New member with locked ignition problem
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Newbie
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 1
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Clk320
New member with locked ignition problem
Hi I'm new to the forum.
My name's Michelle. I'm 46 and a single mother of a teenage girl, Haleigh.
I have a 98 clk320. One evening after going to the e.r in super fridgid weather. My key fobs not unlocking my doors. So I use the "key which I pull down out of my fob". I unlock the door and put my fob into the ignition .......and......nothing! Steerings locked up. Car is locked in park, the key fob will not even turn. At all!! Has this happened to anyone? Ideas? Pls help me troubleshoot this. I miss my car!! Thanks, michelle
My name's Michelle. I'm 46 and a single mother of a teenage girl, Haleigh.
I have a 98 clk320. One evening after going to the e.r in super fridgid weather. My key fobs not unlocking my doors. So I use the "key which I pull down out of my fob". I unlock the door and put my fob into the ignition .......and......nothing! Steerings locked up. Car is locked in park, the key fob will not even turn. At all!! Has this happened to anyone? Ideas? Pls help me troubleshoot this. I miss my car!! Thanks, michelle
Newbie
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: The Netherlands.
CLK 230 Kompressor Coupe
Hello Michelle; My name is Wil and I live in the Netherlands (Europe) and I think I've got the same problem with my car, a mercedes CLK 230. No unlocking of the doors and the trunk , and no ignition. Steering locked up also. So I hope that there is any solution for our problem, for I got only one key. Greetz Wil / Gudeberg.
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,966
Likes: 1,315
From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
Either your key's circuit board has failed (bad solder joint, etc) or the EIS (the ignition switch) in the car has failed.
The key fob has both Infra Red (IR) and Radio Frequency (RF) communications with the car. If neither works to unlock the car, I lean towards the two items above. The IR works with the door control unit.
On the key fob is a small LED located just above the "lock button" that is a battery check lamp; if the LED lights up when pressing the lock/unlock button for more than one second that indicates the battery in the key fob is good.
Verify the IR in your key fob by pointing the end of the fob at your cell phone's digital camera and depress the lock/unlock button. If the key fob is functional, you'll see the infra-red LED on the screen of your phone. Be sure to clean the end of the key fob as well.
If the key fob as best as you can tell is good and you do not have a spare key, you're looking at a trip to the dealer as advanced troubleshooting of the digital modules is required. The dealer can verify if you have a failed key fob or a failed EIS module. Pray for the fob as the EIS is a theft-relevant part and much more expensive.
The key fob has both Infra Red (IR) and Radio Frequency (RF) communications with the car. If neither works to unlock the car, I lean towards the two items above. The IR works with the door control unit.
On the key fob is a small LED located just above the "lock button" that is a battery check lamp; if the LED lights up when pressing the lock/unlock button for more than one second that indicates the battery in the key fob is good.
Verify the IR in your key fob by pointing the end of the fob at your cell phone's digital camera and depress the lock/unlock button. If the key fob is functional, you'll see the infra-red LED on the screen of your phone. Be sure to clean the end of the key fob as well.
If the key fob as best as you can tell is good and you do not have a spare key, you're looking at a trip to the dealer as advanced troubleshooting of the digital modules is required. The dealer can verify if you have a failed key fob or a failed EIS module. Pray for the fob as the EIS is a theft-relevant part and much more expensive.
Newbie
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: The Netherlands.
CLK 230 Kompressor Coupe
Thanks bbirdwell. I think that my key fob is ok. The red led works and the IR also. So I think it must be the EIS module. I can not drive anymore, so I want the ignition switch to get out and go with it (and the key fob) to a SMARTKEY doctor in the Netherlands who told me that he can check the switch and maybe repair it. My problem at this moment is how to get the switch out of the dashboard. I was told to remove the upper console first. And I am almost done, but I am still searching the 3 screws on both sides to remove the under dash parts. .Any way thanks for your answer, greetz Wil.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 209
From: Boston North Shore
2001 CLK320 Cabrio
In order for your car to start, the the drive authorization system (DAS) must be working properly, which is explained in great detail, in the above document.
Unfortunately, diagnosing, trouble shooting and repair of the DAS system is not a DIY endeavor, as it requires specialized knowledge and equipment.
As explained above, the pair of coin cell batteries in your FOB are for the remote control of the central locking system and has absolutely nothing to do with drive authorization.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 65
Likes: 7
Thanks, bbirdwell. I think that my key fob is ok. The red LED works and the IR also. So I think it must be the EIS module. I can not drive anymore, so I want the ignition switch to get out and go with it (and the key fob) to a SMARTKEY doctor in the Netherlands who told me that he can check the switch and maybe repair it. My problem at this moment is how to get the switch out of the dashboard. I was told to remove the upper console first, and I am almost done, but I am still searching for the 3 screws on both sides to remove the under-dash parts. I also came across https://intoxalock.pissedconsumer.com/review.html while looking for guidance. Any way thanks for your answer, greetings Wil.
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Super Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 538
Likes: 89
From: Hollywood, CA
W209, W124
Hi, In very cold weather, Mercedes CLK320 key fobs and electronic steering locks can freeze. Try gently wiggling the steering wheel left and right while turning the key, check that the car is fully in park, and see if a spare key fob works. Warming the key and fob indoors for a few minutes can help. If it still won’t turn, the ignition lock actuator or electronic system may need professional service.
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