An Alternative Diagnosis to the failed EIS ESL issue!
This particular TSB was first issued in May of 2008, only then to get updated with yet a second scenario that could cause, among other symptoms, the good old "No Crank-No Start" that some W204 owners have ongoing nightmares about.
A few word of caution though...
1. This is far from being a solution to either, the EIS issue, the ESL issue or both,
2. This is not an alternative, or an option that you can insist "oh I want this but not the other", and...
3. This does not eliminate the dealership (or a STAR equipped Indy shop) element from being the one sure way to make a proper diagnosis and to then correct the issue whichever it might be.
... Because (at least for Scenario #1) as you can see from the first page, and even if you can confirm having the following 3 of the 5 symptoms:
... the fact still remains, that the remaining two symptoms, namely:
... which require a working connection to the STAR diagnostic system, which is only likely to happen at a dealer's service department (or at an Indy shop who might have access to such a subscription only system.
As for scenario #2, it appears that someone experiencing this 3 particular issues described on Page 2, can quite reasonably assume that it could be a relay malfunction instead of the dreaded EIS or ESL issue (or both).
A few word of caution though...
1. This is far from being a solution to either, the EIS issue, the ESL issue or both,
2. This is not an alternative, or an option that you can insist "oh I want this but not the other", and...
3. This does not eliminate the dealership (or a STAR equipped Indy shop) element from being the one sure way to make a proper diagnosis and to then correct the issue whichever it might be.
... Because (at least for Scenario #1) as you can see from the first page, and even if you can confirm having the following 3 of the 5 symptoms:
- No crank- No Start;
- Wiper Not Working Properly;
- Message in the instrument cluster display indicating brake lamp failure;
... the fact still remains, that the remaining two symptoms, namely:
- No communication with Star Diagnosis;
- Fault Codes B212172, B215F71, B215F72, or B212171 "Circuit 15R malfunction" present in the driver side SAM;
... which require a working connection to the STAR diagnostic system, which is only likely to happen at a dealer's service department (or at an Indy shop who might have access to such a subscription only system.
As for scenario #2, it appears that someone experiencing this 3 particular issues described on Page 2, can quite reasonably assume that it could be a relay malfunction instead of the dreaded EIS or ESL issue (or both).
Security Procedure Test to preform as well:
To unlock the security -
Procedure 1:
(1) Unlock the car,
(2) Turn the key all the way without starting the car
(3) Let the mirrors open up and everything to reset (~ 10 seconds) -- Should do this every time!
(4) Start the car
Procedure 2:
If above doesn't work, here's a keyless entry option on the key:
(1) Press Unlock
(2) Lock
(3) Unlock
(4) Lock
(5) Lock
(6) Unlock
(7) Follow Procedure 1 steps above
So here are the three pages from this TSB:
TSB related to Vehicle No Crank- No Start Issue Including List of Symptoms and Diagnosis Process - Page 1
TSB related to Vehicle No Crank- No Start Issue Including List of Symptoms and Diagnosis Process - Page 2
TSB related to Vehicle No Crank- No Start Issue Including List of Symptoms and Diagnosis Process - Page 3
I should also add the following... While it i true that the EIS ESL issues having to go to the dealer (due to them being "Theft Relevant Parts (TRPs)") and Mercedes Benz will only supply to their authorized service centers, I would suggest you utilize a simple feature of the STAR diagnosis system to your advantage and to help with your piece of mind. Here is how... You are experiencing a no start issue, you suspect it might be EIS or ES but are praying it is something simple... errr... less costly... So you get the car towed to the dealer, the Service Adviser tells you "we will diagnose it and I'll call you and let you know"...
That is a perfect time to tell him "Can you please have the service tech make a printout of the fault codes that he gets off of the vehicle"... Additionally, and as it is your right to request and receive the old defective parts, ask him/her for those as well. With the exception of parts that are replaced under warranty, (all of which must be retained and shipped to Mercedes Benz), if you are paying for a part,you have the right to receive it when the repairs are complete.
I hope this help someone out there... Oh, and by the way, I am very surprised no one had picked up on this previously. As I can say that I did search and found nothing similar. And as I stated above, this has been out there since mid 2008.