Hi,
I was reading the forum, but I just could not find an answer to my problem. I just bought a 2001 C240 with 83,000 miles. I am in Orlando Florida. Everything was fine until the weather dropped into the 40's and 50's. It takes me a while 5 to 10 minutes for any of the keys to unlock the doors, and once unlocked, it takes me another 40 to 50 minutes for the car to start. Initially the key won't even turn, after 10 or 15 minutes it will turn, but the car won't start. after 20 or 30 minutes, sometimes even longer of turning the key it will start. In the mean time the panel is going nuts turning all the lights and display on and off. Once the car is warmed up, problem gone until next morning. I also have the SRS light on. Please help me since I have to go to work every morning and I am having a hard time sleeping by thinking if the car is even going to turn on in the morning.

Thanks,
Ray

 

Yes Ray, i have a 2000 C240 80,000 miles . temperature in england is a whopping -10 degrees centigrade and i left my machine parked up for two days. ive tried to get into it using both sets of keys but it will not open. Now i don't have Ray's patience because i'm a brit and thats what we do best! So i put the key in the lock and got in that way, then when i plug in the key to the ignition it wont turn. the car has got power because i can turn the radio on, lights inside and out and when the radio is on loud the lights dont dim in the slightest. i just don't understand how this cold weather can cause a confusing situation. I need it sorting, i cant go 4 days without my beloved c240 its killing me because i've worked on cars for 8 years and i'm amazing at detecting faults on any other make of car but my own! somebody out there must help me and Ray!!



Cal, Derby UK.

 

This is from one of the most knowledgeable and Mercedes expert guy that I was fortunate to get advise from star_expert.

As about your problem is from the eis module (electronic ignition switch ) where the key is inserted to start the car. Now your problem is either the eis itself or the low voltage from the car battery. First change your car battery and chek alternator if its working .If problem remains , change the eis module.

I checked the alternator and it was good. Changed the car battery, problem solved!!!!!

 

I tried an ultra heavy boost pack on my car and also tried jumping it with jump leads from my brothers BMW and it still would not go. it must be the EIS Ray, must be!!

Thankyou mate you're a star

 

I guarantee you it's the EIS. . . GUARANTEE!