C180 Key FOB and Ignition Problem

[espiritman]

My key FOB has started to play up. Until last week it worked fine and suddenly it started to malfunction. I've replaced the batteries but there has been no improvement. I can unlock and lock the car fine most times but sometimes this does not work. In addition when I put the key into the ignition it is not able to turn sometimes.



Can someone help!

 

[television]

Is it like this one

 

[star]

If have you another key try that , if not get one as this one is more than likely to fail completely

 

[anyweb]

and please read this if it's a pre-facelift W202

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=26895

cheers
anyweb

 

[Junes]

A friend is currently experiencing the same problem in her '98 C200 and the auto electrician has diagnosed it as the ignition itself that is faulty. The Merc dealership says it will cost R15,000 (~1000Pounds) to replace the ignition and get new keys.

Are there any other solutions?

 

[espiritman]

Visited independent Merc specialist. He informed me that there is no way of knowing whether the problem is associated with the ignition or key fob. So I have ordered a new key £155. This is the cheaper option, the other being the ignition switch. This costs around £240 place fitting.

Mercedes have changes the rules around ordering keys, not only do you have to produce dicumentation but have to sign a form in person.

 

[Grant12]

I have exactly the same problem did it turn out to be the key or was it the ignition switch ?

 

[Bradley From Malvern]

Here my quick problem, your solution may be similar..

Problems I had was that the key is not really water proof and used to carry key around neck when I went on long runs, problem being sweat got into key and it stopped working (couldn't get in car with buttons)... Took battery out of keys cleaned batteries and battery holder and remote locks worked.. yippee..

Then ignition key wouldn't work, refused.. This is when I had to contact AA for a service visit, the car manual said car battery could be flat (AA proved this not case)... Had to go home and collect spare key and prey it worked, it did..

Searched net and recommendations was anything from new key (> £100), to a key being serviced (Aprox > £60).. In end found website that showed detailed instructions to remove circuit board, once removed noticed corrosion so got circuit board cleaned at work then resembled key and it works brilliantly