Can't start my 99 C230, Electronic Ignition doesn't unlock

Mar 2, 2005 | 01:11 PM

nycaznmike

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Can't start my 99 C230, Electronic Ignition doesn't unlock

i parked my car last wk and yesterday when i went to the car, it woun't start...

my remote unlocked the doors however, when i put the electronic key into the hole, i can't turn the key (the electronic lock doesn't disengage)

what do i do? i have to move my car for alternate side parking tomorrow

Mar 2, 2005 | 02:13 PM

sosh

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From: Philadelphia area

2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2

Try another key. Yours may have failed.

Mar 2, 2005 | 02:25 PM

nycaznmike

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i only have one key!

another key would cost me a few hundred

anyother solutions like changing out the battery? or removing the car batter momentarily?

Mar 2, 2005 | 08:29 PM

sosh

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From: Philadelphia area

2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2

Quote:

Originally Posted by nycaznmike

i only have one key!

another key would cost me a few hundred

anyother solutions like changing out the battery? or removing the car batter momentarily?

Yhay won't do it and may cause even moreproblems with everything having to be reset. Try cleaning the lens on the end of the key. Other than that no one can help you other than a dealer. Why only one key??

Mar 3, 2005 | 09:02 AM

nycaznmike

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i only got one key with the car when i bought it...

i guess i'll have to order another key for it ...

but for now, how can i move the car?

I need to move it for alternate side street cleaning regulations

How can i override the shift lock and put it into neutral so i can push it across the street?

thanks sosh,

michael

Mar 3, 2005 | 10:25 AM

sosh

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From: Philadelphia area

2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2

Have it towed to the dealer. The key is likely to be the problem but only a dealer can tell you for sure. There should be a "hidden" release for the shift at the rear of the lever on the consol. You put a ball pen into it and that should release the lever so you can move it out of Park. At least thats how it is on the E Class and ML. Or, you can have the City tow it to their lot and have more fun getting it out and fixed.

Mar 3, 2005 | 10:50 AM

nycaznmike

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thanks sosh, i'll look for that shift release hole when i get home

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Mar 5, 2005 | 08:06 PM

Gullwing

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From: Las Vegas

1987 190E 2.3

It may not be the key, it still locks and unlocks the car. It is probably the ignition switch, try beating on the dash around the ignition switch it may wake up.

Mar 11, 2005 | 07:27 AM

#10

patrick

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From: Belgium

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gullwing

...It may not be the key, it still locks and unlocks the car...

Does that mean that it cannot be the key???????

For me the way the car is locked or unlocked is totally different from how the recognizing of the key in the EIS works. It are just two separate systems.

Mar 26, 2005 | 03:38 AM

#11

PaCMaYNE

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Quote:

Originally Posted by nycaznmike

dont leave us hangin i wanna know what happened..... in case it ever happens to me

Mar 29, 2005 | 03:56 AM

#12

MB Tech - USA

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It's probably the key, and the key batteries have nothing to do with the vehicle starting. The EIS (electronic ignition switch) induces a current into the key when inserted into the EIS. The key batteries are only for unlocking and locking.

Did your key go for a swim? or a jump?

Last edited by MB Tech - USA; Mar 29, 2005 at 07:45 PM.