Engine shut off and will not start, key will not turn in the ignition

PEREZ ROSEMARY

MEMBER
2007 MERCEDES BENZ C280
3.0L
V6
AUTOMATIC
170,000 MILES

My car shut off on me in a drive through and would not start back up. I couldn't even turn the key in the ignition at all. Checked all fuses batteries and key. All off that is good. What else could it be? I am trying to fix it myself to save the hassle and fees of a shop.

Friday, April 3rd, 2020 AT 11:05 PM

4 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Couple questions to start. Do you have an optical key? Pictured below. It doesn't have to be exactly like this one but is it this style?

If you do, do you have a second key? Can you try the other key and see if it turns in the ignition? I suspect you may have two issues but let's start with trying the other key and see if it turns the ignition and then does the engine start? If it doesn't start, what does it do? Does it crank and not start or just not do anything when you turn the key? Thanks

Image (Click to make bigger)

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, April 6th, 2020 AT 9:39 AM

PEREZ ROSEMARY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

No, I don't have the second key and no it's stuck in the off position in the ignition it wont turn at all.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 AT 9:59 PM

PEREZ ROSEMARY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Yes, I have a key fob, but I don't believe it's the key. I had locksmith come out and make a key and that didn't work either.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 AT 10:00 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Okay. That is good information. Thanks.

The most common causes of this are binding of the switch, ignition switch issue, or a key issue.

We have ruled out the key and this does not sound like binding. The addition of it shutting off and it not turning, I suspect the ignition switch is the issue.

Based on this info, I would suggest replacing the switch and retesting to see if it is now operating. Thanks

Images (Click to make bigger)