So, is there any way to disable the 1997 anti theft system? This car is my backup car to the '98, and as such I don't drive it often. But it's been gradually becoming more and more fussy about thinking it has been stolen. For the last year I've fought with it randomly going into theft mode and having to disconnect the battery to clear it so I could start it. Usually it wants to sit disconnected longer than I have time for - like over night.


But now I cannot get it start at all. Fully charged battery, but no glowplug light when you turn the ignition on, and its not moving the rack in the pump. I kind of quit driving it as much since I started to get afraid of it stranding me - now I cannot drive it at all.


Any suggestions?

How do you know it is going into anti theft mode?

The same year gas car had DAS X anti theft that uses a RFID chip ( metal key / single button remote ) These would start / stall if the system wasn't getting a good read. I'm not sure what system the diesel has.

You need a scan tool to see if the computer is waking up.

I would get it on diagnostics, there is a screen that tells you which part of the system is holding you out from being able to start.

__________________
The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech