My wife's 1999 E430 has a odd start problem. You turn the key and it starts to crank and then does not. You jiggle the key and it starts great. I tryed another used key and the same thing happens. The car will always start you just have to jiggle or push in on the key. Any suggestions?

 

sounds like you are having a barrel issue, best get it sorted before its too late

 

What the heck is a barrel issue and how do you fix it?

 

well if you have to jiggle the key and or push it in more than normally to get the vehicle to start it can be a couple of issues ie the chip in the key isnt being read unles it sits at a certain postion! or the barrel is not locating properley when you put the key in unless you wriggle the key as you say, or the pick up aierel which goes around the barrel to pick up the signal isnt picking the key signal up and you wriggerling it is actually moving a wire to make contact and then allowing the signal to be received, i doubt anything is wrong with the key, as you have said its the same with both keys. i dont know much about merc keys as im an auto locksmith but theres a few issues to think about. what you coul try is putting the key in turning the key so all the lights come on and wait 5 seconds before you try to start the car, not only will this give the key enough time to be recognised by the ecu it gives the vehicle the time to boost up all its systems, keep the ac off radio off and any silly gadgets which modern times dictate we buy to show off to our peers
regards

 

Do you recomend that i replace the entire key devise in the dash.

 

no i recomend you to the vehicle to a dealer to look at the issue, this site isnt very good for mercedes issues i'm surprised i'm the only guy whos posted a responce

 

in 1999 E -class has an electrical ignition sw (eis) which gets a inferred signal from the key the signal is a fix and a rolling code which unlock the engine computer(me) and allows it to engauge the starter motor .
its not unusual for the eis to take a dump . which is whats it sound like is happening also the keys would go bad as well and not transfer the code so what one would have to do is tap or bang on the key the try again and the car would start. EITHER WAY the is a job for the local MB dealer the EIS has to be ordered from mid -west and coded for your car then the eis has to have the softwear from the bad unit down loaded into the new one which can only be done by star computer (mb diag. tool) your best bet is get to a dealer asap because once the eis dumps you will not be able to move your car . good luck!