I bought a used 98 ML320 and am still sorting out problems with it.
I let sit for a few weeks, and now it has a dead battery. Naturally the remote entry system won't fire the door locks. So I try the key I always use for the ignition, and I can't open the doors. Those keys don't work in the door.
Is there a seperate key for the door (and one I don't have)??

Or is there some trick to getting in it now (other than a slim-jim)??

Once I get it going again, I'll get back to solving my brake-light problem..... :-(

Thanks,

Barry

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Barry

Barry,
Same key for both door and ignition, you just have to pry out the plastic cap covering the lock insert on the door. I had to use mine (99 ML) for a period while they sorted out issues with the AAM and alarm system that kept the remotes from working.

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If it aint broke, don't fix it.

Bear with me, I'm not looking at the lock at the moment.

The key went in the lock, it just wouldn't turn in either direction.
I guess they could be frozen from inactivity, but I tried both door locks, and the same results.

I'm not sure what plastic cover there may be, because I sure didn't notice any. I'll look at it again, but is this something INSIDE the lock??
Perhaps not letting the key "seat" all the way in??

Thanks.

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Barry

I am NOT suggesting you do this unless you know what you are doing and someone else can confirm that it is possible. I have not been under our ML to see what the connections look like.

It might be possible to energize the car's electrical system by connecting jumper cables to the starter solenoid. That would allow you to get in and get the hood open to do a normal jump start or battery swap.

Most ML's don't have the caps covering the lock cylinders. I used to put them on at the maintenance services, I just really lost interest in doing it, it seems like people don't like the caps, even though using the blade to unlock the doors, assuming the battery isn't dead, results in the anti-theft alarm.

Try your key in both doors, there is a lock cylinder in each one.
It shouldn't be particularly difficult to unlock a door with the blade, so if neither one works, i'd assume that either the doors or ignition lock has had a new cylinder installed.
The cheapest way to go would be to get a lock smith or lock-out service to get it opened up.
Then I'd get it to a dealer and get the lock situation straightened out to avoid this happening again.

Gilly

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maybe the car is stolen with changed locks? if you just bought your car, you should be able to ask the dealer to fix it for free, you don't buy a car when the key doesn't fit! I always buy my cars from dealerships.. never from a used car salesman! I'm sure there is some kind of warranty...

Just to follow-up......
The keys definately don't work either door lock, so it's probable that the ignition cylinder has been replaced at some point.

But most importantly, I'm in!!
I went under the vehicle to look for the positive battery terminal on the starter solenoid, but that is a little hard to get to..... However, the positive terminal on the alternator is very do-able.... :-)
Hooked jumper cables to it and a nearby ground, and bingo!!
Had enough power to pop the locks open with the remote. :-)

Thanks for the suggestion, we're back on the road again.....

Now, on to my other problems...... :-(

Barry

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Barry

Glad to help.