Hi, I've read through many similar threads and couldn't find one that quite fits my situation. So I was starting up the car after a week of being idle and it barely turned over and I thought I would have to jumpstart it. I tried the second time and it briefly stumbled but started. Drove it to work and 6 hours later I tried to start it and the key would not turn. The steering wheel was not locked like other posts. I thought it might have been the battery, so I put a new one in... still did not start. Maybe it was the key, so I bought a new one... still did not start. Looked at k40 relay and seemed good. Since the I can't turn the ignition I can't take it off park. I'm running out of ideas, any suggestions? I've also tried syncing key by inserting new key and pressing the lock button and then taking it out then pressing open... still doesn't turn. Did the trick with pressing unlock twice by mirror and leaving key in for an hour... still not starting.

Does the steering wheel lock retract when the key is first inserted? Thats the first in a series of security handshakes that takes place.

__________________
Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

The steering wheel is not locked at all. I can turn it from side to side with a lot of effort. I stick the key in and nothing happens. No clicking sound or turn whatsoever.

Thinking something is preventing electrical signal getting to Ignition. Remove key, or insert key, and steering wheel lock should move instantly.

Check fuses on top of K40 relay.

Have you used a multi meter to confirm you new battery isn't dead?

Certain it is it in Park? Tried Nuetral?

__________________
Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

The battery is good, tested it before installing. It's been stuck on park no way to shift it to neutral it's as jammed at the ignition in the key . Will go back out and check on the fuses atop k40 relay though.

I had a 2002 S class in with the same issue. I spent a few days on it before finally sending it on to the dealer. Turned out to be the eis. I removed the console where I could put the car in neutral to put it on the roll back for the ride to Macon.

__________________
Jim

All the fuses on the k40 relay are good, anything else I should check before biting the bullet and sending it to the dealer?

There is a little window next to the shifter gate where you can insert a rod to release the shifter. Might want to do that and put it in N and then try to start. Brake pedal/switch comes into play too.

Post on the diesel forum for more input.

__________________
Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

That's it !!!! I was trying to remember what caused the exact same problem in my 2002 clkman mobile. I bet thats the problem with the OP car. Also, the part is pretty cheap and easy to install.

__________________
For the Saved, this world is the worst it will ever get.
For the unSaved, this world is the best it will ever get.

Clk's Ebay Stuff BUY SOMETHING NOW!!!

It STARTED! Ok so I put the k40 relay back today tried to turn the key and nothing. I loosened the silver/chrome ring that seems to lock the ignition in place. With the ring loosened and the key in place I started to shake and turn the key back and forth out of sheer desperation! At the same time I stepped on the brake and started to turn the wheel as well, really desperate now! After about 5 minutes of this I heard the steering wheel lock up. It was never locked since this problem started last week. So I thought this was progress and continued to turn the wheel, step on the brake and turn the ignition as much as it can go which wasn't very far and then it magically clicked into the first position! I kept the car running for another 5 minutes and moved it off the street and onto my driveway before attempting to shut it down. I crossed my fingers and shut it down and tried to restart the engine and it was stuck again!
I managed to get the car started by a combination of turning the wheel, pressing the unlock button several times before inserting the key. It just seems random and so far the key doesn't automatically engage I have to play around with it and it seems very random as to when the key will turn and under what conditions. I left the key in the ignition the last time it turned just to see if that helps with the consistency. At least it started up, but I don't think it's fixed yet.

This is just a follow up from yesterday's post. I went down today and to see if the car would start. First time in the ignition it clicked and I was able to start the car. Second time nothing but with a couple of seconds of jiggling it seemed to have clicked open and I was able to restart. The next few tries were easier either a little jiggling or none at all and I can now hear the steering lock? (I'm guessing that is what is engaging) It was engaging and disengaging when I removed and inserted key. Before there was no noticeable clicking. I don't know if this is a permanent fix because it seems as though I've really done nothing but shake the ignition and steering wheel. I'm afraid it may come back when I'm on the road. Is there some type of test I can perform or is this going to be a dealing type of thing to check out?