Ignition left on C class

[sifitz8]

Merry Xmas Guys. Wonder if anyone can help me out there? My 78 year old father has left the igntion swithed on in his C320 estate and has phoned me because now it won't do anything. He says he can't even turn the key but he has managed to remove it?????????????? I am sure the car is about just over 3 years old. Any suggestions would be really appreciated. Thanks in anticipation.

 

[izzi613]

I know it's a little obvious but if it's an Auto has he made sure it in park? otherwise the key won't come out. Never heard of the key not turning though! maybe it wasn't fully pushed in.. Is there a noise when he puts the key back in, this means it recognises the key and I think starts the systems up... Otherwise the key may not be transponding to the car.

Oh one more thing, try the second key. Maybe leaving it in has screwed up the first one.

 

[jberks]

How long has he left it in for? Has he flattened the battery too?

 

[sifitz8]

The battery is totally flat, strange that you can't turn the ignition key at all. Tried a jump start which produced enough power to illuminate dash lights etc and remove the key, but not enough to turn the engine over. I am hoping a new battery will cure the problem. If the battery is completely ruined is that why I couldn't get the engine to turn over or was it because I was using an escort diesel to attempt to start it? Thanks for the replies anyway.

 

[izzi613]

Probably because you were using inadequate jump leads for a 3.2 litre engine. You need quite heavy duty ones for an engine of that capacity. Furthermore if the escort battery is a little doidgy it will have little effect. There should be nothing wrong with the battery on a 3 year old car. Just get some good jump leads and try again or get out the AA etc..

 

[television]

Be very careful here, you have one of the most difficult car in the range to try and jump start. You are much better off by charging the battery that you have than changing it.
If the old battery was good before this,then nothing will have happen to it, just charge it up.
When you join the charger up, turn the head lamps on just while connecting, then turn off.

Re the key,I think that the foot brake must be applied when removing the key ,and of coarse it needs to be in park.

Malcolm

 

[sifitz8]

Mercedes came and started the car, under merecedes assist. Car covered for 4 years as they termed it a minor mishap. They did advise a new battery, of course, but at £94 fitted my Dad was happy to buy the peace of mind. Must say thought the service was fantastic. Jaguar should take note. Thanks for your comments guys.