E-Class intermittent key fob problem.

[tamrsoft]

I have a 2001 E220 CDi and occassionally when I insert the key fob into the ignition the auto steering unlock mechanism does not actuate and consequently the key cannot be turned. The problem eventually clears and the car starts OK. This problem is intermittent. I have checked the batteries and they are OK (although I believe the batteries are only used for the remote locking and not ignition control). Has anyone experienced this sort of problem and has an answer to it.

 

[Brian WH]

I have a 2001 E220 CDi and occassionally when I insert the key fob into the ignition the auto steering unlock mechanism does not actuate and consequently the key cannot be turned. The problem eventually clears and the car starts OK. This problem is intermittent. I have checked the batteries and they are OK (although I believe the batteries are only used for the remote locking and not ignition control). Has anyone experienced this sort of problem and has an answer to it.

A lot of us have suffered tis at one time or another.

Just take the key out and reinsert, as the ignition is not activating. If it persists could be a new barrel is needed.

 

[Shude]

You might want to check that the ignition slot and the fob are clean where they connect - there is some transaction that goes on through that connection and I'm sure that being clean will help

 

[GregE240]

Tamrsoft,

Had exactly the same problem as yourself. Unfortunately, mine was a little more permanent! The steering lock simply would not disengage. Not only that, I was in the middle of a long stay car park, and my partner did not have a spare key!

I rang Mobilo - "Your car is over 3 years old, callout £180 odd, tow to nearest garage." Then rang RAC, joined over phone, will be with you in an hour, tow home if we can't get it going. Phoned my dealer, got through (finally) to a mechanic who advised it was either the key or the barrel. Suspected dry joint in key, so got told to shake the key around and try it. Car started! Was told NOT to switch off car until we got home again (where there was a spare key).

Went to dealer, thanked them profusely, then ordered 2 new keys (ouch!).

A new barrel for a 210 is a HELL of a lot of money. I hope its your key - try your spare?

Finally, the batteries in the key are NOT related to starting the vehicle, they are only for the lock/unlock function. Replacing them has no difference.

Best of luck,
Greg

 

[Benzowner]

Had the problem with my W210. New key needed. The batteries in the key only operate the central locking and alarm, they don't power the key for ignition. If the batteries are flat, you can open the car with the metal key, setting off the alrm. Insert the key in ignition and all turns off. Also not sure on your model, but were you issued with the thin emergency key, with NO batteries. Of couse I was told this after spending money on batteries etc etc

 

[tamrsoft]

Ignition Key problem

Just a follow-up note. It was the EIS that the MB garage replaced and the job wasn't cheap. However they said they had to use a new key also, said the new unit would not accept the old keys even though they were not the parts at fault. My old C-Class had a procedure which re-synch'd the keys with the remote locking receivers, is there a similar procedure on the system fitted to the W210 models. The old keys will no longer operate the remote door locking/unlocking, however they will operate the steering unlock mechanism but they will not allow the keys to turn in the ignition.

 

[Shude]

My old C-Class had a procedure which re-synch'd the keys with the remote locking receivers, is there a similar procedure on the system fitted to the W210 models.

On pre-97 W210 yes (flip key), 97+ models have the updated EIS.

 

[clegsr]

Just had the same problem on my 2001 w210, my wife's key would open doors but wouldn't turn in the ignition lock, however our other key works fine.

any ideas on how much a new key costs?

btw fault happened when I was out of the country with the working key and car was at home with wife, and after much discussion with mobilo about whether we were covered or not (reading service book etc etc giving credit card details etc) an engineer turned up two hours later and couldn't get it started.

I read the mobilo booklet and as it was a starting problem I couldnt see why it wasn't covered