2001 Mercedes Benz ML320 Ignition Key Release

PRIVERA44

MEMBER
2001 MERCEDES BENZ ML320
6 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
105,000 MILES

Key is not releasing after eninge is shut and shift is in Park. Need to play with the brake pedal and Park shift to eventually release the ignition key. Pls advise

Friday, August 27th, 2010 AT 1:12 PM

6 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Hello and thanks for donating

Check your brake lights to ensure they are working properly. Seems as though your brake light switch, just above brake pedal, could be sticking and causing this issue. If it is good than the next component that would be suspect to failure is the electronic selector lever control module, that is the module at the base of the gear selector lever assembly and when you are playing with the selector it may be causing the module to release the key eventually.

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Saturday, August 28th, 2010 AT 10:08 PM

PRIVERA44

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Pls advise if there is also a chance that the Shift Lock Cable could be at fault and how to fix. Thank you

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Sunday, August 29th, 2010 AT 10:05 AM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

That is a possibility, yes. you will want to raise the vehicle and support it safely, then go underneath and check at the transmission where the park lock interlock wire attaches (#7 in the pic below).

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Sunday, August 29th, 2010 AT 12:12 PM

PRIVERA44

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Greetings,
I have not had access to my emails for about one week and am just getting back to read such.I have a conceptual question. You suggested checking the Brake Light Switch which could be sticking and causing to ingintion key to bind and not release when car is off and in park. My Question is. How would the Brake Light Switch affect the release of the ingintion key. By the way the brake light bulbs needed to be replaced.

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Friday, September 3rd, 2010 AT 9:16 AM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Your vehicle, as do most newer models, has a safety shift interlock system that will prevent you from shifting gears and turning key if certain safety components are not working. One of these components is the brake light switch. The computer can realize that if the brake light switch is not working, than your brake lights are not working. Since you say the brake light bulbs need replaced, that can have the same effect so they will need replaced.