SheryarYO

Had a decent day today so decided to wash the car in the driveway. Took it out of the garage and parked it and immediately sensed something was wrong.

Key won't lock/unlock the car. When I put the key into the ignition, nothing happens. Same for when I try turning the key. Lights still turn on and everything so I'm not sure what's going on. I tried unhooking the battery for a few min and hooking it back up, but the same problem persists. Can't move the car at all currently and it's blocking my whole driveway.

On an unrelated note, my speakers stopped working a little while ago. Not sure if it's related or not, but I checked the fuse last night for the speakers and there was nothing wrong with it.

Anyone have any idea what's going on and what I can do to fix it ASAP?

m a x i m u s

Maybe your key battery is dead. Did you try using the spare?

rentzington

I was thinking the same thing, try a different key or replace the battery.

SheryarYO

As far as I know, even if the key battery dies, it should still be able to start the car since I don't think the battery is used in that process at all, but rather the laser in the key is.

Mort

Check/charge your battery. When battery voltage drops below a certain level the starting circuit of the car is disabled. The starter solenoid will not even click so you have no idea what is going on. There will still be enough juice to run the lights but not enough to enable the starting circuit. Place to start to find out why the car will not turn over.

m a x i m u s

Not trying to argue with you, but what is that key laser powered by then?

roadtalontsi

probably the steering lock. Theo keys will start the car when inserted manually into the ignition switch even with dead batteries. Do you by any chance have a different mercedes? if so try putting that key in the car and see if it tells you "key not for this car" that will pretty much confirm it needs a steering lock. what year is your car? this is alot more common on 08-09 cars.

ToXicXxX

Inductive current transfer.

Ever taken the steering column off a Benzo? You'll see what I mean

When I had my 63 my key died mid drive... Stupid chime went off continuously until I pulled over, couldn't just put the key in. Had to stop the car, and manually turn it on with the key. But no issues with that.

Also, the battery these keys use are somewhat harder to find then they should be, I had to hit up 3 stores.

jvanbrecht

Yeah, my steering column was replaced for the issue.

m a x i m u s

Interesting, good to know. Thanks for the info. I managed to find my battery at a drug store (CVS). The battery for one of my watches was a different story ... had to research it and order online, but I digress.

ToXicXxX

Well theres your problem, watches shouldn't run on batteries!

SheryarYO

i have a feeling this is the issue. haven't been home since yesterday so i can't verify it yet, but do you mind telling me what the cost was to get it repaired?

jvanbrecht

Fortunately, I was under warranty, but I am guessing... a lot

I don't have the paperwork as I am on travel, and not sure I could even find it right now (a lot of house renovations means stuff got moved around)

ToXicXxX

I just replaced one in a 2012 ML, they broke the stalk accidentally.

$948 part (fully loaded ML, more features), 3.3hr labour (book value, do-able in 1hr).

rentzington

Amen! Automatic watches are the best ....as long as you keep them moving

SheryarYO

Actually, the more I read into it, the less I'm sure that I have the same problem.

Can you describe your symptoms for me? Did your car crank at all, but wouldn't start? Did the key still lock/unlock the car?

SheryarYO

Just tried the second key and it worked. Meant to try the original key again, but forgot to before I left. Not sure why it didn't work. In my previous car, when the battery died I could still open the door using the metal blade key and then stick the car key into the ignition and still start it.

Not sure if something's changed or what.

ToXicXxX

Wasn't my car. I work on Benzo's I drive a BMW now haha.

The customer slipped on ice and ripped the turn signal stalk off is all, so they couldn't signal. Thats why I replaced it.