2001 Mercedes Benz ML320 Ignition Key Release

Hello and thanks for donating


Check your brake lights to ensure they are working properly. Seems as though your brake light switch , just above brake pedal, could be sticking and causing this issue. If it is good than the next component that would be suspect to failure is the electronic selector lever control module, that is the module at the base of the gear selector lever assembly and when you are playing with the selector it may be causing the module to release the key eventually .

Pls advise if there is also a chance that the Shift Lock Cable could be at fault and how to fix?..thank you

that is a possibility, yes. you will want to raise the vehicle and support it safely, then go underneath and check at the transmission where the park lock interlock wire attaches (#7 in the pic below).

Greetings,
I have not had access to my emails for about one week and am just getting back to read such....I have a conceptual question.....You suggested checking the Brake Light Switch which could be sticking and causing to ingintion key to bind and not release when car is off and in park......My Question is:...how would the Brake Light Switch affect the release of the ingintion key????....by the way the brake light bulbs needed to be replaced....

Your vehicle, as do most newer models, has a safety shift interlock system that will prevent you from shifting gears and turning key if certain safety components are not working. One of these components is the brake light switch. The computer can realize that if the brake light switch is not working, than your brake lights are not working. Since you say the brake light bulbs need replaced, that can have the same effect so they will need replaced.

Wow,....amazing link among those safety components,,,thanks again....you guys are right on the money...stay well and have a safe and enjoyable holiday..