Mercedes

[rcwsoccerfan]

I lost my keys, then found them 5 months later (Bottom of my swimming pool!!) and now the key will not work in the ignition. It will lock/unlock the doors, will not lock/open trunk. I've sprayed a 1/2 can of WD-40 in the ignition...didn't help. I did get the ignition to turn ONE TIME, but never again. The closest Dealer is 90 miles away and from what I understand, you have to bring your auto with you in order to have a replacement key made! Any suggestions would be great! I really don't want to tow my car just to get a new key, and surely don't want to if the key isn't the real problem! The key appears to be in good shape... I did clean and brush it with a semi-hard plastic brush once I found it!

Thanks,

rcw

[Austin]

A lot of locksmiths are now capable of cutting new keys on site. I'm in Texas and I know one of the top of my head. To my understanding it can be costly, but not any more than towing it to the dealership, then having to pay them for the new key.

[twhb]

Unfortunately a lot of newer vehicles have Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT) tags similar to what is placed in dogs and other animals. These unique codes can be matched in the ignition for starting the vehicle. You may have the code or the VIN may work for a key smith or dealer to produce a new key. These are actually more advanced than simple PIT tags, because (I believe) they can re-code them). Maybe the water or something damaged or changed the code.

[MBlover99]

My 560SL was missing the original key when i bought it down in Santa Cruz, and i called Don Rasmussen (the big MB dealer in Portland OR) and gave them the vin # and a credit card number, and they ordered in a new key. Obviously i couldn't drive the car downtown and told them so and they said just to come down in person with proof of ownership of the car (title in my name) and they charged me $24 for a new factory key....Pete Walls, (mblover99)