Key won't turn (w220)

[Charmedes]

Hi.

I got a 1999 S320 with a key problem. At first the key was hard to get out of the ignition (it was still possible), but everything else worked as normal. After a long winter vacation with the key in the ignition (because i was afraid of pulling it out to often since it was "stuck"), the battery was dead, and after charging, the key won't turn in the ignition. And I can't lock the doors or open the trunk with the key buttons either.

The car beeps when the lights are on and the key is out, and stops beeping when i put the key back in. The key also unlocks the steering wheel lock when i put it in the ignition.

I have also tried to use this tool to diagnose the problem: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Auto-Lock-C...sid=m570.l1313 But the light was always on, which means: "Light on and not off, then EIS and key all ok"

Does anyone have a suggestion what the promblem might be? I would be very grateful.

 

[chrisk2010]

The only time i had a key problem like your describing was with my cousins Chrysler (one of those lady penelope things) where the microswitch in the gear selector was faulty. We took it out and bypassed the microswitch which cured it until he replaced it. I could be way off the mark but basically the microswitch was at the P (park) position in the gear selector. As far as i'm aware the only time the car will hold onto a key is when it isn't in the "P" position.

I've never had the opportunity to take a Merc one out apart from cleaning under the trim in my W202 so i'm not sure if they would be wired the way but the priciple is there.

If you've had battery issues even charging sometimes doesn't bring the battery back as the voltage may be there but the amperage isn't so may be worth seeing if someone has a similar battery to yours and try swapping them around.

After that i'm not to sure of the relays and electronics under the bonnet that may have some corrosion so i'd end up at the keybarrel after checking through those which would mean a Merc visit.

Sorry it's probably not the answer your looking for but it's a start.

 

[markjay]

The Chrysler switch and fob on my rented car in the US were identical to Merc. Probably from the Chrysler-Daimler days.

 

[chrisk2010]

Well that is hopeful thanks Markjay

It might be worth having a look there then Charmedes i can't remember exactly but i removed the trim to get to the gear shifter and in the gear shifter itself was a small microswitch that when the shifter was in "P" hit the microswitch and closed the circuit.

So my cousin could remove his key we simply removed the microswitch and bridged it out but you would want to replace it as the microswitch is a safety feature, you wouldn't want to be starting the car with it in gear.

The easy way ofcourse would be to find a used gear shifter and swap the whole unit over but without knowing this is the part at fault it you take the chance.