Sometimes, out cars throw some really weird messages and we have to somehow understand what they want from us. When your Mercedes says "Take Your Key From Ignition", this is exactly the situation I described above. But what does it mean and how can you start the car, in this case?
Take your key from ignition message highlights
- Common reasons:steering lock problem, 12V battery weak, key fob battery dead
- How to fix:check the batteries, replace the steering lock
- Possible consequences:car won't start
- Priority level:High
- Can you drive?No
- DIY repair:Possible but complicated
- Repair price range:$5-$750
Typical and most common reason for this message
When you insert the key into the ignition switch in your Mercedes, you hear the clicking sound under the steering column. This is the electronic steering lock that disengages with the click. If you don't hear this click, the lock is faulty and the car won't start. The dash will display the "Take Your Key From Ignition" message. As if your Mercedes says "Get off, I won't drive you anywhere".
Now, what's bad about this thing is that the steering lock system is the part of the anti-theft system and you won't bypass it anyway. So, the only thing to do if the steering lock is faulty in your Mercedes is to tow the car to the dealership and have the unit replaced. Well, they may also diagnose it but in 100% cases that I know about the steering lock was replaced.
Also, the new steering lock should be reprogrammed. This will allow the lock to function in the anti-theft system of your car. Unfortunately, the failing steering lock is a pretty common thing for Mercedes cars that can fail and trigger that message in question.
Any other problems?
Of course! There are basically three other issues that should be considered before you buy the new steering lock and pay the dealership for reprogramming it. Since this will cost you a fortune, there are some other things to check and maybe you will be lucky enough to avoid going to the dealer.
Here are the possible issues:
- The key battery is dead. There is a chip in the key that communicates with the car's anti-theft system. And if the battery is dead, the chip can't send the signals. So, the Mercedes may tell you to take this fake key out of ignition and never put it back. Or at least till you insert a new battery in it.
- The car battery is bad. In this case, you may have different types of glitches and messages on the dash. One of them is certainly the "Take Your Key From Ignition" message. Check the battery voltage - it should be about 12.5 volts. Jump the battery to check if this helps you get rid of the message.
- The ignition switch is faulty. Well, the ignition switch may not send the proper signal to the electronic steering lock. If this happens, the anti-theft system will throw this message and will cut the possibility to start the engine.
One little trick to remember
When you are stranded in the middle of nowhere and your reliable Mercedes says "Take Your Key From Ignition", you may want to stop panicking and try doing the following:
- Get out and lock the car doors.
- Unlock them again and get in.
- Insert your key into the ignition switch several times.
- Check if the message is gone and you can start the engine.
- If this doesn't work, disconnect the battery for 5 minutes.
- After that, the system will reset and may let you start the engine.
- If these tricks don't work, you will most likely require professional help.
Mercedes loves confusing its owners with different messages that are hard to decode. I've written about the "Front Left Malfunction" message here and this was one of the weirdest ways to say about suspension problems. But the "Taky Your Key From Ignition" message is even more interesting. Shame that they didn't add "and Go Away" phrase - maybe there was just too little space and these words couldn't fit in.
Anyways, if your Mercedes does this ugly thing to you, try the methods I've listed above before you call a tow truck and take the car to the dealership. This may actually save you hundreds of dollars.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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