Ignition switch niggles

[pluggers]

I'm not sure what to make of this little problem experienced today.Came to start the car,turned the key all the dash lights came on but wouldn't turn the starter over.It was as if there was no power getting to the starter at all.Tried the gear stick up and down through the gears in case the inhibitor switch might be on its way out but still wont start.So takes the key out too try again to which the car starts on the first attempt.Does anyone know what this might be?Could it be linked to an earlier problem I had? http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=31452&highlight=steering.

Cheers

 

[BlackC55]

Did you have the key in the ignition for a few seconds (30) before turning?

 

[Dieselman]

I've had this just occasionally over the space of several years. The ignition barrel believes the key has been to 'start' so applies the inhibitor.

It may be that you turned it just too far when turning to ignition.

 

[television]

This can also be the start of the ign switch going down, fairly common, inhibitors are less prone to failure, but they can also go down or need adjustment

 

[pluggers]

Did you have the key in the ignition for a few seconds (30) before turning?

Probably in the ignition about 5 seconds before turning it to start the car.Pretty much the normal daily routine for me.

 

[BlackC55]

If it is left for too long the key needs to be re-inserted and turned again.

You probably have the beginings of an ignition switch cfault.

 

[nbgianna]

Change also the batteries on your key.

 

[pluggers]

Batteries were changed not to long ago and still can activate/deactivate the alarm at more than 50feet away.

Went to the dealers today for a price on an EIS and got a nasty shock,Best part of £300 plus vat

 

[BlackC55]

Plus coding, fitting etc.

 

[pluggers]

I think the car will be traded in long before the barrel packs in,Unless something drastic happens within the next 2-3 years.

 

[Dieselman]

Change also the batteries on your key.

The key doesn't need power for the immobiliser, the IR activation is powered fromthe ignition barrel.

 

[jaymanek]

i have had a few cars that have done this, i just started using the spare key and it was fine, you should do the same as you dont want to be left stranded...

 

[pluggers]

i have had a few cars that have done this, i just started using the spare key and it was fine, you should do the same as you dont want to be left stranded...

I have been thinking about getting a spare key for a while now.At the moment I have only 1 key for the car.I don't know if it will help or not but I have cleaned and polished the IR sensor on the end of the key fob and the one on the ignition barrel.I'm a bit reluctant to buy a new key until I'm definitely sure what is on its way out.

 

[Dieselman]

I'd get a new key anyway otherwise you could be in trouble if that one fails.

 

[pluggers]

I'd get a new key anyway otherwise you could be in trouble if that one fails.

Very true.

 

[television]

As said the battery has no effect on the switch, the transponder, thats the large coil where you put the key in resonates at the correct frequency when the correct programed key used, this one in the picture failed as in this thread

 

[pluggers]

Thank,s Malc.I can see why they are so expensive now.I was pretty much sold on the idea the ignition barrel was on its way out by the fact that the ignition lights came on and it was possible to turn the key.I guess that the steering lock is also situated in this unit as well?Possibly the first sign something was wrong when mine didn't work.This could work out very expensive if I also went and bought a spare key as well