Key system problem

[ggarcia]

Hi, I have a 1998 C200. Today when I come to my job tried to lock the car with te remote control but nothing happen. It seems like the car never realized that I removed the key from the dashboard. The stering wheel never get locked and I can start the engine wihtout the key using my finger.

- The lock and unlock button in the dash works fine.
- I've changed the battery in the fob but still have the same problem.

Any help will be appreciated, my car is in the street with the doors and steering wheel unlocked and can be started without the key!!!

 

[television]

Ouch,,it sounds like a igntion switch problem is your key like this one

 

[television]

forgot it sorry

 

[ggarcia]

Yes is the same key with the star in black.

 

[television]

Disconnect battery for 10 mins and re connect with key out of the car,,see what happens

 

[ggarcia]

OK, battery disconnected, waiting 10 minutes....

 

[ggarcia]

Battery re-connected, the problem presists.
Do you known what can be the problem?

 

[ggarcia]

Please someone has an idea of how to solve my problem?

 

[television]

This has to be a igntion switch failure, have you tried putting the key back in. Normally once turned you cant pull it out

 

[ggarcia]

I should replace the ignition switch?
I shuld go to a Mercedes-Benz service?
What is you advice?

thanks.

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

Yes unfortunatly only a mercedes service centre can supply an ignition switch and key that you need.

 

[ggarcia]

Do you known how much it will cost aprox.?

 

[television]

Some of these you can fit your self, I do not think that when you put your key in it automatically releases the steering lock.

as your car is too early for that.

Can you put up the first VIN numers,,the next 3 after 202

 

[Xtractorfan]

Take it and get it checked in the meantime try locking the car with the metal blade key. ..

 

[ggarcia]

the next 3 digits are: 020

 

[television]

I will have a look and post back in a few mins

go to edit on your las post and remove that number

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

If it is a das 3 key and ignition switch then i thought they have electric steering lock release?

 

[television]

OK you can buy the switch and fit your self but it will have to be ordered for. your car.

If they will supply one to you I can send you the fitting instructions.

I am still puzzled as to why the key cannot be put back in the lock and turned
Have you tried with the car in all modes like P and N and D

 

[television]

If it is a das 3 key and ignition switch then i thought they have electric steering lock release?

Thanks Ellsy
This is what I have been checking , this was fitted on the 210 first and not on the 202 , well its not mentioned. there is no coding and its just called a EIS switch

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

This guy says he can start the car by turning the ignition switch with his finger no key, i have never seen or heard of that before!

normal they will not take a key or cannot be turned with the key.

Strange one!!!