C180 fob unlocks. But key won't turn

[Martinm4]

Hi. My 1995 C180 will unlock with the fob. But the key will not turn. I manged to start it twice since this began. But no more key turning now.

The fob battery tests fine and the car battery is charged.

Any clues. I don't want to resync the fob as I can't turn the key at all

Thanks
Martin.

 

[Irresistance]

Do you hear the steering lock dis-engage when you put the key in?

 

[Martinm4]

No. It does nothing. Martin

 

[Martinm4]

Hi. No action on the steering lock when the key is inserted.
Cheers martin

 

[drdre78]

hi do you have another key to try???

 

[Mark@RMK]

Are you sure it's a 1995???

Is it a flip out blade key, or just a smart key?

 

[Irresistance]

Ok I once managed to half-destroy my FOB for the W210 by slamming it between the door... for a while, it would activate the steering lock, but then this stopped. It could still open the car, but that's it. The "head" of the key became broken/loose and I think that this sends an IR signal to the receiver inside the ignition. Without signal (or any kind of recognition that it is the correct key) the lock won't disengage. I suspect you have the same problem.

I never bothered to get the key fixed or recoded or what not coz I have a second one.

 

[Alex Crow]

It will be a mechanical steering lock/ignition switch, if it is 1995.

If so, and if the key can be turned, you can unbolt it and fit a new one, or even just change the lock barrel in situ - a five minute job.
If the key cannot be turned, at all, you are in for much sawing and drilling.