Major electrical problem- 2004 E320 W211 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ROLLGUY · #1 10-17-2017, 03:31 PM

I recently purchased a 2004 E320 for parts to repair a 2007 E320 Bluetec that was involved in a collision. I was specifically looking for a white car, so I would not have to do any painting. I found one in Texas, and after a 3,000 mile round trip to retrieve the car, I got it home and am trying to at least get the ignition to turn (http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/389140-tucson-houston-road-trip-today-anyone-need-anything-moved.html ). One of the reasons that I got a good bargain on the car was because it supposedly had a "bad key". I was able to get the car on and off my trailer without being able to turn the steering wheel. After putting in a main battery, and replacing the dead auxiliary battery, the key still will not turn. I also found out that most of the accessories that don't require the key to be turned (or even in the ignition) do not work either (dome light, seat adjustment, door locks etc.). I can only assume that the key is still good, but whatever is responsible for distributing power to the electronic key module, door locks, dome light and seat adjustment is faulty. I checked all the fuses (three places-engine room, left side of dash, and trunk), and unless I missed one, they all check out to be good. After replacing both batteries, the SBC unit cycles, and the red brake warning is illuminated in the instrument cluster. I have read that this is normal when the aux battery gets replaced, so I expected it. I would like to be able to move the car, but without being able to turn the steering wheel, all I have is a large piece of yard art that a neighbor may complain about if it is there for long. Anyone have an idea what could be the problem? Thanks in advance, Rich

tjts1 · #2 10-17-2017, 03:50 PM

Check the fuses.

Murkybenz · #3 10-17-2017, 04:16 PM

Post number 16 by thumbdoctor in the link below, wouldnt go amiss to try the same just to rule the eis out
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w164/542182-turn-key-nothing-happens-other-electrical-grimlims.html

ROLLGUY · #4 10-17-2017, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murkybenz

Post number 16 by thumbdoctor in the link below, wouldnt go amiss to try the same just to rule the eis out
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w164/542182-turn-key-nothing-happens-other-electrical-grimlims.html

Thanks for the info. I am familiar with cold slider joints, and re-flowing. However, I can't imagine that the other functions not working would be caused by a faulty EIS. I would think it is the other way around. The vehicle in the thread allows the key to be turned, mine does nothing. I should be able to hear the column unlocking when the key is inserted, even if it does not turn. Th fact that other accessories don't seem to have power when they should is an indicator that I have a power distribution problem. At least that is the way my little brain sees it.
I am not sure if removing the EIS is any easier on an E class as it is on an M, or even how to do it. The guy I got the car from provided a used EIS and matching key, but I am not sure it will work if installed. If so, I imagine he would have done it already.

Murkybenz · #5 10-18-2017, 04:31 AM

Does the eis and key have to be matched to ecu ?

dieselbenz1 · #6 10-18-2017, 08:30 AM

Have you read your DTC's?

GregMN · #7 10-18-2017, 08:58 AM

Have you tried hot wiring the circuits that you need to power to get what you need done, done.
After that, just disconnect the steering linkage so you can turn the wheels enough to move it where you want to.

ROLLGUY · #8 10-18-2017, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieselbenz1

Have you read your DTC's?

The ignition has to be on to check for DTC's. The ignition won't turn.

ROLLGUY · #9 10-18-2017, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murkybenz

Does the eis and key have to be matched to ecu ?

I believe so. I am sure I have the original key, so it should work. It just ones not seem to have power.

ROLLGUY · #10 10-18-2017, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

Check the fuses.

One of the first things I checked, and just got finished checking again. All fuses are good.

ROLLGUY · #11 10-18-2017, 07:32 PM

I just read this on a repair website:
Mercedes-Benz key fob not working? The first thing you need to do is change the keyless remote battery. We assume you have already done that part by now. Is your Mercedes key fob not working after a battery change? This article will help you troubleshoot problems where the Mercedes key fob doesn’t work or no longer unlock/locks doors or trunk. In most cases, the key can start the car but not work as a keyless entry remote. Generally speaking, when Mercedes key fob is not working, it’s because either because the key is defective or the All Activity Module (AAM) is not recognizing the key signal, or it is not receiving signal due to an antenna issue.
Anyone know where the AAM is located?
EDIT: I found it's location, but it is very complicated to repair, and replacement requires other VIN specific modules to be replaced as well ($$$$$$$$!!).

Murkybenz · #12 10-19-2017, 03:23 AM

Have a read up online about transponder coil inside key and how to solder in a replacement , I think this may be why the key is no being recognised.

ROLLGUY · #13 10-19-2017, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murkybenz

Have a read up online about transponder coil inside key and how to solder in a replacement , I think this may be why the key is no being recognised.

I did, and the coil looks just fine. I tested the key per Mercedes Key Fob Not Working TROUBLESHOOTING
and it seems to be functioning correctly. I still think there is a greater problem, in that several things don't work that should, even with no key in the ignition. The seat does not move, the emergency flashers don't work, and the lock switch does nothing. The lock/unlock buttons on the fob do nothing as well. I may try synchronizing the key, although it may not do anything if the EIS unit is faulty. If all else fails, I may spend $200 to have it repaired:
Mercedes EZS EIS Ignition Switch Problem, Cause, Solution – MB Medic

Again, all the fuses are good (checked and double checked).

Murkybenz · #14 10-19-2017, 12:08 PM

The fact you have no emergency flashers could mean no power from battery rather than dead eis/ key problem
Have a look at this video, it may be irrelevant to your model but...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RNlDHWWaYGs

ROLLGUY · #15 10-19-2017, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murkybenz

The fact you have no emergency flashers could mean no power from battery rather than dead eis/ key problem
Have a look at this video, it may be irrelevant to your model but...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RNlDHWWaYGs

I looked at that, and hoped my SAM was like that. I removed the SAM and found only a circuit board with no serviceable parts. I put it all back together and installed it in the car.