2006 E320CDI Ignition Key stiff rotation and no spring back when engine started

[Stocho]

Hi,

The ignition key is quite stiff when inserting, moving to position I, then position II. It is also stiff when moved from II to the Starter and it appears to stay stuck in Starter (though the starter does stop as soon as the engine is started). I believe that it is not some mechanical stiffness, I think when it operates as it should there is some sort of power assistance (that is a feeling I have on my E320 CDI 2007).

This problem is on a car that still has some other problems but I fully charged the battery with high quality charger (CTEK) so I do not believe that it is battery charge related or to be related to the other problems. ( 2006 E320CDI not used for months, when started serpentine belt smoked and snapped, alternator appears to be seized | Engine )

 

[OneForTheRoad]

Try another key .

 

[Gbrowncls55]

Probably will need a new EIS unit. ( about £550 plus fitting and coding on my wifes SL 3 months ago) But there may be an electronics secialist who may be able to repair it. Sombody on here may know.

 

[Gbrowncls55]

just seen the earlier post that says the car has not beeen used for months. In which case is may just be a little siezed. First port of call would be to keep turning it on and off to see if that frees in in due course. You could disconnect the battery whilst you do this to stop the engine starting every time