C-Class (W204) 2008 - 2014: C180K, C200K, C230, C280, C300, C350, C200CDI, C220CDI, C320CDI

Keyfob hard to remove from ignition

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Old Jan 15, 2025 | 12:23 PM
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Shadedmoon's Avatar
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Mercedes C230 1997 W202
Keyfob hard to remove from ignition

Hi,
My keyfob is hard to pull out of the ignition on my w204 2008.
Anyone know what are common reasons for this?

Additional info:
- Equally hard to pull out the fob for both two keyfobs I have (shifter in park).
- Dry lubrication of the ignition insides done, no difference
- Cleaned the keys and the inside of the ignition "barrel" with no difference

Thankful for any info regarding this. It ia like the barrel isn't recognizing the key is in position 0 in the ignition lock. I have not read out codes yet. Thanks.

// Daniel
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Old Jan 16, 2025 | 10:36 PM
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From: Pennsylvania, US
2008 C300 4Matic
Originally Posted by Shadedmoon
Hi,
My keyfob is hard to pull out of the ignition on my w204 2008.
Anyone know what are common reasons for this?

Additional info:
- Equally hard to pull out the fob for both two keyfobs I have (shifter in park).
- Dry lubrication of the ignition insides done, no difference
- Cleaned the keys and the inside of the ignition "barrel" with no difference

Thankful for any info regarding this. It ia like the barrel isn't recognizing the key is in position 0 in the ignition lock. I have not read out codes yet. Thanks.

// Daniel
How hard? These key fobs are notorious for being semi difficult to pull out all the time, it’s just how they are.
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Old Jan 17, 2025 | 02:40 AM
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Mercedes C230 1997 W202
Ok, perhaps it is normal but doesn't feel Mercedes premium. The keys are chromed and I have found the fingers slipping on them as i try to take them out of the ignition. Need to grip them on the flat sides instead of the edges.

Read a lot about the stwering lock issues, but perhaps this is not related and a non-issue? Just thinking an older person would be strugggling with the force needed from the fingers to jyst get the key and lock it for the night. :-)
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Old Jan 17, 2025 | 07:18 AM
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From: Pennsylvania, US
2008 C300 4Matic
Originally Posted by Shadedmoon
Ok, perhaps it is normal but doesn't feel Mercedes premium. The keys are chromed and I have found the fingers slipping on them as i try to take them out of the ignition. Need to grip them on the flat sides instead of the edges.

Read a lot about the stwering lock issues, but perhaps this is not related and a non-issue? Just thinking an older person would be strugggling with the force needed from the fingers to jyst get the key and lock it for the night. :-)
It’s one of those things you just get used to. It’s less about how much force you use, and more about how consistent you use it. If you pull somewhat firmly for a second or two, it’ll usually pop out without needing to really pull on them.

To test your steering lock (ESL), put the key in the ignition after having your car locked. If you hear the click and almost like a whirring sound immediately, it’s still working correctly.
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Old Jan 17, 2025 | 11:30 AM
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2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
probably they changed it with an aftermarket one during repair
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Old Jan 17, 2025 | 11:56 AM
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Mercedes C230 1997 W202
Thanks for the replies. Will try the tugging technique later.

Wish a nice weekend.
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Old Jan 25, 2025 | 05:58 PM
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Mercedes C230 1997 W202
Update:
I tried the long pull and it helps a bit. I do not know if it is a related issue but turning the key from position 0 ton1 has some resistance too. Like small notch inside of the mechanism of the ignition lock.


To sort the key removal, I think I will attach a strap to use as additional leverage when removing the key.
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