnostic. However, the cold weather and people out and about like ants
resulting in heavy pressure on the breakdown service organizations, they may send out a contractor. Often these contractor at most have a jump start and a tow truck. (Btw, if you are with rac/aa or another company and they send out a joker with jump leads, call them back and ask them to send someone out that has more than jump leads etc)
Good luck

 

[MSG2004]

But does this car have a steering lock? It must be a W212, 212.025 or 212.225 with a gear lever at the steering column, these usually come without any steering lock.

Hopefully I've not misunderstood you.
The steering is still locked via the key hole on the dash, so it it still may be the unit that takes the key even if it's not on the steering column itself.

 

[mersum1es]

So there has been buzzing sound when entering the key, but now it is silent - servo motor inside key unit fails. Very common fault in W212 and W204. Steering column selector version is free of this. Get it repaired asap, if steering lock is engaged and motor fails finally, dismounting will be much more difficult than lock open. I think there was a thread how-DIY change motor, and also how to disable steering lock if it is still open but motor cannot be replaced ASAP.