jessicac230

I have a 1998 C230 with a smart key.
I came home from work, turned the car off and when I took the key out I didn't here that clasp or click noise I always here when I take my key out. So I put my key back in to try and start the car, and the ignition will not start. There is no clasp or click noise when I put the key in or try to turn it. What could this be?
A couple of times it actually started but when the revs came back down it just died out, and it countinued with it's problem. No click or clasp noise when I put the key in, car will not start.
I've tried disconnecting the battery to reset, did not work. I've checked fuses whether or not it's was that, all are fine.
Please help!!! Is this minor? major? something I can fix? Helppp! Anything from being taken advantage of at the dealership.
Thanks!!

040mercedes

hmm...my educated guess sounds like you have one of two possible problems. First one could be the key itself, if you have an extra set, try using it to start the car. Another could possibly be the ignition switch itself. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that's going to be $$$ if that's the case. I know you wanted to avoid the dealer but if no one else knows the answer you might have to swallow the bullet.

DougandhisC280

I had this same problem on my car. The ignition tumbler must be drilled out and replaced with a new one. Cost me $587 to get this done at an independent shop. Dealer wanted $750.

Sorry for the bad news.

jessicac230

Yes I tried using my spare keys and it did not work so I know it's not the keys. That $$$ stinks. Thanks for your help!

trbo2nr

Sorry to hear that. Another thing for us to look forward to. I once heard someone say not to use a lot of keys on the ignition as it can sometimes
cause problems (just by the weight of the keys). Not sure how true that
is......

scorchie

A shop in Europe (mail me for the name if anyone would like to take their car there) showed me a really cool tool and let me borrow it. It slides over the ignition and just snaps it off. Takes like 2 seconds to remove the housing. You can then pull the cylinder out and replace the housing easily. I checked here in the US and the tool is around $160. The parts for the ignition vary by the car and year (for instance, the OP here would not want her ignition drilled out, since she has a smart key... it just unscrews very easily).

-s-

scorchie

If the car starts and then later dies, it is definitely a problem in the drive authorization. Which means, it is either the key, the ignition assembly, or the CANBUS communication (which other posters have pretty much pointed out). Since you have tried other keys, it is most likely the ignition switch or the wiring to it... also check the fuses!

-s-

trbo2nr

I think ZDMac or ZDMak makes them and run $35 on places like ebay.

Update:

MB Tools Link

jessicac230

That makes sense as far as the drilling. But another question. (of course I don't know much) If the ignition switch is replaced, is there any type of programming that is involved that would make me have to take the car to the dealership?

Basically, if your not the dealer can you still fix the igntion switch without having that dang dealer computer or whatever it is?

I have had plenty of bad expierences,(others I know as well) at the dealership and try to avoid it at all costs.
I heard that MB is trying to make it where you MUST take the car to the dealer because of their key codes and computers. Is this bull?

DougandhisC280

Mine wasn't smart key. You will probably have to take it to the dealer to get it reprogrammed.

On a side note: I'm changing my name to Jessica so I can get numerous quick responses when I need help.

jessicac230

funny funny! i've never used these things I just need help real bad.

jnolte

you need to go to the dealership to get this fixed. this ihappendt to my C43. They will install a new ignition and they have to use a Green Key on it, only the dealership has this.

i got it done for really really good price, but i got a buddy at the dealershi[p

jessicac230

awww man! Well lucky you with the hook up. I'll be sure to hold in my tears when messing with those jerks. Thanks for all your help!

mbbodytech

Jessica, your question about keys and the dealer, it's not bull after all. Don't get me wrong, I don't like shiesty dealers one bit, but the only thing that independants don't get when they buy all of the diagnostic equipment is drive authorization access. Which includes things like keys. Hopefully wherever you are there is a good dealer who will take care of you, not just try to take you for a ride.

Let us know how it turns out, I hope for the better!!

scorchie

Those aren't the correct tools. Those are for when your keys DO work.

-s-

scorchie

We're hardly a dealership and not even really an independent, but we do have access to drive authorization through Star Diagnosis and FDOK.

I would say there are other things that are not normally included for independents, but I can't recall what they are at this time.

But we certainly can program keys and tracks.

-s-

tpliquid

thats a nice G class. i wouldl ike to look at it in person

scorchie

Can you bring the E500 over right now? I need to test something with it. Thanks.

-s-

fazooley

I love girls that drive benzes; lol


fazooley

jessicac230

Hey people! Just an update. Got my car fixed a while back. Only the dealership could fix it since they are the only ones with that green card to reprogram. They relaced the ignition switch, parts and labor came to a total of 600.00. And by the way, they said my mass airflow sensor needed to be replaced. Apparantly when you pressed the gas, my car would pick up very little if any. That was another 600.00. Next, I got my car back from the dealership, they didn't pop the column back in, and they didn't even bother to check if everything was operational.
On my way home I noticed that my odometer light was not working. They never told me, they didn't bring it to my attention. Nothing. So I go back, tell them the problem. They said my light just burned out and I need to replace the others too. That would be $120 to replace the lights in my dash, and by the way, "your light is working now, but they still need to be replaced." Told them "So my odometer light just happened to go out at the same moment I brought my car here, but now it works." You know what they said? "YES." This is Park Place Mercedes. HATE THEM WITH A PASSION!! I took off without paying $120, and my dash lights have been working since. Go figure. They make me want to buy a dang Acura. Good luck to anyone who has this problem! Thanks.

jessicac230

You were absolutely right! Thanks for your help.

trbo2nr

Vent away. We've all been there at some point. Glad you're back on the road!

DougandhisC280

I wish you had said something about the air mass meter first. The part is only about $200 and you could have easily changed it yourself in just a couple minutes. I'm not kidding.

jessicac230

Oh man, don't tell me that! I had found someone who was going to change that sensor for $400.00. I shelled out the extra $200 just to get it all over with at the same place. Had I known it was that big of savings, I would have burnt off with out it. But hey, now I know how you guys are so helpful, this is now one of the places I look to before heading out to the last resort. Those poo poo heads. Seriously though, I'm really looking into those Acura's. You think they're worth it?

shorthair

Acura was hands down the most reliable car I have ever owned. (I have owned GM, Ford, Nissan, Honda, Acura, MB) For me MB has that "je ne sais quois" that Acura doesn't.

Go for a test ride. It can't hurt.