When I first got my 94 c220, the first owner gave me 2 keys only. Both of them doesn't work with any of the doors. I can only use it to start the engine. The only thing that makes my door lock and unlock was the remote alarm that came with the car.

I'm just wondering, is there any way for me to make the key work on the door just in case of any emergency or something goes wrong with the remote that came with it. Any info or advice will be a great help. Thanks in advance.

 

Did he replace the ignition?

It should be a universal key, unless he gave you two valet keys?

have you tried to lube the door locks?

 

the chances are that ignition switch has been replaced with the incorrect one. MB supply switches for the VIN number of the car.

Do the keys turn in the door locks

 

nope, it's not turning the door locks. that's one of my issues. I can start the car with the key I have no problem at all. But I can't lock and unlock the door. I tried to turn it as hard as I can, I almost broke the key.

There's a possibility that it could be the valet key. So I don't know what my options are.

 

I have the 99 C230K and when my battery died and I went to use the keys, something that I had never used before, they were (2 keys & remotes) very difficult to use.

I had always used the remote to open the doors or the trunk.

I had to apply a pair of pliers to the key to turn it.

That was after I had talked to a service tech. I can't really recommend forcing the key to turn, but that is what I had to do.

If they slide into the door/trunk, turning them was a little frightening because I was afraid I might break the key off in the lock.

A real bear to say the least.

 

You can can get little plastic blanking plugs that push into the key slot to keep the dirt and water out

 

Sounds scary and I don't think I want to try that unless I'm really in a deep $hI+ situation.

 

I don't see how this helps my problem. I don't have any problem with dirt or water. my key just won't work on the key hole

 

Hey, rfoo, what I did was to call around to a few shops/dealers and told them my story. They help me to try just a dab harder. Otherwise, if you have free towing you might want to take it in -

or

Tell them your on the road (well, you are! ;>) and can they give a guy a break. Tears help.

Have you used the keys before this? I am beginning to think that it is similar to a rust problem. You might want to try spraying in a little graphite - though I never did it myself. Maybe a little on the key itself. Cost about $2.

 

will do. Will try that see what happens. I hope it works because in case it won't, I have to ask the dealership to reprogram the whole thing and give me a new set of keys which is expensive.