W203 EIS: key not springing back, engine not cranking

[mbwanderer]

W203
Everything was working OK. Battery was one year old. I have had the car from new and it has never given trouble.
I like driving it and don't want to change it, especially with the current astronomical state of used car prices..
One morning, the key would not spring back and the engine would not crank. Dashboard, lights, radio, etc., worked OK.
I called out the local mobile auto-electrician (highly experienced, highly recommended, best in the area).
He connected up his laptop and said that he needed more information.
Today, he said that he is waiting for some information (codes?).
I would be grateful for any information on:
1) why the key would not spring back;
2) why the engine would not crank;
3) what information or codes the auto-electrician is waiting for (he is very taciturn); and
4) is this something that can be rectified.
Thank you in advance.

 

[DSM10000]

Have you tried contacting a Mercedes specialist?

It sounds like the Electronic Ignition Switch has failed but before replacing that have you tried another key?

If the key is faulty it may not be recognised.

The reason it will not crank is almost certainly due to one of the above.

As for what information or codes he is waiting for, only he knows! Codes are not going to magically appear unless the system is scanned , preferably with Star.

 

[Petrol Pete]

As said , try your spare key and/or check the batteries in your key fobs. The fact that it turns and lights up the dashboard would suggest that the key is at least (in part) being recognised.

I must agree with DSM1000 , your auto electrician must have seen this type of ignition before , it has been around for years and I am surprised that he left without at least giving you some sort of advice.

There is a lot of info on-line (you tube etc) relating to EIS and how to replace/override/test it . If watching a video of a LHD car be aware replacing the ignition barrel is much easier on a RHD car if it comes to that , hope not.

Best of luck . Please keep us informed on how you get on.

 

[DSM10000]

As said , try your spare key and/or check the batteries in your key fobs. The fact that it turns and lights up the dashboard would suggest that the key is at least (in part) being recognised.

I must agree with DSM1000 , your auto electrician must have seen this type of ignition before , it has been around for years and I am surprised that he left without at least giving you some sort of advice.

There is a lot of info on-line (you tube etc) relating to EIS and how to replace/override/test it . If watching a video of a LHD car be aware replacing the ignition barrel is much easier on a RHD car if it comes to that , hope not.

Best of luck . Please keep us informed on how you get on.

I am pretty sure that the fob batteries play no part in activating the EIS. They are primarily for the RF signal to operate the remote locking?

 

[audiavant]

Sounds like the autoelectrical guy is playing for time?

Does he have the right diagnostic kit?

 

[mioba]

1-2) sounds like Eis

3) ask your super duper guy what info he needs. Seems like he has no clue. The codes he should have read should tell him enough.

4) of coursr it can be fixed. A car only a put together of parts by man.