98 e320 key wont turn at all - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rbjb99 · #1 10-24-2006, 08:23 PM

this car is weird, i put the key in and some times the lights flash, but key will not turn at all.
Any suggestions??

Thanks

Gilly · #2 10-25-2006, 05:19 AM

May sound like I'm fooling with you, but try another key.
Gilly

nhdoc · #3 10-25-2006, 07:33 AM

yeah, could be the key, could be the car...try another key to narrow it down. If the other key doesn't work prepare yourself for what could be a costly and frustrating experience. We had one (an '00 or '01) that wouldn't accept a key and could not be taken out of "Park" and was in our garage. The dealership sent a flatbed to drag it out with the rear wheels locked against the parking pawl.

Then they had to order the part which was some main CPU that had to be programmed at MB and shipped out special which took about a week. Fortunately it was all under warranty but I suspect yours isn't. I don't know what it WOULD have cost but I can only imagine it was well into the 4 digits.

rbjb99 · #4 10-25-2006, 02:25 PM

the MB roadside guy just came out, said it is probably the key,
Is there anywhere other than the dealer you can get a key for this car?

TMAllison · #5 10-25-2006, 03:01 PM

May not help, but before spending $2-300 on a new key I'd put a new $5 battery in the one you've got.

A new key will have to come from the dealer.

rbjb99 · #6 10-25-2006, 03:42 PM

already tried the new batteries in the key ... still no good.

Carlos Serrano · #7 10-25-2006, 04:50 PM

Try moving the steering wheel left and right as you turn the key, can hurt to try.

Gilly · #8 10-25-2006, 05:15 PM

The battery will not fix this, the transponders in the key don't use the battery, just the remote unlocking stuff does.
In regards to the comment made about wiggling the steering wheel, there is some creedence to this, but not in the way you'd think:
When you insert the key, after the security part has happened (fixed and rolling codes checked between key and ignition switch) and the start is "approved", the next thing that happens is the steering wheel lock (ESL) is commanded to unlock the wheel (withdraws the locking pin). Once this has been physically confirmed by the ESL, the ESL sends a signal to the ignition switch "steering wheel is unlocked", then and only then is the key allowed to turn in the lock. It takes less than a second, hardly noticeable.
So yes, if the steering wheel is jammed hard one way or the other (just like on any other car where the steering wheel is moved around to get the lock to release), you may need to try moving the wheel to get the key to turn, but only because the ESL isn't returning the signal that the steering wheel is physically unlocked. It won't send the signal unless it senses the locking bolt is actually retracted, and the steering wheel being jammed can prevent the bolt from retracting.
I assume you are sure the car battery is good?
The dealer is the only place authorized to order a key. eBay keys DO NOT work, don't buy it there, you will be wasting your money.
NHdoc there is a small window in the shifter which is opened and a thin rod (even a pen) can be inserted to release the shifter to put it in neutral, there was no need to drag the tires.
Gilly