SL 500 129 'start error'

[maxjak1]

Hi All, 2000 model 129 SL 500, hope someone can help, when turning the key, a the engine spins over for 5 seconds and would normally start, an error comes up on the little screen 'start error' any ideas my icarsoft does not read the car as the diagnostic tool does not support as of yet. The story goes locked both keys in the boot, I know I'm a dummy, got the car open but couldn't open the boot called breakdown company, good firm, the guy could not open the boot with the skeleton key set, tried to power up the central locking via the fuse board, all lights came on dash but no joy. did this on 3 fuses. he gave up. I contacted Mercedes about a replacement key, 4 days and I would have to go in person to order. I easily got in the boot and recovered the keys, bit drastic but easy fix, not going to reveal how I did it on the here, sorry.
Any ideas thank in advance

 

[maxjak1]

Hi Guys, my manual says contact a dealer, the dealer is attempting to find the information, as the error is a lock out error, however it may have to be recovered, and if the damage is too expensive to recover home again, I think the recovery man damaged an ecu, any ideas

 

[Dec]

Did both key fobs work in the ignition before this problem?

Will both key fobs turn the engine?


Dec

 

[fast28]

Sounds like your DAS (Drive Authorisation System) has got itself in a twist, it might think the car is still locked while the ignition is being turned. Have you tried to reset the car by disconnecting the battery? I know the start error on the dash in the later R129 usually means that the engine ECU and immobiliser/alarm unit are not communicating either due to a coding issue or the immobiliser is armed. Worth checking that the fuses are all intact too.

 

[maxjak1]

Did both key fobs work in the ignition before this problem?

Will both key fobs turn the engine?


Dec

hi no problem with either in 5 years of ownership. the fobs flash twice after 5 seconds and open the boot, all works as it always did. both keys start car for 1 second but car fails to keep running

Sounds like your DAS (Drive Authorisation System) has got itself in a twist, it might think the car is still locked while the ignition is being turned. Have you tried to reset the car by disconnecting the battery? I know the start error on the dash in the later R129 usually means that the engine ECU and immobiliser/alarm unit are not communicating either due to a coding issue or the immobiliser is armed. Worth checking that the fuses are all intact too.

Hi which fuses and were in the box on the drivers side good the ones in the boot al good is there any were the 38 pin plug goes that has fuses? I have heard that disconnecting battery can work, what sort of time before re connecting 24 hrs or more?

Had breakdown cover with the Nationwide, they contract out to Britannia insurance who contract out to Delmonte recovery, it has been 8 working days and no one has contacted me, the bank blame Britannia just say a guy is dealing with it while my car is stuck and in the way on the drive, can't move it as my wife is disabled and has had to use public transport, I still have to get to work some 45 miles away everyday. the bank and an operator says there is a compliant, not 5 minutes later Britannia call and there is no job number or compliant!!!

 

[fast28]

if the fuses are good then try the battery reset, 30 minutes should be good enough.

 

[maxjak1]

if the fuses are good then try the battery reset, 30 minutes should be good enough.

Hi, disconnected the battery, for an hour no go, a friend recommended a garage guy, he came out with a promise of £200 if he starts it! he did come on a Saturday and 50miles away, He just changed every fuse, including the ones in the ecu box and in the boot, even fuse's that appear good sometimes are the problem he said, just short of 15 mins, it starts, runs perfect, fantastic. The fuses no 4, 15, 20, central locking, on the drivers side fuse box were the culprits, you guessed it the recovery man flashed power through these fuses, no 4 fuse 7.5 was the faulty one.
Guy would only take £100 for his trouble.
Thankyou to everyone for their comments and assistance, recommend not to trust a recovery driver with your Mercedes.!

 

[dddooommm]

I had a similar issue like this on my r129
MAS relay and OVP replaced and fired up straight away.

 

[dddooommm]

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