Need Help ASAP - Key Will Not Turn In Ignition

n2it · 03-26-2012, 07:26 PM

OK, so I come out of the post office and my key will not turn in the ignition. The key will engage everything else and in fact when you put the key into the ignition the stereo will play etc... I called my dealer who is an hour away and they said to have the battery jumped. I had the battery jumped and it did not work. So, we replaced the battery with a brand new one and the key still will not budge in the ignition. Does anyone have a clue as to what I can do? I really don't want to have to tow it to the nearest dealership which is 85-miles a way. Thanks in advance!

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RobertG · 03-26-2012, 07:34 PM

Try to clean the area where the lens is on the key and the ignition switch.
How fresh is the battery in the key?

n2it · 03-26-2012, 08:36 PM

Thats not it...

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertG

Try to clean the area where the lens is on the key and the ignition switch.
How fresh is the battery in the key?

RobertG · 03-26-2012, 08:40 PM

try to put the key in and out couple of times, you should feel a click then it will let you turn the key to start position.

n2it · 03-26-2012, 08:42 PM

Trust me I've tried this several times it doesn't budge...

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertG

try to put the key in and out couple of times, you should feel a click then it will let you turn the key to start position.

RobertG · 03-26-2012, 09:04 PM

When you put the key in does it click?

n2it · 03-26-2012, 10:08 PM

It feels the same as it always has except that it won't turn the ignition. It's too late for me now though...had to have the car towed 85-miles away. I didn't have anymore time to screw with it. The dealership said that the next step was to try the backup key but I have never had a backup key (bought the car used and the previous owner misplaced it). So, I guess I wait on their call tomorrow and then their bill!

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertG

When you put the key in does it click?

n2it · 03-26-2012, 11:10 PM

The battery in the fob has nothing to do with the key turning the ignition. The battery is for the IR for the doors and windows...

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertG

Try to clean the area where the lens is on the key and the ignition switch.
How fresh is the battery in the key?

nsolot · 03-28-2012, 02:12 PM

I had exactly same problem with one FOB. New batteries did not help.

I bought the car new, so backup key works. Thinking about getting a new FOB. How much does the stealer want for a new FOB?

n2it · 03-28-2012, 04:52 PM

It was in fact the key FOB. The new one came in today and the car started right up. Cost through my dealer was $231 tax total. No diagnostic fee etc...

Quote:

Originally Posted by nsolot

I had exactly same problem with one FOB. New batteries did not help.

I bought the car new, so backup key works. Thinking about getting a new FOB. How much does the stealer want for a new FOB?

RobertG · 03-28-2012, 04:55 PM

Any idea what caused the fob to go out on you?

n2it · 03-28-2012, 05:05 PM

This could be coincidental but I had it in my pocket the last time I went jogging. I usually take my work car to the trail where I jog but had to drive the Benz this time. I know the history behind these FOB's so I wrapped it in a hankerchief as best I could to protect it, put it in my pocket, and took my normal run. It was the very next day that it failed. So, it could have been coincidental or could be that it bounced around enough during my run that something came loose inside. I will get the old key back and take a look at it. The bright spot is that now I can use the old FOB to unlock my door after my runs and lock the good one in the car while I am running. Expensive bright spot though...

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertG

Any idea what caused the fob to go out on you?

RobertG · 03-28-2012, 07:49 PM

Glass half full

nsolot · 03-28-2012, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertG

Any idea what caused the fob to go out on you?

In my case, I parked at CVS, went inside for 10 minutes, and when I got back in car, the key would not turn at all.

Just checked MBUSA website and there are 4 stealers within 5 mile (15 minute drive time) of me, so I'll call all 4 and get price quotes. I'll post what I find out.

Musikmann · 03-29-2012, 01:53 PM

These keys just die sometimes and usually without warning. Glad to hear you fixed the problem.

tbone006 · 03-29-2012, 02:08 PM

I too have this happen , but at random times. key slides into the the ignition, but i got to wiggle it around to get the ignition to 'turn over". It usually just takes me moving/wiggling it around in the ignition to get it to "release" and turn over? I hink i has something more to do witht eh ignition itself and how the tumblers inside are recv the key...?

nsolot · 03-30-2012, 03:08 PM

4 dealers:

$260
$199
$220
$258

All told me same story that key cannot be programmed at dealership, but has to be ordered from MBUSA where is it programmed before being shipped. Takes 2-3 biz days for new key to arrive.

All 4 also said I would need to show driver's license and DMV registration and the name and address need to match up. Also they prefer if I show up with the W210, which is supposed to prove ownership when combined with the documents.

n2it · 03-30-2012, 09:12 PM

That is absolutely correct. The car must be there, you must show picture ID and the cars registration, and sign release paperwork to get the key.
This procedure was just recently initiated by MB.

My key was actually $170. But you have to pay $28 to get the key programmed, and I paid an additional $10 to have it over-nighted. So, the 2-3 day jargon is a load of crap...mine was there the next day.

I picked my new key up today...its the new chrome style. The construction of this key is not even close to the original Mercedes key. Much better construction, durability, and design. So even though the old one will not start my car it is a great backup to take with me on my jogs etc...

Quote:

Originally Posted by nsolot

4 dealers:

$260
$199
$220
$258

All told me same story that key cannot be programmed at dealership, but has to be ordered from MBUSA where is it programmed before being shipped. Takes 2-3 biz days for new key to arrive.

All 4 also said I would need to show driver's license and DMV registration and the name and address need to match up. Also they prefer if I show up with the W210, which is supposed to prove ownership when combined with the documents.

renault12ts · 06-19-2012, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertG

Try to clean the area where the lens is on the key and the ignition switch.
How fresh is the battery in the key?

The battery in the key is not required for starting the car...try it, remove the battery from your key...now start the car. It uses an induction coil in the key.

The usual cause for key failure is that the coil breaks off the PCB. They can be repaired.

RobertG · 06-19-2012, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by renault12ts

The battery in the key is not required for starting the car...try it, remove the battery from your key...now start the car. It uses an induction coil in the key.

The usual cause for key failure is that the coil breaks off the PCB. They can be repaired.

Good info! that makes sense since the valet key has no battery.

renault12ts · 06-19-2012, 10:29 AM

We have a member on a UK forum who repairs the keys for us. If he can't it costs £240...which is about $380 at todays exchange rates.

03-29-2012, 01:53 PM	#15
Musikmann MBWorld Fanatic! 2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 1,607 Drives: 2001 E320 RWD - Brilliant Silver/Ash: 99,000+	These keys just die sometimes and usually without warning. Glad to hear you fixed the problem. __________________ Mercedes Benz - Das beste oder nichts!

03-29-2012, 02:08 PM	#16
tbone006 Member 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class My Garage Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 113 Drives: E320	I too have this happen , but at random times. key slides into the the ignition, but i got to wiggle it around to get the ignition to 'turn over". It usually just takes me moving/wiggling it around in the ignition to get it to "release" and turn over? I hink i has something more to do witht eh ignition itself and how the tumblers inside are recv the key...? __________________ *~t-bone~* *808 Howli-boi* 1997 MB E320 20" rims/projector light/yellow fogs 1984 GMC CC Dually "Big Kahuna" 1976 Chevy Monte Carlo / Completely Stock 1966 Chevy Impala 2 Door / Completely Stock 2003 KAW KLX400 currently "murdered out" but baby blu vinyl wrap coming :)

03-30-2012, 03:08 PM	#17
nsolot Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 51 Drives: 1999 E320 1971 280SL	Quote for new smartkey 4 dealers: $260 $199 $220 $258 All told me same story that key cannot be programmed at dealership, but has to be ordered from MBUSA where is it programmed before being shipped. Takes 2-3 biz days for new key to arrive. All 4 also said I would need to show driver's license and DMV registration and the name and address need to match up. Also they prefer if I show up with the W210, which is supposed to prove ownership when combined with the documents.

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03-26-2012, 07:34 PM	#2
RobertG MBWorld Fanatic! 2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 2,805 Drives: things with and without wheels	Try to clean the area where the lens is on the key and the ignition switch. How fresh is the battery in the key?

03-26-2012, 08:40 PM	#4
RobertG MBWorld Fanatic! 2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 2,805 Drives: things with and without wheels	try to put the key in and out couple of times, you should feel a click then it will let you turn the key to start position.

03-26-2012, 09:04 PM	#6
RobertG MBWorld Fanatic! 2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 2,805 Drives: things with and without wheels	When you put the key in does it click?

03-28-2012, 02:12 PM	#9
nsolot Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 51 Drives: 1999 E320 1971 280SL	I had exactly same problem with one FOB. New batteries did not help. I bought the car new, so backup key works. Thinking about getting a new FOB. How much does the stealer want for a new FOB?

03-28-2012, 04:55 PM	#11
RobertG MBWorld Fanatic! 2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 2,805 Drives: things with and without wheels	Any idea what caused the fob to go out on you?

03-28-2012, 07:49 PM	#13
RobertG MBWorld Fanatic! 2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 2,805 Drives: things with and without wheels	Glass half full

06-19-2012, 10:29 AM	#21
renault12ts Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: UK Posts: 204 Drives: S210 E320 cdi estate 2000	We have a member on a UK forum who repairs the keys for us. If he can't it costs £240...which is about $380 at todays exchange rates.

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