Ignition key won't turn.

When I put the key in, nothing happens, no sound and I can't turn it.
Also tried with spare key.

Any idea?

Rob

It’s either the EIS or the ESL

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Current fleet
2006 E320 CDI
1992 300D - 5speed manual swapped

former members
1984 300D "Blues Mobile"

1978 300CD "El Toro"

What is the voltage at the battery. I can cause this issue if dead.

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Jim

yes, definitely check the *car* battery. Smartkey can still activate the ignition switch as it is not smartkey battery dependent.

If the car battery under the rear seat is low it lacks sufficient voltage to power the EIS (electronic ignition switch)

Another tip is if you can pick up one of these induction ignition testers ... which is a great thing to have in your toolkit anyway.

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-- raymond~
47º 34'N 122º 18'W

The battery is ok 12.6V

I had to leave my car at the waste recycling centre en returned the next day.

Ater some fiddeling with the wires and connectors and wacking the steering lock (gently) it worked again.

I installed a ESL bypass emulator and hope the problem is permanently solved.

Rob

Thanks for heads up on emulator, I did not know they were available.

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Jim

Can you share where you got the emulator from?

__________________
Current fleet
2006 E320 CDI
1992 300D - 5speed manual swapped

former members
1984 300D "Blues Mobile"

1978 300CD "El Toro"

Go to ebay.com and type it in. They will pop up.

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Jim