Key will not turn and doors will not lock 1999 C230

[Tmaxxman]

I got out of my 1999 C230 Kompressor this morning turned to lock the doors with the Elec. Key and nothing put key back in the ignition and it will not turn put in new batteries still nothing.

[ILUVMILS]

Try another key and see what happens. If you don't have an extra key, get one! Yeah, I know they cost two hundred bucks, but anyone who owns a 98' or later MB and doesn't have a spare "smart-key" is asking for trouble. Sooner or later the key will fail, and the car is dead in it's tracks. I see it happen all the time.

If you do have a spare key, and the locks still don't work, and the key still won't turn, you've probably got a faulty ignition switch. You're probably wondering how a bad ignition switch can cause the locking system to fail. Simple. The ignition switch validates the signal sent by the key when locking/unlocking the vehicle.

[Tmaxxman]

I do not have a extra key just bought the key a month ago and there was only one key I talked with the dealer in Little Rock, Arkansas where the car was bought new they told me that the ignition would turn even with the guts out of the smart key and with the batteries dead this true or false I think false because how would the car see the key if it had no power

[ILUVMILS]

Originally Posted by Tmaxxman

......they told me that the ignition would turn even with the guts out of the smart key and with the batteries dead this true or false I think false because how would the car see the key if it had no power

The key will start the car with the batteries removed, but not with the "guts" out. The electronic part of the key is powered inductively, by the ignition switch.

Concerning you PM about obtaining a replacement key from a source other than MB, don't waste your money. Smart keys are programmed for a specific VIN, and can't be re-programmed to work on another vehicle.

[Tmaxxman]

Do I have to take the car or can the key be programmed with just the Vin # because the nearest dealer is 200 miles away. Thanks very much for your help my first experience with a MB is not being very pleasant.

[ILUVMILS]

You don't need to take the car to the dealership. The replacement key is plug-and-play. You'll probably have to show proof of ownership (and pay for the key!) before they'll order it for you.

[Goldengirl1]

I have similar issues, they just started as the temps here have lowered in the last 2 weeks. If i go out early in the am and try to open the doors the smart key will NOT open the doors and will NOT turn to 2nd position. But>>>>>> if i wait till about 10 am when it warms up to about 65 degress all works fine. This happens with both of my Smart Keys! Radio, lights etc all work all the time.... I am truly stumped
If anyone has ideas..... please e-mail me.

[TMAllison]

Check the battery voltage; also add your vehicle to your "signature" so we know what car you have (see mine below) using the User CP link directly above this window.

[Goldengirl1]

Thanks done. What do you mean by check the voltage? it's a newer battery installed at the dealership, would the cold make the voltage change in some way? the car doesn't even turn to 2nd position so the engine never even trys to turn over. The lights and radio will work how ever. The Smart key (both of them) won't unlock the doors untill the daily temp get's to about 65 and when the door locks start working then i know that the car will then go to second position and start...

[TMAllison]

Its possible. Cold affects voltage and newer batteries do fail too.

[mpolli]

I vote for the battery voltage problem. You could have a battery charge problem or maybe more likely a draining problem. See if you can find a voltmeter like this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Vector-VEC008-Digital-Voltmeter-Volt/dp/B0002ISEQW

Are you the original owner?

[Goldengirl1]

had MB roadside out, tested battery and it's fine. I am hearing that it may be a controler? what and where this is i am not sure. Anyone have any more info.

[ILUVMILS]

OK, so you've got a temperature related issue with the central locking system and you can't turn either key in the ignition switch? Either both keys have failed, or the electronic ignition switch (EIS) is faulty. Perhaps the EIS is the "controller" the roadside tech is referring to?