HELP!!! Key / Mechanical Issue! Car won't Start
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
'08 C300
HELP!!! Key / Mechanical Issue! Car won't Start
I purchased a '08 C300 approximately 2 years ago and was only given one key when purchasing the car.
I may or may not have dropped my car keys in the snow a couple of times in the winter, where the FOB (unlocking, locking, trunk) was slowly starting to deteriorate to the point where it would slowly completely stop working. As a result, I have been locking/unlocking my car with the manual key that comes out.
I thought this was a minor issue and did not want to take it to the dealer to be charged a ridiculous amount.
Fast forward a couple months and I tried going into my car this morning, put my key into the ignition as normal and there was no "startup sound". I thought this was very strange, and when turning the key there is absolutely nothing at all. The engine isn't moving or making any sounds at all. The foot brake seemed to tense up as well. The radio and electric powered seats are still operating fine. After some time the dash goes dark, but when I reinsert the key it lights back up. It is also making a very faint "beeping" sound when I'm turning the key
Does anyone have any idea what this may be? A key issue? A mechanical issue?
I appreciate any help and any leads. Not too sure to call over a key replacement guy or to call CAA to bring it to a mechanic.
I may or may not have dropped my car keys in the snow a couple of times in the winter, where the FOB (unlocking, locking, trunk) was slowly starting to deteriorate to the point where it would slowly completely stop working. As a result, I have been locking/unlocking my car with the manual key that comes out.
I thought this was a minor issue and did not want to take it to the dealer to be charged a ridiculous amount.
Fast forward a couple months and I tried going into my car this morning, put my key into the ignition as normal and there was no "startup sound". I thought this was very strange, and when turning the key there is absolutely nothing at all. The engine isn't moving or making any sounds at all. The foot brake seemed to tense up as well. The radio and electric powered seats are still operating fine. After some time the dash goes dark, but when I reinsert the key it lights back up. It is also making a very faint "beeping" sound when I'm turning the key
Does anyone have any idea what this may be? A key issue? A mechanical issue?
I appreciate any help and any leads. Not too sure to call over a key replacement guy or to call CAA to bring it to a mechanic.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 848
Likes: 87
From: Milwaukee, WI USA
2012 C300 4Matic
"I may or may not have dropped my car keys in the snow a couple of times in the winter"? You mean you DID drop them in the snow a couple times. Doesn't seem like something you would be confused on.
Sounds like you might have two issues. One is probably just the battery in the fob needs to be replaced. Try that first and see if you can lock/unlock the car again with the fob.
The not starting issue could just be you need a new battery in the car. Whe was it last replaced. It isn't unusual with cars these days to have it working perfectly fine one day and then nothing the next.
Sounds like you might have two issues. One is probably just the battery in the fob needs to be replaced. Try that first and see if you can lock/unlock the car again with the fob.
The not starting issue could just be you need a new battery in the car. Whe was it last replaced. It isn't unusual with cars these days to have it working perfectly fine one day and then nothing the next.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 613
Likes: 294
From: Republic of Texas
W203 W212 W211 R53MCS
It sounds like you have a problem with the steering lock unit. It is a very common issue with these cars. It could also be as simple as a key. A quick scan of the electronic ignition switch should turn up a code for steering lock mechanical malfunction.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 613
Likes: 294
From: Republic of Texas
W203 W212 W211 R53MCS
It sounds like you have a problem with the steering lock unit. It is a very common issue with these cars. It could also be as simple as a key. A quick scan of the electronic ignition switch should turn up a code for steering lock mechanical malfunction.
