Ignition Key and Starting Problem
 

1997 C230 : My key fell on to ground and the circuit board possiblly got damaged. I inserted key into ignition switch and tried to start but it cranks once and goes dead (as if the starter motor problem). Everything from the Starter, ignition coil, relays in the computer, fuel pump electronics have been checked by the shop and no faults are shown.
There are no warning alarms from OBD.

Does the circuitry in the key send a signal to the ignition key or to the dash board electronics or computer when you turn key to start the car. Do I have to try with a new key before I spend money with expensive diagnostics ? Is it only the dealer that sells spare keys ?

Mike Fernando
Atlanta, GA

You only have 1 key? Did you buy the car from the MB dealer?

Keys must be purchased and programed through MB. Anything else is a paper weight.

I forget where the cut off is, but, some earlier DAS used some key battery power in the security handshakes required to start the car. I think that was with the metal blade keys. By 98-99 the key was fully electronic (no blade) and the battery was only used to power the signal to lock/unlock the doors, etc.