SLK Ignition key issue

[Dave_M]

Hi, I have a 2005 SLK350 which has been great but is rarely used. It has a 3 month old battery and is serviced every year. It has been no trouble.

Last month I went to take the car out, the key unlocked everything but would not turn in the ignition. I tried the spare and that would not either. I used the key to lock and unlock it whilst sat in the car and nothing happened.

The next day it worked first time, I took the car for about 20 miles and parked up. It worked perfectly when I left.

I tried it on Friday and nothing happened, the key would not turn in the lock at all. I put it on charge yesterday and it charged very quickly so clearly there was no battery issue. I tried it again today, both keys and nothing happens.

There is power as the seat, wipers, door mirrors all work.

Could anybody advise what might be the issue please?

[sausage76]

Does the key not turn at all?

Have you checked steering lock isn't on?

[Dave_M]

Nope, doesn't move to any position.

The steering wheel doesn't move much at all but doesn't free when doing the normal stuff. I guess that could be jammed?

[Monkeylegend]

Assuming you have an electronic key, one thing you can try is to put the key into the ignition and while in the ignition press the lock and unlock buttons on the key. This apparently resets the key.

[Dave_M]

Yes it's electronic. Thank you, I tried that and held both for about 5 seconds but unfortunately no joy.

A call to the garage tomorrow I guess.

Thanks again

[Monkeylegend]

Have you tried googling SLK key issues, there is quite a bit out there on the various Mercedes forums, that's where I found the reset procedure.

A bit if light reading for tonight

I had a similar issue with my SL but after a lot of faffing about and cursing I realised I was using my E Class key

Hope you get it sorted.

[Dave_M]

Lol, I could easily see myself doing that!

Yes some reading tonight I think, thank you

[Monkeylegend]

Have you got to the bottom of this yet?

[KPdiEwcar]

If you still have a problem you might find this thread useful:
https://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/index.php?threa...


KP

[Dave_M]

Thank you both, not had chance to do more as I am away at the moment.

That other thread looks interesting too, I wouldn't have thought of a bit of muck getting into the fob so that must be worth a try, one button on one fob has a minor crack although the other looks fine

[Dave_M]

A bit of an update. 90% of the time it hasn't worked but when it choses to it fires first time.

I did the test for the keys (thank you) and it seemed Ok which was confirmed today by a proper test. Battery checked out OK too.

However, the ignition module isn't working (well not often) and that's the problem.

Also, that is the most common fault on this model and some other MB models too.

Hope that helps anyone else