Key won't turn in ignition

[jcash]

I have a Mercedes E240 (1998 ) and the spare key cannot turn in the ignition. I have changed the batteries and I am able to open and close the car with it but when I put it in the ignition, I cannot turn it at all.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what could be wrong?

Regards

Jamie

 

[television]

Has it ever worked,turning the ignition, or is this the first time that you have tried it

Malcolm

 

[jcash]

This is the first time that I have tried it, I've only had the car a week. The other key works properly so I assume that the problem is not with the ignition but with the spare key.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

If the car is under warranty ask the seller to replace the key. Replacement keys are quite expensive, ptobably in the region of £150 the last time I enquired.

I think there is a synchronising procedure between car and key. Something to do with pointing the key at the wing mirror or driver door handle for a few seconds. Someone may post who has a better idea.

 

[television]

Yes it would appear that the Key part is incorrect, but the remote part is ok, the key part is available as a spare on its own,if it is the one with the button that you press and the key plips out. but not all dealers admit this. As Malcolm210 says they are £150 if you have to buy the complete thing.

Malcolm

 

[Templar Al]

Compare the pattern of the key to the one that works - it may be damaged or even the wrong key.
You can pickup a blank blade off eBay for about £3-£4, and get it cut on the high street for about £8. They don't usually stock blank blades on the High Street, but if you get a blank off eBay, they will cut it to the pattern of the working key for you.
If you are anywhere near Telford - I got mine done recently at The Trading Post, Shifnall, but Timpsons (the shoe repair people) can do them aswell.
You then simply change the blade on the remote by pushing out a pin, near to the pivot.
This works for single button remotes - As long as the remote is the right type for the car, you can re-program it by opening the door with the key, point the remote towards the rear-view mirror and pressing the button twice quickly, then turning on the ignition (but not starting the car). Turn the ignition off and the remote should now work the central locking.

Alan.

 

[television]

Compare the pattern of the key to the one that works - it may be damaged or even the wrong key.
You can pickup a blank blade off eBay for about £3-£4, and get it cut on the high street for about £8. They don't usually stock blank blades on the High Street, but if you get a blank off eBay, they will cut it to the pattern of the working key for you.
If you are anywhere near Telford - I got mine done recently at The Trading Post, Shifnall, but Timpsons (the shoe repair people) can do them aswell.
You then simply change the blade on the remote by pushing out a pin, near to the pivot.
This works for single button remotes - As long as the remote is the right type for the car, you can re-program it by opening the door with the key, point the remote towards the rear-view mirror and pressing the button twice quickly, then turning on the ignition (but not starting the car). Turn the ignition off and the remote should now work the central locking.

Alan.

The problem here is that the key itself needs programing to the transponder in the ignition lock.

Malcolm

 

[jcash]

The metal key part is correct as I have swapped it over to the unit that works, and I can start the ignition. The remote part works as I can open the doors with it.

Is it possible to reprogram the key for the transponder in the lock, as Malcolms suggestion seams to be the most likely.

Thanks for all of your help so far.

Note: It is not one of the flick type key fobs but a standard 3 button plastic fob with pull out key.

 

[jcash]

I have tried leaving it in the ignition over night in order to resync, as suggested by other posts, but this did not work.

 

[TG-MERC]

The key system is rather complex on this model, it is known a DAS3, (Drive authorisation system) the electronic ignition switch (EIS) keeps a record of how many keys there are asigned to the vehicle and what key was last used, If the remote key is not working and you have already tried leaving the key in the ignition switch, I would suggest that your local dealer connects the Star Diagnossis equipment to the vehicle and checks the key track, this will let you know if the remote key is the correct remote for the car and they will advise if the key track is still active, a key track may have been de-activated if a key has been lost. hope this helps.

 

[jcash]

Thanks, I will give that a try.

 

[SPINDOCTOR]

I have the same problem as jcash.
In my case the key was working both as remote and also in the ignition.
However after a week or so it was working as remote but not as ignition.
I have left the key in the ignition for about 9 hours but no luck.
I have changed the batteries and still no luck.
It still works as remote but not in the ignition.
Any help will be appreciated
Thanks