Jayli

hello guys. I have a problem. When i try to insert the smart key into the ignition hole, it will not move. I tried to jump start the battery to see if that was the problem but it won't even budge to position 1, let alone powering up the engine. Anyone encounter this problem before? Any suggestions?

Things I've noticed/tried:
-The gear is where it should be.
-Tried to wiggle the steering wheel while engaging key
-I can turn on the radio
-dome lights work
-Lock/unlock button works on the key remote.
-I only have one key so I cannot determine if its the Electronic Ignition Switch that is causing the problem.

raymond g-

have you inspected the battery's health and trickle charged it? jump start
probably isn't going to be helpful if your battery is low...low...

Plutoe

The main battery must have between 11 and 14 volts for the electronics to function properly. If your battery is in spec than check that the key batteries are also in spec. Good luck!!

ohlord

nothing to do with the cars ignition.
They could be dead and the car would still start.


There is only one battery in the w210 so where would they check any other battery than the battery?
Main battery ???

11v is a dead battery 12.2v is a dead battery on all accounts.
Charge the battery fully (per Ray)
or 10amps overnight on a regular charger.
Then with foot firmly on the brake pedal
Try to start the car.

tmurtaza

Hello!
I had the same issue with my car, E320 1999 4 Matic,
The battery was on full power, the remote locked and unlocked the doors without issue, It was when I would put the FOB (Smart Key) in the it would not turn. I disassembled the FOB, easily done, remove the back battery cap, and carefully pull out the circuit board. The solenoid had broken off due to the key being dropped! I soldered the broken wire, reassembled and it started working! I wish there were a way to post a diagram.

The mechanics of the system are simple. The Key tumbler or ignition creats a flux that they FOB responds to. I am not too tech savvy so thats as far as I will take a swing at explaining this!

Saved $150 that the dealer wanted, hope this works for you too! Good luck!

Musikmann

What was the dealer going to do for $150?

tmurtaza

Sell me a new Key FOB.

Musikmann

That's the best price I've seen for a new key in a long time. Don't be surprised if someone asks who or where that dealer is! Thanks for the reply.

Jayli

Thanks guys for all the responses. I have checked my car battery. It is in good health. Got a quote from the dealer for a new smart key (250 + tax...). Tmurtaza, thank you for the suggestion. I will open the key to see if my problem replicates yours.

Jayli

The two pointed red wires were so short it was impossible to solder back to the body. I was thinking of extending the two wires but the hardware store said they don't carry such small wires. This smart key is a goner.

ohlord

for thin wire and the cold heat soldering instant on tool

quadri357

Did you get this issue fixed?

David Ajamu

I am having a problem with my smart key, it doesn't open or lock the doors to the car, when I eventually open the door using the trunk key, the smart key wont turn to position 1 let alone start the engine.
People say the smart keys expire after a while is that correct?
Do I have to replace the key or the entire ignition system.

Plutoe

Keys expire,bla bla, that is incorrect.

Remember the two electronics systems apart of the key are--the the keys batteries power the remote opening/closing features and------ the cars 12 volt system provide the power for the cars drive authorization system!!

Now if you say I just changed the key batteries than you have larger issues which will require factory software to resolve!!

When was the last time you have had your cars battery tested???

David Ajamu

I havent checked the car battery in a very long time.

Could the battery be a contributing factor?

juzzac

I had the exact same issue with my 2002 w203 c200, I found that one day my key refused to turn in the ignition but the central locking worked perfect, I tried new batteries in the key but still no good. I tried with my spare key and it didn't work either, I replaced the car battery as it was 5 years old anyway but it still wouldn't turn.
I had it towed to a Mercedes specialist who found out the EIS which is the part the key goes into had burnt out, he was quoted AU $2300 just for the part from Mercedes - I almost passed out when he told me, To cut a long story short I found a electronics shop in Australia that we sent it to and had it repaired at less than a 1/4 of the price of a new one and it has been perfect ever since.
Also in Australia we have to pay $650 for a new key fob.
If anyone is interested this is the place my mechanic sent it to have it fixed
http://www.australianecurepair.com.au/repair.php?id=33

Plutoe

juzzac did the smart thing----after spending money needlessly and wondering in the bush with a blank look, he finally went and got profession help---problem solved!!