Everyone, I have an issue with my wife's 04 Coupe.

She has had the car for a while now with no issues. However, about 6 months ago, the ESP/BAS light came on and would not come off. Despite our attempts to reset it, it just got worse. So one day when she was out of town, she went to a trusted Tireman and they ended up replacing the "brake switch" and resetting the ESP/BAS. Since then, the light has not come on.

Well, about a month or so later, we began experiencing the mystery no start issue. The first time it happened when she went to get gas. It displayed all the typical symptoms, key would fully turn, but nothing, no clicking from the starter and then all of a sudden, it started.

It went for about 2 weeks and then it happened again. This time, it happened to me and the key wouldn't come out of the ignition.... leaving me stranded at work. I thought it was the key being worn, so I had a friend run me to autozone and we picked up some "carbon powder" used by locksmiths... but no luck. I then thought it may be the battery so I tried to jump start it .... nothing. Then an hour later, on the phone with a tow truck.... it started.

Well, after that, we were a bit intimidated by the car and didn't drive any farther than 5-6 miles from home for a few weeks. It ran well and no issues so I decided to drive it to work 50 miles away. It ran like a top... no issues. Than on the way home, it stalled at about 70mph while I was on the express way. I immediately pulled over and attempted to start it and it ran fine.

After I got home, I began troubleshooting, and while I am a Lehman, I did find this site and did a bunch of searches. When I came across the RCM posts, especially the one from Tighed, I thought, "that's it!" so I did the fix, soldering the RCM. However, it was about 2 weeks in between the last time I drove it and re-installed the RCM.

Before I replaced the module I did test the battery and scanned it with an OB-II. . . both came out fine.. so I placed the module in, reconnected the battery and it started. . . . I immediately thought "whew I did it". So My wife excitedly began driving it again and reported everyday that she didn't have any issues.... zero. Well that lasted about 2 weeks and then one morning, I went to start the car and it started, then stalled and hasn't ran since. . . it reverted right back to the old symptoms...

So after all of this, I searched the Site, found the MB part No. for ordering the RCM. . ordered it and installed it yesterday. Well, today I am writing because it still will not start. Again, the key turns fully but nothing happens....

Specifically when I try to start, I have always had the same symptoms.Just to save some time and questions, I have downloaded the troubleshooting manual (while I don't fully understand it) and I do know the difference from reading the forum between the RCM issue and the Crank sensor. Again, each time it will not start, the same issues and symptoms occur.

Here's what i see each time;

What is On or What can be turned on;

• Warning Lights on the dash
• Radiator Fan (runs full blast)
• Hazard Lights
• Head Lights
• Console Indicator - Spoiler Switch is Blinking

What is Off or What can't be turned on;

• Radio
• Power Seats
• Overhead Lights (cabin)
• Power Locks (Neither FOB or dash lock/unlock work)

So I want you all to know that I am dumb founded. Sure I am not a mechanic, but I am not incapable of fixing this I am sure. Something is telling me that it is electrical, maybe the SKREEM. I have a gut feeling that Tireman did something when they repaired. The bad thing is, the store that fixed it is 150 miles away (wife had it fixed while visiting family).

If any of you can help, I would really appreciate it. I would love to be able to take it to the dealer. However, when we parked it last, we placed it into our garage and there is literally no way of getting the damn thing out..... that's a different story.

Thanks again everyone, I look forward to your responses. And rest assured, i will keep everyone posted. I won't be one of those people who create a user name, post a problem, and never contribute again. I really like this board as I have been browsing for a few months it has helped me tremendously.


J.R.