You guessed it fob broke???

[mattfletcher]

Hi guys, please forgive my first post being a problem post. My names Matt and owned my clk 230k for just over 6 months, and to be fair its been great, its covered 190k and still drives perfect.
The only problem Ive had with it is the fob. Ive been trying to source information from the internet over the past week as now my key wont turn in the ignition. I've looked through previous posts and all I can find is a few people have had the same fault, but mine also does not work the central locking, basically the key does not function at all. It used to turn the steering lock off but now it doesnt even do that.
I guess looking back now this has been a slow progressive problem as on previous occassions the fob has not opened the doors on the first attempt. One incident involved me climbing through the boot and driving 5 miles with the alarm going off.
So what I'm wondering is, is there a chance mine is still a transponder fault? Or a much bigger (costly) fault?
Also has any one replaced their ignition module and transponder with a working second hand one? If so what's involved?
Can Mercedes code a second key without the car? Im sure I read somewhere they can programme it off the VIN number?
Just don't want to take it to the dealers for them to say, yes it needs a key.... we've tried a key it needs an ignition module??

Thanks in advance.

 

[Developer]

Welcome Matt,

You're in the right place - I joined with a question - many do.

Someone will be along soon I'm sure.

 

[Alex Crow]

Hi Matt,

You are correct to think it might be the key or ignition, but there are other possibilities - do check the small wires bolted to the positive battery terminal are clean and tight for starters.

 

[television]

Hello and welcome, if yours is the long key it is possible the the coil is open circuit sometimes fixable but as the locking is not working a new key maybe the way to go to start with, as 2 possible faults on the key, if a short key the coil may have fallen off.

Some keys I can repair

 

[ADAM786]

Hi I am currently having the exact same problem!! read my thread strory still has not finished whatever you do DO NOT TAKE IT TO MERC (Read my posts they will thorw money at it, your money, til its fixed)

Read what Matt and Malcolm have said if all else fails google MERCEDES LOST KEYS and speak to those two guys, send them your key, they will repair it 100% for £80 if they can't they won't charge you.

If that does not fix the problem you may need an EIS, But listen to the guys at the forum they know what they are talking about.

DO NOT GO TO MERC try an indie!!!

 

[television]

The most I have ever charged is £40 and that included a new case

 

[mattfletcher]

Hi guys, thanks for the replies. Thats why Im thinking its the key as the central locking has stopped as well. I've took it apart and havent got a clue what I'm looking at. The coil bit had like a black shield over the top of it. Didnt look loose. It's a black 3 button with chrome sides. Do mercedes need the car to program the key?

 

[television]

They may need the car as it is a 99, its all included in the MB price

 

[mattfletcher]

Whats the MB price roughly? Its my only option dealer?

 

[television]

The EIS keys are £225

 

[Alex Crow]

............Im thinking its the key as the central locking has stopped as well........

Actually, that is just as likely to indicate EIS failure than key failure.

 

[mattfletcher]

I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to take a punt and go for the cheapest option (still expensive) and order a new key from MB, when Ive got the spare cash, gathering a) I need a spare key anyway. b)Its the cheapest option. c) looks like MB have monopolized their ignition system anyway, so they are the only option to cure this fault. d) If it doesnt work I have only myself to blame and not a dealers diagnosis. e) if it doesnt work, luckily its not my daily car so I can wait and save for an EIS.

 

[Mark@RMK]

Hold up -

Please just search replacement mercedes keys...

It may save you some money..

Mark

 

[mattfletcher]

Ahh, just found something local and mobile. Thanks Mark ;-)

 

[star]

Actually, that is just as likely to indicate EIS failure than key failure.

+1, seen this many times.