Procedure for Using the Blue Shop Key on Mercedesbenz When Replacing Switch

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• Project Time: 2 hours
• Tab: $0
• Talent
• Tools: T20 Torx, trim removal tool

• Parts Required: Ignition switch
• Performance Gain: Working ignition
• Complementary Modification: Detail the interior

This article will show you how to replace the electronic ignition switch in your Mercedes C320.

NOTE: The switch is included under Mercedes-Benz "theft- relevant parts program" and must be ordered VIN specific and reprogrammed by a dealership. To replace the ignition switch you will first need to remove the upper center console and light switch to get access to the dash screws. Please see our article on removing your upper center console and replacing your light switch module. It is not a difficult job, and while you can perform this work with a screwdriver, if you are going to be working on your own car, it is a good idea to purchase a set of trim removal tools. They are a set of hard yet flexible plastic tools of different shapes and sizes that are used in removing trim pieces. They work a lot better than a flat head screwdriver and there is nothing worse than ruining a "do-it-yourself" project by scratching up your car or damaging expensive interior pieces. Pelican sells a full line of these tool sets for under $20.

Begin by removing your upper center console. Please see our article on how to remove your upper center console.

Hot tip

Move the driver seat back

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Project Photos

Figure 1 Begin by removing your upper center console. Please see our article on how to remove your upper center console. With the console removed you will have access to the two T20 Torq screws (red arrows) securing the dash to the center console mount. Remove these two screws.

Figure 2 Next remove the bezel or trim (red arrow) surround around the ignition switch. This simply unscrews counter clockwise. You should be able to do this with finger pressure but some trim pieces need a little help to get started with your trim removal tool.

Figure 3 Moving to the far left side of the dash, remove your light switch module. Please see our article on removing your light switch. With the switch removed you have access to the three T20 Torx screws (red arrows) securing the upper section. Remove the three screws.

Figure 4 Working below the dash you will need to remove the parking brake cable from the parking brake handle. Lower the handle and move the cable until it can be slipped out through the small channel in the handle (yellow arrow).

Figure 5 Remove the three T20 Torx screws holding the lower panel to the dash (red arrow) along with the one T20 screw (yellow arrow) holding the dash. Note: a previous owner had replaced some of the Torx screws with household Philips screws.

Figure 6 Lower the panel. You will see a large electrical connection beside the parking brake, this is a data link. Once you lower the panel the connection can be removed from the back by sliding the top (red arrows) of the housing to the right.

Figure 7 Once the clip has been slide all the way to the right you can pull the switch out of the connection (red arrow).

Figure 8 The lower dash is now only held in by two clips, one on each side of the steering column (red arrow, one shown). Pull the dash down to release these clips.

Figure 9 Next remove the parking brake cable (red arrow) from its holder and the dash is free to be removed from the car.

Figure 10 With the dash out of the way you can simply pull the ignition switch out of its place in the dash.

Figure 11 11: Remove the cable from the top of the unit by compressing the two tabs on the top and pulling it out.

Figure 12 Remove the four wiring plugs from the side of the unit. You are now ready to install the new switch. Installation is the reverse of removal. Make sure the air duct in the lower panel is seated correctly when reinstalling.

Got more questions? Ask any of our automotive experts.

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Source: https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Mercedes-W203/BODY-Replacing_Your_Electronic_Ignition_Switch/BODY-Replacing_Your_Electronic_Ignition_Switch.htm

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