Hi everyone,

I am currently under lockdown and after three weeks, I decided to start my car up to go to the shops. I pressed unlock button, red light on remote flashed but the doors did not unlock. I changed the battery for the remote. This had no effect. Unlocked door manually and inserted key into ignition. I heard a the usual sounds, but key wouldn't turn.

Called roadside assist to jump start. After two hours of attempts, key would still not turn. Once they had left, I mange to turn the key, but it only turned on display and the engine fan.

The remote opens and locks from time to time, but key generally does not turn in ignition.

I have checked fuses, they all seem to be fine.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

I have also checked the infra-red.

 

I have reset the key by inserting it into the ignition, holding lock for 10 seconds, removing and pressing unlock 5 times. It seems to have fixed the locking issue. Still won't turn in ignition and when it does, it does not turn the engine.

 

It sounds like you may have a bad ignition switch.

 

I’m not sure if this might help but I had a similar issue occur to me a while ago where my key would only unlock my car after several attempts. I knew it wasn’t the battery since it the little red light on the key fob would turn on. The key would also not want to turn when inserted into the ignition. It would take me several attempts to finally get it to turn. It was annoying, embarrassing, and frustrating. The issue I had was that my key fob had filled up with lint deep inside blocking the signal. I opened up my key, took the small module out (be careful with it), and cleaned the lint inside. I was so close to buying a new ignition switch but this did the trick. Hopefully you have the same issue and nothing major 👍🏼

 

Isn't that wild how something like that can happen? Your story is a testament to how powerful these forums truly are.

How many people do you think have spent thousands of dollars on "fixing" lint?

 

We tend to overthink problems and overlook the simplest things. With Mercedes parts not being the cheapest, it’s helpful to have forums like these in order to save every penny you can to keep our cars running strong. 💪🏼

 

Isn't that the truth?!

 

Checked for lint, changed the battery (it was 5 years old). Still no luck. Having it towed today and I will update.

 

Rob,

Any update.. I am living through the exact same situation.. Mine doesn't seem to be syncing after pulling fuses to repair a different small situation (checked to make sure they are in and good). Turned on perfect 10 min earlier..

 

Howdy,

Thanks for all of the advice.

It turned out to be a key programming issue. The key looked pretty shoddy, so I got a new set.

I'll be back.