Mercedes Optical Key Malfunction Wont Turn / Stuck - Cleaning & Repair Procedure

Do you have a Mercedes optical key that is some times not being recognized by the car?
If your fob has damaged buttons like mine you might find that its just some dust or debris interfering with the optical components inside the key.
I also APOLOGISE about my spelling of apologise. :D

[@arranbos1804]

You sir just saved me a lot of money. Had the same problem for ages, and made an appointment at Mercedes for next week. They told me it needed a new EIS, a new key, and maybe even a new electronic steerung lock (1200 - 1900 euros). Opened the key as you said, was a 5 minute job and its working perfect now! Massive 'thank you' from France!

[@markwingerath3068]

Vielen Dank. Ich stand 50km weit entfernt von zu hause. Mehr als 1std lang hab ich versucht meinen Wagen zu starten. Dein Video hat mir geholfen :) Vielen lieben Dank. Mehr Videos wie deins!!! Thank you very much. I was 50km away from home. For more than 1 hour I tried to start my car. Your video helped me :) Thank you so much. More videos like yours !!!

[@johnton5656]

Here is what fixed the "key that won't turn" in my case. 2001 E320, same fob as Davey's in the video. Learning ^from Davey^ that there is a LIGHT of some kind that has to shine up INTO the key, I thought maybe (A) the little light down in there is burned out or (B) the switch that turns that light on is bad. What I did was, I stuck a dry Q-tip down into the key slot and briskly poked it in and out about 40 times. Eventually on one of these pokes, I heard the steering lock mechanism engage, so I tried the key. It worked. Tried it several more times and it was hit & miss, but at least now I feel that if it sticks again I can do the Q-tip trick and hopefully not get stranded somewhere! Good luck and thanks Peter for the video! It was definitely a step in my process, to clean the fob ("key") but ultimately it turned out to be something down inside the ignition reading slot ("keyhole"). Perhaps there is some way to clean the insides of the ignition reading system down in there but for now I'm keeping a few Q-tips on board! Thanks Davey!

[@seanwarren6973]

Fantastic Took me 20 mins last night to start van and cleaned key today all working fine dealer said had to plug it in and could be 800 to fix good old youtube please keep things like this going saved me a fortune thanks again.

[@joecom6166]

I've been to a Mercedes Romanian dealer , .. and he charged me 140 EUR for a diagnose, told me a bunch of bullshits about why my E270 won't unlock the immobilization code.. but did NOTHING to fix it (for quit a bit amount of money)! Amazing tip! Thank you so much Davey! You helped me to save another 800 EUR and loads of headaches with this video ! ps - the dealer started to prepare me mentally, that i'll need to replace entire 'starting kit of the car' , and will need to invest loads of money -- for nothing !?!?!!

[@theresagibson1042]

Just did this after trying to figure out how to move the car out of our driveway all day. Was such an easy fix. Thank you so much for posting this.

[@SuperJac15]

This video rocks. Thank You. Dealer wanted $380.00 plus $80>00 for programming. I spent $8.00 in battery's and I was on the road again.

[@P3njaminCity]

Hi. Thank you for this video. It helped my key crank flawlessly. Now to figure out why my display doesn't turn on and why the red brake warning is popping up

[@kinkypin]

My "quick & dirty" temporary fix for this problem on my 2005 Vito 109cdi W639: Never again remove the ignition key from the electronic ignition switch, always LEAVE the key in the running position! When I park the car i just stall the engine by holding the brake and letting of the clutch in second gear. Then I just slide out the battery from under the drivers seat and unplug the negative battery cable. This actually works but then I have to leave the van unlocked, maybe I could lock it with the manual key, but I dont worry about that! When I need to start the van I just hook up the battery cable again and QUICKLY turn the ignition key OFF and then turn it to glow and then continue to start the engine. But you have to be fast as a shark, never let the key be in the OFF position more than a fraction of a second!! As I said, this method works for me now and I dont know if it´s because of the colder climate in the wintertime (slow electronics) but I have done this procedure 6-7 times when it has been around -10 celsius. Works every time! Before that the key would not turn at all, have cleaned the lock and key and done everything I possibly could, even take it apart and check solderings etc. Was about to ship the EIS and ESL to England to be repaired but now I will wait because I can use the van whenever I need by doing the procedure above. // Hope this will help someone with a stranded Vito! // Daniel in Sweden.

[@alisonbliss4361]

Oh My GOD! This worked! Watching this video, $25.00 for the tools and batteries and bam! It was fixed! This video literally saved me over $300.00 or more and time and a tow to the dealership! My mechanic couldn't fix it and suggested I have the car towed to Mercedes and let them deal with it. I googled and found this youtube video and am so thankful that I did. Thank you Soooo much!

[@ryanchampionme]

Great video. ! tip to add : If you can't pull out the board, fill the entire fob interior with contact/ electical cleaner, give a good shake and then pour out....Did the trick on mine when the board just wouldn't come out

[@mgdfx8331]

This procedure worked perfectly (and easily) on my W210 E320 with exactly the same problem. Thanks!

[@cyberjazz]

Just bought my 1st Used Benz, same as yours, and this saved me too. Much respect from Philly.

[@dorkomatic318]

Tried this with my 2004 E320 key that wouldn't turn and it worked! Wasnt able to get the computer board out, but lightly tapped the key and blew on it to get the dust out once I took the top off. Turned with ease after that!

[@DavesDiscoveriesChannel]

I’m glad I could help 👍

[@2525bros]

Thanks mate! You just saved me £310 as Mercedes wanted to change the barrel. I cleaned the key out like you showed & it all works fine. Many many thanks. Martin from Hampshire.

[@DavesDiscoveriesChannel]

Martin Cutler glad it helped you 👍

[@deanmurphy1972]

been having trouble turning my key in ignition thought I'd give the cleaning a go,once I got it apart noticed there was a broken circuit,with a bit of foil repair perfect everything, well happy...cheers

[@ajmoneyyyy]

how you add the foil? my coil piece is loose

[@brianhayward4162]

Just what I needed to boost my confidence to open up a problem key! Brilliant and well done. PS A dislodged component also fell out - which is probably why the key stopped working. Next job is to glue it back with some conducting glue!

[@DavesDiscoveriesChannel]

Brian Hayward if it still works then don’t bother 😆👍

[@jorgmichaelpalm40]

You saved me car service and new keys and lot of stress. You nailed it!!!! I was sitting yesterday with two keys in my car trying to switch on and it took 20minutes, the keys somehow seemed to die the last month and it got worse and worse. Thinking about new car etc... hahah. Now I cleaned and it works perfectely! Thank you so much. :-)

[@DavesDiscoveriesChannel]

Glad I could help 👍

[@alexcucho1]

i was locked out of car my remote was not working,no red light nothing after i replaced battery was same , i was hesitant but i said what do i have to loose . i did this step by step and it worked thank you very much you saved my week end

[@DavesDiscoveriesChannel]

Awesome 👏

[@SECRETCHARMING]

Omg. Your video just saved me from spending $500 for a new key. Thank you soooo much. You’re a lifesaver. It worked!!!!!

[@DavesDiscoveriesChannel]

SECRETCHARMING I’m glad it helped you 👍

[@CorruptGaming909]

You sir are a life saver my key had no power at all I took it apart cleaned it really good with cotten swabs and rubbing alcohol and now it works like new saved me 250$ for a new one from the dealership! Your the best dude! 🤘

[@DavesDiscoveriesChannel]

Glad to help 👏

[@blainecybulski4155]

$700.00 From dealer here in Canada

[@sarah05111]

Omg thank you so much for this video! My key got wet at an amusement park and it wouldn’t turn! I was seriously worried but thanks to this video, a safety pin, and a tissue my car just started!! You’re a real life saver

[@AlexAlex-qb2dx]

tu

[@juliandaniels314]

You just saved me!! My spare keys at our home two hours away. I had no idea what I was going to do. Your video save me a bundle.

[@Ultimateman]

Thanks bro, my key's lock button had its cover broken so some sort of rubbish had went in to the key fob and that blocked the signal between the ignition and infrared. Cleaned that up and now car starts normally. Thanks! 👍👍

[@layllah311]

Davey, You are a life-saver! My 2002 CLK 320 key wouldn't start the car! Your brilliant video had me up and running in 15 minutes. Hat's off to you sir!

[@KunekuneTravels]

Worked for me , cheers.. can be more difficult to get the plastic circuit board clip out..so viewers take ur time on that part

[@robwithrbk]

Just did this cleaning/repair. It wasn't hard and it worked! I also made sure to really focus on the cleaning the glass lens on the case itself both inside and out.

[@tomaschris3675]

Instablaster

[@keithpurduecroft]

Sorry. The key worked on the E350, not the S. Good thing l watched this entire clip. Good job.

[@huskordtitherington9169]

Great video mate, simple and straight forward, just what we need. Had to leave my car at work today because key didn't work! Just followed your video and hope that it fixes my problem. Thanks very much.

[@ashholdsworth5902]

Did it work?

[@hb5780]

Davey, cheers you explained and showed how to fix / clean key fob. I didn't even have to pause the video very many times. Muchly appreciated brother. Thank You

[@Madmandrd]

Thanks, I was stuck in a parking lot Thinking about how much a wreaker would cost and a $2500. ECM Module But you put a stop to that Thanks again!!

[@DavesDiscoveriesChannel]

Madmandrd awesome 😎

[@reelMn]

Great, thanks so much. My key was unlocking the car ok but not turning the ignition, my wife's key was starting the car but not locking/unlocking. I cleaned the leds at the end of the cuircuit board and also the inside end of the key where the led shines out. Now both keys work.

[@myrnaherrera8922]

Thank You 😊we Went too the lake and our key 🔑 was Wet your Video was very helpful we resolve the problem easy . Thank You 🙏

[@doxland]

Excellent Thank-you Davey Lc This has got me on the road to replacing the onboard microswitches which I suspect got corroded or partially shorted , swimming pool (and so rundown battery in 4 weeks,) I'm hoping that the switchs might have a current leak on the inside or that there might be a bit of leak behind the switch body.

[@paulabraham5140]

Thanks a lot for the help. This video saved me. It's 2:00 am, and I don't know why my key didn't turn. I tried your way, and for my surprise it WORKED!! thanks again

[@coeffemocca]

Amir hafez انا عم عاني اليوم من نفس المشكلة المفتاح فتحته و نظفته بطريقة تانية و ما زبط معي و وظفته

[@dillonmelendez6877]

Thank you! This worked perfectly. My key suddenly would not turn in the ignition. However, the fob worked to lock/unlock. The electronic parts looked clean but the internal spare key had lots of rust on it. After cleaning it, the key turned without any issues.

[@mrmocisse]

I rarely comment on videos, but this one is absolutely worth it! My key fob would not turn on at all. I did exactly what he said in the video and now it's turning on. Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge, you saved me a lot of money and time. The problem now is that the fob will not unlock or lock the car. Any help on how to reprogram my fob?

[@geoffreyrawlings9736]

Hi key fob not working no start just about to buy second hand barrel.came across your video peice of fluf blocking sensor complete cure 10\10 Thanks so much.

[@DavesDiscoveriesChannel]

Geoffrey Rawlings I’m glad my video helped you 👍

[@mrmotosasa1]

Thanks for doing this video. Followed instructions and knew as soon as key was put it that it worked.

[@colinaglae2605]

Hello, i hv gone thru you video a while ago, & it helped me fix my fob. Most grateful. Today, i am back again for more help.

[@vusie50]

Took me 35 mins today to start minbus and I cleaned key all working fineThank you

[@nihil362]

You god send, you saint, I will tell my children about you, my hero

[@DavesDiscoveriesChannel]

😂😂 glad it helped you

[@stevenweseman1473]

Graceous DIY video with so much detail; brilliant.

[@farenhietstyle1]

great video, isn't my issue but still got me hoping and cleaned my key and never imagined how dirty it was

[@AerobaticsPilot]

Wish I found this 4 weeks ago. Bought new key but my old key would not arm my car alarm from 10' away. I been stuck several times from the old key. And when work can cost me $275 day to miss a day that's costly So now I bought new outside case for my old key and cleaned it up. Works fine. Had not had a problem since

[@evanevan1380]

nuff thanks. had this issue for days. saw this vid. clean the remote. instant fix. thanks again. Belize

[@karlhalsey5850]

Good job ol chap!!! Appreciate the informational video and using your techniques now! Thank you!!

[@nemesiosabbebassi7185]

Nice lesson learned I have the same issue gonna try to solve it asap. Thanks for all

[@rickwalrus]

Your a legend mate.. I've been having a nightmare for weeks on end with my key.. It works perfect no.. Thank you for doing this video pall... :)

[@marvin8886]

Much apprecited. Life saver this one

[@humnut1]

Thank you. This was perfect. Followed your instructions and it worked first time :-) I was envisaging having to give some Merc dealer a load of cash.

[@patrickposey2003]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! YOU JUST SAVED me $250!!!! I owe you a drink sir. It was lent blocking the ir

[@DavesDiscoveriesChannel]

patrick posey I’ll have a beer please..

[@patrickposey2003]

Davey Lc whenever I'm in your town I got you mate 😊

[@rubenhernandez3531]

Followed your instructions and It worked perfectly! Just wanted to say. Thank you!

[@MsJanjarac]

thanks to your video end great work. I try with my key as you and the key works through the camera has a white light but it does not work when I try to open / close the car. Do you have any advice ?? thank you

[@chemitadelarosa]

Thanks for your help! You’ve just saved me 200€

[@synsaevans3695]

Great video this really helped my c230 started instantly after I did this

[@simonreeves2017]

Great stuff! Gave me the confidence to sort mine out. Like yours, my key shell was split where the buttons are. Found a shell on eBay (from Germany, not China) transfer the contents to the new shell and it's like new again!

[@Filadastylist]

Thanks so much u saved my $300 dollars by doing this your a life saver

[@DavesDiscoveriesChannel]

Fila Fuentes pleasure 👍

[@jonlamontagne2626]

You can actually use the emergency key to trigger the key battery case opening

[@MarkoVukovic0]

Excellent video, thank you! I was dreading a possible computer fault. Mine was full of pocket lint, haha!

[@sahue]

Thanks for the video, I just follow step by step , my had lint collection. My car is a 2005 c230 kompressor sport. Thanks

[@edjspirituality]

Great explanation and very helpful. It would be better if your camera shows more of what you're actually doing instead of just showing your hands and fingers.

[@jordanburns194]

That main copper induction coil you were talking about. My two solder points are not attached. The copper wire itself is still intact. If I resolder thos points, all should be good? I'm also getting the same issue with mine. And that's what I found when I took my key apart

[@Omeeezy]

This worked for me as well there was a bunch of lint blocking the censor

[@todd2887]

You're a legend man this just saved me!

[@Airmanlov1]

Awesome! Finally a video that explains my exact same problem, thanks man! The Internet is awesome!

[@DavesDiscoveriesChannel]

Aaron Friedrichs no problem, glad you sorted it 👍

[@okopki15]

my keys buttons arent damaged but it still helped! thanks!

[@FerlexVideo]

Thank you, my key is working again.

[@83thelastdon]

Wow this actually worked for me thanks a million u saved me loads of cash

[@andyvain2512]

thx mate worked a trwat had to keep using the spare key

[@1stMRCR]

Old video, but So weird man. My c280 would do the same for years. My technique was put the key in *slightly turn it while pressing the unlock button. Boom every time lol I guess I never had to worry about someone stealing my car. But It was fixed when the key fob chip went bad and a new one was ordered 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@Naos800]

Thanks so much!!! I’ve just repared my key.

[@marigalabis9275]

what happenes if when I open up my key to clean it and the coil that sends power is hanging by a string and looks like a lil slinky. could that be the reasom for my car not starting . the key will not turn in the ignition Please Help

[@ahammer7000]

Thanks a million, it worked like a charm

[@ITrappedI]

Thank you sooooo much, i fixed my main key and ALSO my spare key. Im so thankful :)

[@rizayuli]

ITrappedI @ i tried to open my spare key, but i didnt want to open. Still dont know how to pull out the board :(

[@bqdstore]

BRILLIANT! I done it like you said and it works!

[@loganhoffman9184]

Curious if that coil is disconnected it will prevent the key fob from turning 🤔 or is it something else. It literally just happened and it's stuck now. Still have power and the wheel is loose

[@mwoods1052]

My 2007 Sprinter is having the same issue, but my key fob is a very different design. I changed out the batteries but cannot figure out how to open the section with the chip board. It’s not a keyless remote starter, but has the key in it. Press a button and the key pops out for use. Only 2 big buttons on the fob... open and close buttons. Still researching how to fix this!

[@DavesDiscoveriesChannel]

Mary Woods if it looks like the key in the video you can opening using the little slide inside. You can also try tapping/banging the key on a hard surface with the ‘fat end’ down to try and dislodge any dirt particles.

[@RussellScottMusic]

This just got my key to work! Thanks!

[@tagmann02]

You good sir are a blessing. Saved me pain and money

[@ladyk9140]

OMG!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I SO APPRECIATE YOU...THIS ACTUALLY WORKS! GOD BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!!

[@lyfecoach]

My key fob is missing one of the infrared things I only have one soldering on , any help on that fix would be great

[@user-Seo187]

Thank You Soooooo Much Man 🙏🏼 It saved me a lot of money and it really works. Thanks Again

[@dylanhernandez2689]

Did this work for you? I didnt this months ago and it did. But is messed up again for my 1998 E300 Mercedes Turbo Diesel..

[@user-Seo187]

@@dylanhernandez2689 Yes it worked great, I have the same key as on the video and did everything exactly the same as shown .. but I have a different Benz like yours .. I have a Mercedes clk 230 built in 2001

[@gamalusha]

My friend , thanks a lot . You saved me lots of time and headaches I really appreciate it

[@DavesDiscoveriesChannel]

gamalusha Thanks for the kind comment, I'm glad it helped you!

[@mouldilocks79]

Davey Lc Hey Bro, I recon you've just saved me a good few hundred quid! This starting issue has been bugging me for months. I even had fur balls in there.

[@jeroldredic8465]

Davey thank you it worked beautifully. I was very happy. You are great!

[@DavesDiscoveriesChannel]

Jerold Redic no problem 👍

[@amandathomson570]

Thank you for this - Do you think this is why when I try to turn my ignition it won't move at all and it says "replace key"? I'm a little scared to do it... but at the same time - very tempted!

[@djukan2010]

Thank you very much! This solved my issue and saved me alot of time and money. Searched for cases to protect the key for my 2002 e320, do you know of any or recommend an alternative?

[@rudolffortuna7529]

Mate fucking legend just fixed mine from a 2008 E class, was shit scared at first and got stuck about an hour from home

[@DavesDiscoveriesChannel]

Nice 👌

[@rudolffortuna7529]

@@DavesDiscoveriesChannel never mind after 15 times on and off stopped working again😅 all clean, might be an induction coil

[@DavesDiscoveriesChannel]

@@rudolffortuna7529 possible the steering lock is failing

[@rudolffortuna7529]

@@DavesDiscoveriesChannel doubt it, the spare key works perfectly

[@DavesDiscoveriesChannel]

@@rudolffortuna7529 👍👍👍

[@roden1985]

Great instructional video on how to remove/clean the chip and ir. But ALL that work and you didn't replace the broken case. I am puzzled.

[@sifisodlozi175]

Hi, Could i possibly have the same problem? My Vito 115 CDI used to start very well, until i had my gearbox replaced with a second hand one. After inserting the second hand gearbox, the key would not turn in the ignition at all. However, my EIS and smart Key were tested and said they are all good. When connecting the battery, the ABS automatically runs on its own and the rear fan kicks as well. At this point, seems like i am running out of solutions of what i can do to fix it. Please advice me on what could be the problem, could it be the key? And i have to do what you did in this video? Or?

[@richlawrence2368]

Worked for me! Thank you, great tutorial.

[@eduardomenezes532]

Great tip, unfortunately didn't work for my Sprinter

[@TheBrentfleming]

Thaks, If i had have known that an hour ago it would have saved me a 200.00 tow bill.

[@raulitocojones]

thanks you a lot. you safe me a very bad day.i love youtube people.

[@badboyjmm]

It totally worked ! Thanks for your video.

[@loganhoffman9184]

Hey mate if that coil is broken off of one end will it prevent you from turning the key over?. I took mine about and saw that it was broke. Because my key will not move all a sudden. Want even let me turn it over

[@CHIKOTimur]

thank u so much!! my key is working againnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn and i saved so much money! greetings from germany

[@hdanielle4164]

Yes i ve that car but in european version its great car indeed ..but i ve noticed its remote range is short you have to be beside the car unless it doesn't work ..i 've changed the battery but it is same... i think it is not along range like new cars i don't know why? If you know why please tell me thanks bro

[@shequitajohnson1330]

You save my life! Thank you so much!

[@thabenzAMG]

The original keys doesn't need bettery's too start the car

[@user-vk9sf3xd2o]

Thanks with Regard

[@raymondgh1634]

You are amazing, I tried that ant it works perfect. Thank you

[@titoxplein420]

Thanks so much another one straggling with the problem yo a legend