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?

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1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e485-1-2-1.jpg

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.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

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