Mercedes C180 fob key

[isaacgk]

I was driving home from work, I stoped at a station, guese what my fob key couldnt lock the car. On returning to the car it couldnt start either (the key can't turn!!). What do you think could be the problem...please help guys

Is it the battery or the whole unit needs to be replaced.

[anonymous-user]

It's a real long shot without knowing any more specific details but it could be the EIS (ignition switch). As I say though, it's diificult to take a wild stab without more info, what year is the car?

[isaacgk]

Its a C180 elegance 1998

[anonymous-user]

It's hard to call really, they are very prone for the ignition switches failing, although in the majority of instances the central locking will still work so the key itself can't be rules out. Does the red LED flash on the remote when you press lock or unlock?

[isaacgk]

Yes, the red led light flashes, but it can't open or lock the car, not even the boot (I have done those manually)

[anonymous-user]

When you put the key in the igntion does the steering lock "click" or is it completely dead? Also are the interior lights coming on, and will the headlights switch on? Just to rule out a dodgy alternator and no juice left in the battery.

[isaacgk]

All the lights are working fine. There's no clicking sound when I insert the key...its just doesn't respond. Could it be the batteries in the key?

[anonymous-user]

Usually if it's the batteries in the key then the LED won't flash when you operate it. It's worth a try just to eliminate them though, but it sounds to me like key or ignition switch, more often that not it's the latter.

[isaacgk]

If it were the case of the latter, could changing the starter to a manual (razor key operated) from infra red help?
About how much am I looking @ in london?

[anonymous-user]

Not that simple I'm afraid, the ignition switch is the main CAN communiacation gateway for your car and also forms part of the drive authorisation system, it'd be a pretty monumental job to transform the entire system to the old "DAS II" style that used the blade.

As for prices, it's hard to say, I don't know how much is charged down south. Your best bet would be to enquire with a local independent place.