key wont turn
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 665
Likes: 1
From: springfield,mass
2001 clk 320
key wont turn
For the past couple weeks now the key switch acts up.I gotta play wit it to make that little unlocking noise to turn the car on.how can I tell if its the swtich or not? Thanks
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: London, GB
RHD C200 Sport Coupe, RHD SLK-55, LHD SLK-350
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 665
Likes: 1
From: springfield,mass
2001 clk 320
Will try to change the battery to the key and c if that works.it just started do n it a couple weeks ago here and there.yesterday while on break I tried the key 3 times and it worked fine everytime.will try it again on break to c what happens.I'm gonna pay attention to time delay.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 369
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From: Germany
c200k
I just had the EIS swapped out (w203). You take it to the dealer (and you can remove some of the diagnostics costs if you exactly document the symptoms. I listed mine in another thread, so you can search for them. Just note yours, provided it is the EIS or something similar. They will still do a diagnostic test, and might be something different. If it is an EIS, I included details of my w203 repair in the other thread, in Germany.
The keys can be reprogrammed to the new EIS. Smaller or unethical dealers will force you to buy new keys at 280 euros a piece. Unnecessary. Some forum members will insist on it, since they got ripped off. I got my car back earlier in the week. The dealer stressed that the keys can always be reprogrammed.
The keys can be reprogrammed to the new EIS. Smaller or unethical dealers will force you to buy new keys at 280 euros a piece. Unnecessary. Some forum members will insist on it, since they got ripped off. I got my car back earlier in the week. The dealer stressed that the keys can always be reprogrammed.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 665
Likes: 1
From: springfield,mass
2001 clk 320
No I don't have a warranty,one of my boys has a clk for parts so hopefully I can just get that for free and then just get programmed a few miles away.I'm hoping its something I can fix myself at the dealer parking lot or close by and have them tow it there for me.
One thing I haven't tried do n was cleaning the red eye.I saw in another thread that it can be caused by the eye being dirty.
A few questions,if the switch is go n bad.is there n e other symptoms other then the steering not unlocking and also can my key cause this to be happening?its kinda beat up.
One thing I haven't tried do n was cleaning the red eye.I saw in another thread that it can be caused by the eye being dirty.
A few questions,if the switch is go n bad.is there n e other symptoms other then the steering not unlocking and also can my key cause this to be happening?its kinda beat up.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 665
Likes: 1
From: springfield,mass
2001 clk 320
a couple days ago i saw a diy thread on changing the internals from an old key fob to another newer key fob.so this morning after getting out of work i hit up harbor freight for some tiny pliers which werent really needed.i was scared to even attmpt this but i had faith that i could (get her done)lol.
1.first thing i did was took the door key out of the fob.
2.use the key to take out the battery from in the fob.
3.take something that can fit between the motherboard and that little white piece thats kinda like a spacer.it has 2 studs that hold the motherboard in place.
4.just take one side out by lifting up one side and sliding the side of the piece out.
5.now with some small pliers u can slide the motherboard out.
6.get a cotton swab and clean any dust,dirt ,ect
7.make sure to get the red lens on the fob.
8.after all clean put the white piece back on the motherboard and slide back in.
9.try out your key fob and u should be good to go!
if enough people are interested in do n this and dont dare to do it without pics to guide them i might be able to do it again once i get my new fob in.let me know
1.first thing i did was took the door key out of the fob.
2.use the key to take out the battery from in the fob.
3.take something that can fit between the motherboard and that little white piece thats kinda like a spacer.it has 2 studs that hold the motherboard in place.
4.just take one side out by lifting up one side and sliding the side of the piece out.
5.now with some small pliers u can slide the motherboard out.
6.get a cotton swab and clean any dust,dirt ,ect
7.make sure to get the red lens on the fob.
8.after all clean put the white piece back on the motherboard and slide back in.
9.try out your key fob and u should be good to go!
if enough people are interested in do n this and dont dare to do it without pics to guide them i might be able to do it again once i get my new fob in.let me know
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 19
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clk320
key frob not working
i have a 2001 mod clk320 and i was having the same problem UNTILL I CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD IN THE FUSE BOX AND FOUND THAT FUSE FOR THE STEERING LOCK (I THINK IT WAS SLOT 27) WAS LOOSE so i changed the fuse with a new 1 and bingo all fixed been working as new now for about 6 weeks !!!!!!!!
Junior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: chicago
clk 430 cabriolet
I lost my spare key 5 years ago. So I invested in a new key since I needed one and bingo, it worked. The fuse is another place to look. If those do not work then you need a new EIS which can be costly. Also, try to find a local mechanic you trust. I have had terrible luck with Mercedes dealership. They insisted I tow my car to them for them to even order a new key. As much as I enjoy driving this car with the top down. The engineering for this car as well as the electrical have been awful. If I was not handy, this car would always be in the shop. Very surprising. Anyway, I see why you can buy this car really cheap. Everything breaks down rapidly and either you can fix it, which takes hours just to get to the part, or you can bring it in which will cost a small fortune.....Good luck to future owners, but this is one company that I will not invest another 100K when all is said and done with repairs...
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
clk320
I lost my spare key 5 years ago. So I invested in a new key since I needed one and bingo, it worked. The fuse is another place to look. If those do not work then you need a new EIS which can be costly. Also, try to find a local mechanic you trust. I have had terrible luck with Mercedes dealership. They insisted I tow my car to them for them to even order a new key. As much as I enjoy driving this car with the top down. The engineering for this car as well as the electrical have been awful. If I was not handy, this car would always be in the shop. Very surprising. Anyway, I see why you can buy this car really cheap. Everything breaks down rapidly and either you can fix it, which takes hours just to get to the part, or you can bring it in which will cost a small fortune.....Good luck to future owners, but this is one company that I will not invest another 100K when all is said and done with repairs...
