w203 - c class key won't turn in ignition

mickdw

Mates car let him down last night.
Key doing nothing in ignition. I told him I would have a quick look but apart from checking that the car has adequate battery power to recognise / activate the key, I don't know alot about these.
Is there a Common issue with these that can cause this or anything to check?

biko

There's a difference between battery not working and key not able to turn in ignition.
If key can turn but nothing at all happens it's probably the battery, try jumping it.
If key won't even turn it points to a mechanical issue with the barrel.

mickdw

biko wrote: »

There's a difference between battery not working and key not able to turn in ignition.
If key can turn but nothing at all happens it's probably the battery, try jumping it.
If key won't even turn it points to a mechanical issue with the barrel.

Nah but these are an electronic key. If the car had no battery power, the key is not recognised and will not be enabled to turn in the ignition.

p.e.s.

Is the key a plastic key? If yes. Did you drop the key. I had a Vito with that type of key. I dropped it and the key was knackered. There is a company in limerick that can repair them for about €60. The only problem is you are stuck if you don't have a second key.

mickdw

p.e.s. wrote: »

Is the key a plastic key? If yes. Did you drop the key. I had a Vito with that type of key. I dropped it and the key was knackered. There is a company in limerick that can repair them for about €60. The only problem is you are stuck if you don't have a second key.

2 keys. None work. Trailer to dealer in thinking.

p.e.s.

Yes I think so. The battery in the key only operates the central locking. There is a chip in the key and when you put it into the ign you should hear a solenoid activate. If it doesn't you won't be able to get the car going. If it's an auto. You can't even tow it. Main dealer time.....

p.e.s.

p.e.s. wrote: »

Yes I think so. The battery in the key only operates the central locking. There is a chip in the key and when you put it into the ign you should hear a solenoid activate. If it doesn't you won't be able to get the car going. If it's an auto. You can't even tow it. Main dealer time.....

Any luck getting the merc going

mickdw

p.e.s. wrote: »

Any luck getting the merc going

No. Mates car so when he gets a result, I will let you know.

barneygumble99

could be the starter, they give trouble and not much warning, starter will blow the fuse usually, which is located in the fuse box in the engine bay in the top left corner as you look in at it.

burke027

barneygumble99 wrote: »

could be the starter, they give trouble and not much warning, starter will blow the fuse usually, which is located in the fuse box in the engine bay in the top left corner as you look in at it.

Il put my money on the eis switch which is what the key goes into very common on that model.

MercMad

I'm late to this but you could try resynching the key. It is unusual for it to happen with both keys, but it can and does.

1. Put your key in the ignition and push and hold the lock button while the key is in the ignition. Do not turn the key and do not let go of the lock button.
2. Remove key from the ignition while you are still holding the lock button. Click the unlock button on the fob five times, still holding down the lock button.
3. Remove your finger from the lock button and your key should be reset.

If that doesn't work its your EIS (electronic ignition switch)

mickdw

A mechanic took away the keys and the ignition unit and returned with it recoded. Working now.
Not my car so dont know the full details