2002 CL600 key won't turn

[600Benz4life]

Hi. I am new to the forum. I have a 2002 CL600. I just replaced the battery 3 weeks ago. I reset the windows and the ESP, BAS light. I went away for a week and did not start the car. I came back from vacation and I started the car. The BAS and ESP light came on. After a few minutes of driving I pulled over shut the engine off and restarted. The lights went off. I drove back home and parked the car. Two days later I go to start the car and nothing. The key opened the doors but when I stuck it in the ignition, it would not turn. After a moment of jiggling it finally turned and started the engine. I let it run for awhile then I turned it off again. I tried to restart and nothing. The key will not turn. I do not have an extra key. I checked the battery light in my key and it is functional. Has any one else experienced this problem. I live in Plano, Tx. The weather has been cool lately. The car is parked in my garage. Please advise.

[LondonThing]

Were you fairly sure your new battery was fully charged? Some are... but some are not.

Check the battery clamps are clean and tight and good. Put the thing on a trickle-charger for a full 24 hours; the key has a solenoid assembly and wants current, so it may well just be that. BAS/ABS is low low power off the battery, so it just sounds like a dead one.

[600Benz4life]

Thanks for the reply. I am quite sure the battery had a good charge. I drove it 50 miles after the replacement. I drove it several times before vacation. It sat for a week and then this began. I am afraid to jump start it. I don't want to blow anything. Again, all the lights come on and the dash lights up. I guess I could buy a voltmeter to see how much of a charge the battery has. Any other ideas?

[LondonThing]

Originally Posted by 600Benz4life

Thanks for the reply. I am quite sure the battery had a good charge. I drove it 50 miles after the replacement. I drove it several times before vacation. It sat for a week and then this began. I am afraid to jump start it. I don't want to blow anything. Again, all the lights come on and the dash lights up. I guess I could buy a voltmeter to see how much of a charge the battery has. Any other ideas?

Yes, sounds increasingly like the clamp bolts aren't done up tight enough; so your low-current bits get good service (interior lights) but you don't move any charge into the battery and your high-current bits don't do so well.

[600Benz4life]

I had to have it towed to the dealer. I ended up needing a new key and the EIS. $1000 later and the car is running. Seems to be a problem from 2001-2003.