Got the same problem. Key won't turn out of 0 position. Got everything open. Can I just grind out shiny pin, remove lock Assembly and fix or will I need new Assembly? Also cannot see the photos so working a little by guess work. PS. LOCK ASSEMBLY WILL ROCK BUT PIN STILL IN WAY AND KEY WILL TURN MAYBE 5 mm but won't reack position 1

 

The PDF still has the pictures.. click link below to download..


https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...key_fix_v5.pdf

 

Many thanks Mrmiata. Hopefully now just dremel the pin and then I'll have the unit out and can see what I've got. Thanks again

 

This is still on "the list" of things to do for my coupe.. LOL.

 

Just to be clear:
NO.

 

On my '04 it wasn't the column lock, although I did the fix while I had the assembly out. Mine was the tumbler in the key assembly, picked up a new tumbler from the Mercedes dealership for $70, replaced it, and cut a new key to fit in the key pod, kept the little black plastic brain in the pod and everything worked great.

Dave

 

Thanks to all for the helpfulness and great advice!!

 

Thanks so much for the time you took to post this information... saved a lot of people a lot of money

My ignition is stuck and wont turn over... had it recovered to my house about 30 minutes ago..and its sitting outside now unable to start...so im going to see if me and a mate can fix it using your instructions... I think im going to have to remove the pin....

 

Can someone please email the description and pictures on how to fix the this problem so I can forward to my locksmith to study? Thank you
dmaurath_44@hotmail.com

 

You're not wrong, this forums format is terrible. I email myself links now constantly because finding something I've seen before again is next to impossible.

 

Try right click and open in new.. Think it has something to do with the newest IE..


Went and checked.. dunno if it photo bucket or somewhere else that is no longer available..

 

PDF sent..

 

Thank you sir

 

My key was stuck totally followed the instructions.... got a bit stuck where u said u had to grind out the pin with the drill..... was ******* hard the pins like Titanium ...got there in the end after a bit of butchery and my car is back on the road ...and the key turns like a dream!! THX A LOT

 

Rule No 1: Remove the spring & pin BEFORE you have your key lockup. Some people just never listen. Stan

 

Thats why I did mine shortly after purchase, to many horror stories.

 

My theory: I am of the opinion, that the failure in the switch is caused by turning the key when the steering wheel is locked and resting against its limit. I think if one first moves the wheel to a mid (slack unbound) position before turning the key, so as to turn it whilst the wheel position is not binding it. Although the "bind" is so slight to be hardly felt, the fixture may be delicate enough to wear out over 5,000 to 10,000 turns. I relieve the stress by moving the wheel off it's locked limit before turning the key. We'll see how that works out......over time.
Just my 2c

Rusty

 

So I did the fix and followed the instructions drilled out pin etc. I reinstalled and made sure all of the connectors are in place. Key turns but when I go to crank the car the car dies and I have to reconnect the battery. Transponder ring is connected at the plug (has to remove speedo to confirm) and does not look damaged however does not light up green as I have heard some mention. Do I need a new transponder ring? Car turns on fine until ou try the engine and it just cuts all power and dies. Need help PLEASE!

 

I would check the pins in the connector & make sure they are lined up in the plug on both sides. Looks like the transponder ring is not getting voltage. Also check voltage across the car side of the connector with the key turned on. Just guessing.
Stan

 

I am not sure it gets voltage as such, as it is basically an transmitter/receiver kind of gizmo picking up the returned signal from the chip in the FOB which it activates with a signal.

It does not light up green or any other color, at least mine doesn't.