Sticky Ignition Key Fix for all Crossfires 2004 thru 2006
Once again, this forum has saved my *** and a bunch of cash. I went ahead and purchased a new ignition lock assembly from my local MB dealer ($154, although they are available for $116 on the web). The install took about an hour and went exactly as the version 5 PDF promised it would. I did have to Dremel off the key buzzer switch.
Thanks to all. Now if I can only find out why my BAS ESP light won't shut up. Yaw sensor? Critter chewed wire? Still working on this one...
Thanks to all. Now if I can only find out why my BAS ESP light won't shut up. Yaw sensor? Critter chewed wire? Still working on this one...
Once again, this forum has saved my *** and a bunch of cash. I went ahead and purchased a new ignition lock assembly from my local MB dealer ($154, although they are available for $116 on the web). The install took about an hour and went exactly as the version 5 PDF promised it would. I did have to Dremel off the key buzzer switch.
Thanks to all. Now if I can only find out why my BAS ESP light won't shut up. Yaw sensor? Critter chewed wire? Still working on this one...
Thanks to all. Now if I can only find out why my BAS ESP light won't shut up. Yaw sensor? Critter chewed wire? Still working on this one...


The PDF it shows how to use the existing ignition switch.
Did you have some other problem?
I chose to replace the lock assembly to avoid having to do the job again in case there was a problem with the old one. It's unknowable whether I could have fixed it for free at this point because I tossed the old unit in the trash. For me, it was worth it.
Well, at least you didn't pay a dealer $1200 for this "service" as others have.
But I'm wiht Dave, I have NEVER seen a case where replacing that assembly was necessary. And Ive lost count how many I've fixed or how many Zachary in north Georgia has done, over the past nine years.
But I'm wiht Dave, I have NEVER seen a case where replacing that assembly was necessary. And Ive lost count how many I've fixed or how many Zachary in north Georgia has done, over the past nine years.
Well, mine is now sticking badly at 91k miles.
Trouble is, I don't have the radio code. So, what risks (if any) am I taking doing this with the battery still connected?
Trouble is, I don't have the radio code. So, what risks (if any) am I taking doing this with the battery still connected?
It helps to watch the video on U tube before you start. I removed the switch before I tried to unplug it.
Where are the photos for repairing the sticky lock? Are they gone or am I not looking in the right place? Anyone have a link to them?
Edit, I found it on Youtube.
Edit, I found it on Youtube.
Last edited by David M; Aug 9, 2018 at 01:37 PM.
Thank you BD, CB39 and drhrsh, very helpful.
Last edited by NickDC; Oct 16, 2018 at 07:37 PM.


