George993

Hello, so it has happened - my 2000 E320 is totally dead - as no +12V anywhere, except at the battery. Nothing works - not door locks, not remote, no recognition of the ignition key, unable to turn the ignition key etc.

The problem was caused by slightly turning the ignition key in the ignition switch and withdrawing it. The car has worn blocking plastic which prevents the ignition key from falling out from the switch when the engine is running, so for years I have been withdrawing the key and putting it aside after starting the car. And putting it back into ignition switch to turn it off.

Now I have withdrawn the key too soon - the engine has not started yet. But the key turned a bit, enough to completely disconnect the power to the car. So there is no power coming to the ignition switch and I'm not able to turn the ignition, as my key is not recognized.

Any ideas on how to fix it? How and where to provide +12V to the ignition switch to enable it to bypass the normal circuitry which now is disabled, and to recognize the key? Has the immobilizer cut out the power to everything somewhere, and where, and how to bypass that cut off? Any other ideas?

thanks!

George993

To add - none of the electric devices have sufficient power to operate (unable to turn on any lights, unable to put gear in neutral etc). But it seems that the ignition cluster is receiving a very low voltage - it is possible to see (very dimly lit) warning lights which turn on when the ignition is turned but the engine is not running. So a very strange "in between" condition.

Battery a solid 12.55V with/without car connection

Please put on your best thinking caps!!!!

George993

I removed the ignition switch and have sent it for repairs - probably the best first step