Still having a Key issue - 2001 E430 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

waybomb · #1 11-03-2007, 04:01 PM

Every once in a while, my key won't unlock the doors. After a few tries, it works. Other times, the key unlocks the door. I insert the key, the car recognizes the key (I hear the click), I turn the key, the engine bumps for a fraction of a second, the nothing.

Once this happens, I have to turn and hold the key in the start position for a few seconds. The car then starts, but the ESP light comes on and the display tells me the car needs service. I turn the car off immediately, and it will restart right away, and the warnings are gone and everything is ok.

This happens with both keys. Any ideas? I don't think it is the keys. Something in ESP?

Benz300 · #2 11-04-2007, 12:30 PM

is this a different key ? when you unlock, are you using the buttons to unlock ? it could very well be that the key is out of sync. have u tried using the other key that came with the car ? what happens when you do that ?

waybomb · #3 11-04-2007, 12:38 PM

One key looks original (old), one looks very new, and a third is brand new. They all seem to do the same thing. I use the original most of the time, figuring it will eventually go south first.

whunter · #4 11-04-2007, 04:06 PM

Best guess:
The security module is going bad.

waybomb · #5 02-05-2008, 10:19 PM

Since posting this, I have exclusively used the new key. Now the doors unlock and lock as they should.

But every once in a while, the esp/bas will fault with a yellow light and the center display ordering me to go to get serviced. If I turn the engine off and restart it, everything is fine. I bought a second new key as well (the Chrome new key looks nice, eh?), and it does the same thing.

Any clues? I just hate to bring this to a dealer - I can imaginespending thousands in electronic modules and never getting it fixed competely anyway.