Alan B

Hello all,

Lately, the keys on our C320 do not turn as easily to start the car as they used to. In fact, sometimes they do not start the car and we also get a series of beeps. However, so far we have been lucky and just turn the key left and then back to the right, and the car starts.

Has anyone else experienced this and if so, what was the problem and how was it fixed?

Thanks.

jh320

Lately I've been having key problems, too, but mine is at the other end of the cycle. Frequently when I shut down the engine stops, but the switch stays in the accessory position even after removing the key. Then, of course, I get a "REMOVE KEY!" message. Inserting the key and removing it once or twice finally shuts everything down. The key has also become difficult to remove, like it's hanging up on something, and has to be jiggled a bit.

I thought perhaps the problem was key specific, but it happens with my spare key as well. I've been so busy that I haven't had time to get my car in, but I'm betting that a new ignition switch will be required. Fortunately, it's still under warranty. I just hope I don't have to fight with the dealer about whether that's covered like I did with my last problem, but that's a story for another time! I searched the forums and founds a couple of posts about similar problems. Are key problems in general a known issue?

Ronald1265

I am having problems turning my key to start my car. Sometimes it locks and will not turn and after turning repeatedly the dash board goes blank. Has anyone experience this problems and does anyone know how this can be fixed? My car is a 2002 SLK 230 Mercedes Benz. Thanks!

SmilerMick

I have the same problem with my 2002 s320, i get the feeling it has something to do with the replacement of the gear shifter module by the mercedes dealer ( replaced because it kept getting stuck in P )

John McLane

I'm a newbie, but the same thing happened to me last weekend, the remove key message after the key was out and the key got stuck in. Might be a coincidence, but happened after I used the remote to close the sunroof...

kevblah

I'm not sure exactly what's wrong, but have you tried doing the 'quick-start' with the key?

s1mple

does your car stop while you are driving? if it is, it is most likely the "crank position sensor." i have had this problem on my 01 C320 also. many others on this forum has had the crank sensor fail.

alexhui

Hello All,
how do I do a "quick-start" with the smart key?

Normally, I can turn key to position #3 quickly, then engine starts immediately.

Has anyone experience a "delay" in order to start engine?My problem is:
If I try to start engine by quickly turning key to position #3 (crank position), it crank once, then it shuts off.

Currently, I have 2 workaround:
Workaround #1. Turn key to position #2 and leave it there for a few seconds (Normal On position), then I can quickly turn key position #3 & let go. (crank position), and engine will start immediately.

Workaround #2. Turn key to position #3 and HOLD for few seconds, then it will start on second time. (First, it will crank and die. Then nothing happens for 6 seconds. Then it will crank again and start engine normally. Then I release my key and return to ON position #2.

Many Thanks!!

2002 C-class C240 W203

Saprissa

Alan B / jh320
what year are your C320 Wagons ???