W210- key failure

[richardgill]

One of our keys has just ceased to work the steering lock and ignition. The little red led still lights and it still unlocks and locks the car but will not work in the ignition lock. Changed the batteries just to be sure but still the same. Any suggestions? I seem to recall reading something that Malcolm reported on some time ago but can't find.

 

[television]

One of the coils falls off if the keys are dropped

 

[BlackC55]

Does the spare work?

 

[richardgill]

One of the coils falls off if the keys are dropped

Thanks Television - after getting the top off how do you get the circuit board out? Gently with a thin blade?

 

[richardgill]

Does the spare work?

Spare works fine so I guess it was dropped and the coil has dislodged - just got to get it apart and see if I can fix.

 

[richardgill]

One of the coils falls off if the keys are dropped

Malcolm - thanks again for the expert advice - coil was loose at bottom end of circuit board as you thought. Unfortunatley it is now totally detached as my clumsy fingers were too fat! Usually pretty adept at these things but there is now no possibility of reconnecting the copper wires on the coil. I've looked on ebay and will consider removing a coil from an old key (assuming the coil from a used fob is still in good nick -no way of knowing until purchased?) and trying to fit but maybe it's easier to to buy a new one - are they really £200? Still have one other key and a very slim spare which will operate ignition and drivers door but not remote - maybe these will do instead of spending £200!

 

[television]

I can fit the coils, you have to be very experienced in soldering to do this, and you need the right iron to do it, fro new the were machine wave soldered.

If the copper wires have broken off to short, then only a coil from another can be used. They do cost £200

 

[richardgill]

Thanks Malcolm. Would you be willing to fit if I can get a key on ebay- there seem to be a few on at the moment around £10 - 20?

 

[television]

I will have a go for you, there ar 2 versions of the key but the early ones like you have are the most popular

 

[richardgill]

Thanks Malcolm. I'll see if I can find the same key on ebay