Vito w639 ignition

[DeaneLyons]

hi all, I’ll try and keep this short. Had an issue with sticking ignition a couple of months ago so used a liberal amount of WD40 around the barrel and gave it a load of movement. Things improved slightly so decided to leave it to soak (still in the the van). Not used it for a few weeks and went to try it but now the is no life in the barrel now. So when you put the key in there is no click and you can’t turn the key. Now, after some messing I got the module out to see if there was any WD40 where it shouldn’t be but all was clear. After a bit more messing I heard a piece drop off and luckily found it. It looks like a copper contact of sorts. My thought is that is this is what was failing and starting to jam the barrel and in my vigour trying to get the WD around it finally snapped. It looks like a contact so I’m guessing it it not allowing the coil to energise and subsequently not energising the key so it’s not recognised.
I hope this is sort of clear and was wondering if anyone else had expected this problem. And if anyone has any photos of an intact unit so I can see where it came from.
Many thanks in advance and stay safe.
Deane

 

[BlackC55]

Ive replaced my own Vito's switch last year and many for customers. Often its just not worth repairing them as they don't last. The reason I know that is I had mine repaired and it failed on the M6 and I had to get it recovered and it was a right hassle.
New ones are not expensive but do need to be coded with an official Star.

There are often second hand ignition switches for sale on eBay. You could purchase one and take it to bits to see if you can repair yours?

 

[DeaneLyons]

Ive replaced my own Vito's switch last year and many for customers. Often its just not worth repairing them as they don't last. The reason I know that is I had mine repaired and it failed on the M6 and I had to get it recovered and it was a right hassle.
New ones are not expensive but do need to be coded with an official Star.

There are often second hand ignition switches for sale on eBay. You could purchase one and take it to bits to see if you can repair yours?

Holy cow that was soooo quick. Thank you so much for such a speedy reply.
I have seen switches with/without keys for £150-£200 and then I’m guessing it will need pairing/coding to the Vito ecu. Which would be another £150 from MB (I’m guessing). Also I have only just had to get a new key (lost only one I had) so if I can repair it then that would be favourite but if needs must and I can do it all on my drive without having to take it to MB then I’ll happily just replace the module. Could you elaborate of what (if anything) needs to be done after fitting the replacement one?
Cheers ears!!

 

[BlackC55]

You can't pair/recode a second hand one i'm afraid. Its new only. New switches can only be be bought from MB by people that have the official Star bought from MB. You don't have to use an MB dealer. Your local specialist MB garage with an official Star can do the job for you.
Because its a theft relevant part they put restrictions on who can buy them. EG You can't go in your local MB dealer and order one.
When I buy them for customers I have to provide a letter, copy of V5 and driving licence of owner.

 

[BlackC55]

Each switch (second hand one) is permanently fixed to the vehicle it came from. As it won't match yours it won't work. If you bought a second hand engine control unit with a ignition switch and keys from all from the same donor vehicle it would work

 

[BIG UN]

Everything Olly has said is bang on but you can always try these guys if you get stuck & ask for Mark. Everything Olly has said is bang on

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