Car Owners Hub UK - Built by Drivers, for Drivers

Starting my 2013 A180 (W176) is a bit of a challenge. Basically, in order for the car to start, I have to insert the key and jiggle it around until it works. The spare key is no different.

Has anyone dealt with this before and found a solution?


Please be informed that in May 2025, the steering lock was replaced and coded to the car, keys, and so forth.

Was there a warranty included with the replacement? Go back to the people who were a good fit if that's the case.

I touched base with them. If it's related to the work they did, they told to bring the car back; otherwise, they'll give you a repair quotation. It was MB that sold the steering lock.


The most likely explanation is that they will claim it is a separate issue.

When you connect a jumper cable to the positive terminal on the fuse box and the positive terminal on the battery, the car will start. Is there a reason?

It has just lately occurred to me.


I had two problems. After what felt like an eternity of testing, I finally isolated the problem to a defective CAN connector located beneath the instrument cluster; the first suspect was the ignition switch.

Tell me how you identified the problems and how you resolved them.

If you're using a jump lead to avoid touching the positive battery lead, there should be a bas contact on one end. I had an ALFA 147 that wouldn't start sometimes a few years ago. Remade ground points, double-checked everything, etc., but it built no change. The problem was most certainly related to the power supply. After searching online for a suggestion, I slashed back the insulation on the positive lead from the battery. Instead of finding lovely gleaming copper, I discovered a terrible slimy black and green rusted sludge. The local factor sold a replacement universal lead for five quid, which was able to remedy the problem. It was installed between the battery and the starter. I just have an idea.

Somehow, I failed to notice this.

As a preliminary step, I would inspect the large main power wires for signs of corrosion or loose contact.

Compatriot, how did you discover this mistake? How were they both fixed?