Key doesn’t turn ignition

[Boosa]

Today I went to the barn where I keep my AI 2012 45000 mi
And my clicker (key fob) didn’t work. So my year model the key has a button you press and the blade of the key swings out to unlock the door but
The key would not turn in the ignition. Steering wheel wouldn’t budge. Everything in the coach working but plugged into Shore Power.

Any guesses ?.... tomorrow I am going back over there with my voltmeter but thought someone may have a tip for where to look.

[Pahaska]

Bad battery in the key fob. Key will not turn in ignition without a good battery in the fob.

[Boosa]

I’ll check it out thanks

[NevadaGeo]

Yipes, you can be stuck somewhere because a battery died in a key fob?

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by Pahaska

Bad battery in the key fob. Key will not turn in ignition without a good battery in the fob.

Originally Posted by NevadaGeo

Yipes, you can be stuck somewhere because a battery died in a key fob?

Does the Mercedes owner's manual cover this, John? Difficult to imagine that they would intentionally put such a weak link into the middle of an otherwise strong chain IMO.

Any chance it's just a mechanical issue with the ignition interlock at the steering wheel?

In our Ford van, and in earlier model years as well, sometimes we have to wiggle the steering wheel a bit, so that the key can turn freely in the ignition.

If there is a second key fob nearby, with a healthy battery, is this enough to let the ignition proceed, with the first "dead battery" fob turning the ignition? Restated -- so the old days of just a mechanical key being enough are long gone?

Thank you John for further clarification from your deep Interstate knowledge base.

FWIW

[ROBERT CROSS]

^
Possible mechanical problem....steering wheel is locked, move it back and forth to relieve any tension as you try to turn the key.
It's always best to remove the key with the wheel straight ahead when possible

Bob
🇺🇸

[DR M]

Maybe there's a safety feature that if the coach is plugged into shore power you can't start the coach.

[1jacobo]

Be sure shift lever is in park.

[Wazbro]

Check chassis battery?
House batteries may be only ones charged.

[Hein]

This has happened to us and can be caused by a dead chassis battery. Best to unhook the negative by the accelerator pedal during extended storage.


All the best,
Hein at DIYvan

[Boosa]

I had to make Tropical Storm preparations yesterday but came to check out my problem today.

My chassis battery is dead. Thanks for everyone’s input. I knew you guys would point me in the right direction!


My question now is looking at the control board or whatever you call it. Located in the rear cabinet. It shows main battery 13.68. Batt Aux 14.20. I’m plugged into Shore Power. ??

Does this indicate my House Batteries are dead? And how about the Battery Separator? I have a 2012 AI rear lounge. So to get to the House Batteries to check I need to remove the rear seat,correct?

Thanks

[Hein]

Those voltages indicate that there are charging sources active. You'll want to unplug from the shore power, remove all loads, let the batteries rest for a time and then take another look at the voltages. A fully charged lead/acid battery should be at ~12.6 VDC.


All the best,
Hein
DIYvan

[Titus]

On my 2013 lounge the batteries can be reached from the back. Remove a metal plate at the back of the battery box - curb side, carpet velcroed to it. But your 2012 may be different. But I do have to remove the seat to get to the BIM.

You shouldn't need to remove them to check them. Just use the same rocker switch as before, after the waiting period suggested by Hein.

[Boosa]

When I unplug from Shore Power everything is dead. The Control Panel (in the cabinet above the rear lounge) is completely dead. Nothing lights up. I guess my next step is remove the rear seat to gain access to the House Batteries unless there is a test point with easier access.
My AI is a 2012 I saw details on how to remove seat so I’ll check back. But this will take awhile I’m sure.
Thanks

[nateallen80]

There’s a main 200 amp fuse between your batteries and your positive bus bar that may have blown.

[Boosa]

Is there a wiring diagram for a 2012 AIRSTREAM INTERSTATE. That would be so helpful.

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by Boosa

Is there a wiring diagram for a 2012 AIRSTREAM INTERSTATE. That would be so helpful.

You might try contacting Airstream and ask for a set of wiring diagrams for your 2012 Interstate. That is how I got a partial set for my 2013. Since they now include wiring diagrams in the owners manuals since about 2015 they are more willing to give owners the wiring diagrams.

If you Send me a private message on this forum with your email I’ll send you the wiring diagrams I have.