Key does not work - PLEASE HELP c180 T reg

[ozzy_c180]

My c180 (1999) recently started causing problems by not starting striaght away, when i inserted the key i would not hear the two click noises which once passed the key would turn and start. So i decided to change the batteries in the remote, however this did not make a difference. i drove around for a couple of days... but yesterday i inserted the key and nothing happened i think the car does not recognise the key, i can not turn the key and the stering lock will not come off. the central locking does not even work with the key.

please help me.... my car is parked up i dont know what to do. i am sorry if i sound confusing as i am not a very technical person. but am sure the experts on this forum will understand the fault..

I have the 3 button key

Thank you ... any help is appreciated.

 

[bigasotonuk]

Have you a spare key? Try that first.
If you have,nt got a spare key, i think you will need a new key or EIS switch, a new key is approx £200 EIS is more i believe, but it would pay you to take it to Mercedes first to have the problem diagnosed properly via STAR before spending any money.
The starting of the car and the locking/unlocking functions of the key are unrelated.
The locking/unlocking function require the batteries, the start function does,nt need the batteries.
Do not be tempted to buy a key off of e-bay as this type key cannot be reprogrammed to start your car.

 

[ozzy_c180]

Thank you for your response, unfortunately i have already bought a key of ebay thinking i could get it reprogrammed

i have tried new batteries in my existing fob and the locking still does not work...

Where can i buy a new key from and roughly how much do dealers charge to diagnose a fault. is there anyway of repairing this key.

i have seen some posts which state that i need to leave the key in the ignition for 45 minutes??? does this sound correct

Thank you

 

[Uncle Benz]

It is worth leaving the key in there for a while. The batteries are irrelevant for operation of the steering lock - the key self-powers from a coil in the tip, which is energised by a similar coil around it when it is placed in the lock. In fact it is often the coil in the key that fails, resulting in exactly what you are describing.

this link may help...

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=35167&highlight=coil+key

 

[ozzy_c180]

I have spoken to the dealers and they have informed me it could be due to the car battery being flat or low on power as my car doors do not open (central locking). Thay have quoted me £150 for a battery, does this sound right.

Any help appreciated.

Thankyou

 

[Blobcat]

Expensive battery IMO, although they have got a lot more expensive this last year. Find a Mercedes Commercial dealer as their prices may be a little more reasonable for the same product. Mercedes really heavily on their batteries so it is well worth getting a decent one with the same AH.

 

[colechelle]

could be as simple as a key fault, but i would put money on the EIS as bigaston said, getting to be quiet a problem nowdays, locking control also goes via the EIS, hence putting money on that!!

 

[ozzy_c180]

Would it be possible for me to purchase a second hand EIS module with a key and install that in my car.

Also, How would I reprogram my key if the key is the problem.

Thanks, I really appreciate all the support I am receiving.

 

[Xtractorfan]

I would have the battery checked and charged fully before embarking on the key/ignition switch issue, at least then you can eliminate the power supply problem..the new key (if needed) should work without any programming.. I think the dealers can check if the key is working...