LWG

My son towed our little jet boat to the ramp yesterday. After he pulled the boat out of the water, he stopped the ML for about 2 minutes. When he came back, the ignition switch would not recognize the key. I had this happen once a year ago, and I pulled the key out and rotated it 180 degrees, and it worked. I suggested that, but it didn't work. When you put the key in, normally the lock recognizes the key and the mirrors start to unfold (if you've programmed them to fold) and the steering column starts to move into position. None of this happened. The key opened the door, and the interior lights were bright, but it was was if there was no key in the ignition. (This is not a Keyless-Go car).

The ML and the boat spent the night at the marina. This morning, we drove over there with my key. The ML started up right away, without any hesitation at all. When we got it home, we did a little testing. My key seems to work flawlessly, and my son's key worked only one out to 10 tries.

As I understand it, the battery in the key is only for the remote locks and tailgate, if so equipped. There is a transponder in the key, and that circuit can fail. And it can fail almost instantly, without dropping, mechanical or water damage.

alx

Have the dealer resync the key. If not successful a new key might be in order. Do not buy blanks off eBay.

Fourdiesel

And this is relevant to the GL forum (on which you posted this message) how?

alx

The drive authorization module is identical- with some very small exceptions.