Key stuff again - Not lock steering wheel? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

lindajane · #1 08-01-2016, 02:07 PM

Hello,

I posted a day ago, my ignition key would not turn, finally after 1 hr.
with using pencil, etc. it turned. So I thought as long as I don't lock
the steering wheel, I'm ok. Because I really Need this car until Thursday.
Last night I parked, came out, It was Locked. And the steering wheel was
locked. I didn't lock it on purpose, thought it was not locked. Almost had
it towed again, then then Triple A guy kept hitting it with a rubber mallet.
He started it. So the problem is; I Really Have to use this car the next couple days.
As Long As the Steering wheel does not Lock, am I safe for a couple days?
AND is there a way to park to assure that when i stop the car and get out
that the steering wheel does not lock.
Sometimes, I have to really turn it, but last night it seemed to lock on it's
own. It was on a slight incline, the wheels were straight.
Thanks

Graham · #2 08-01-2016, 02:14 PM

You should follow the instructions provided earlier on how to remove the lock cylinder (Turn to position 2, insert paper clip, unscrew round cover nut etc) Take cylinder right out of there. Then if you look inside, there is a slot on the inner switch housing. Use a screwdriver to turn that slot to operate the ignition switch (which is located behind that slot). I ran my car like that for weeks. (Then did the "fix" I posted about on other thread (grinding off outside of lock cylinder so it will not lock.) - it's still like that!)

With the cylinder out of there, your steering shouldn't lock.

lindajane · #3 08-01-2016, 02:36 PM

Hello
Thanks,
I don't recall the posting on your instructions.
Did you post them earlier. I have no idea how
to do this, so I would appreciate instructions.
Thanks much

lindajane · #4 08-01-2016, 02:38 PM

The instructions, I don't know, Is there a way to just
prevent the steering wheel from locking when you park?
It locked last night and I did nothing to physically turn the
wheel to engage it.

BWhitmore · #5 08-01-2016, 02:34 PM

Actually the key should be turned to the number 1 position in order to insert the release wire. The very best thing to use as the release wire is a number 54 drill bit which is 1.40mm in diameter (.0550"). The number 1 position is the very first turn (turning the key clockwise). You will see a small notch in the black security guard denoting the number 1 position. The wide blade screwdriver will work fine but is a little tricky ay first. Even when using the screwdriver I would not turn the switch to the full lock position. If you are not sure of the position using the screwdriver use the stop switch to turn off the engine and remove the negative cable from the battery while the car is parked. Before re-starting the engine re-attach the negative battery cable to the battery.

lindajane · #6 08-01-2016, 02:50 PM

I read on the past post, about have the key in the number 1 position, inserting
a paperclip...I guess I should Not attempt this. If the key is in the ignition,
where do you insert a paper clip?, and what do you do when it's inserted?
Thanks

dieselbenz1 · #7 08-01-2016, 03:31 PM

check out the utube link I posted in you other thread

BWhitmore · #8 08-01-2016, 03:36 PM

Unfortunately you car has a non-repeating ignition switch which means that anytime the engine is turned off the key must be turned back to the lock position in order to re-start the car, which puts you right back where you started with a locked steering wheel and locked ignition switch.

Unless you have basic mechanical ability it will be pretty tough to remove the tumbler yourself but I will describe the process.

1. Remove all keys from your key ring except the ignition key. If your ignition key is already in the switch take the other keys off the ring WITHOUT removing the key from the ignition switch.

2. Turn the key to the number 1 position (turning clockwise this is the first position from lock). You will see a small notch/depression in the black security lock bezel. Do not turn the key back to the lock position.

3. You will see a small 1/16" diameter hole just above where the key is inserted into the ignition switch. Using a straightened uncoated wire paper clip insert the straight end of the paper clip through the hole while moving the key very gently back and forth (about 1/8" movement back and forth). The wire should go in about 1".

4. Using your fingers with the wire still inserted and the key at number 1 position turn the black security bezel counterclockwise. It should un-screw completely bringing the tumbler with it. If the security bezel does not turn you will need to repeat step 3 and try to push the wire in further. The wire is going into a small device that looks like a very small home door lock. The small device when extended will not allow the security bezel to be removed thereby preventing someone from removing the tumbler and inserting their own tumbler and being able to drive away with your car. The wire is holding the device in the retracted position allowing the security bezel to turn counterclockwise and be removed along with the tumbler.

Once the tumbler is removed you can safely drive the car using a large flat blade screwdriver to start and turn off the engine without fear of the steering wheel or ignition switch locking.

I live in the LA area also. If you want, send me an email (Bwhitmore2@earthlink.net) and hopefully I can help. It normally takes me about 15 minutes to remove a tumbler. I am happy to do this while you talk to my wife.

lindajane · #9 08-01-2016, 03:43 PM

SO, If I manage to do this, I can literally start the car with a screw
driver until I get it fixed?....I won't get a shock or anything?
And If I manage to do this, At that point, would I want to replace
the tumbler to fix it?, could I do that and would that require a new
set of Mercedes Keys?...

Diesel911 · #10 08-02-2016, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lindajane

SO, If I manage to do this, I can literally start the car with a screw
driver until I get it fixed?....I won't get a shock or anything?
And If I manage to do this, At that point, would I want to replace
the tumbler to fix it?, could I do that and would that require a new
set of Mercedes Keys?...

12 volts is not going to shock you. If you were dealing with the battery cables of touching a Positive wire to the Chassis if the car there is enough amperage for a wire to get hot and burn you. But, if tere is a Fuse in the circuit that would burn before things got hot.

However in the case of the Lock Tumbler the actual Ignition Switch and Electrical connector are way on the bottom about 4 inches away from the lock tumbler so there is nothing electrical on the lock tumbler end.

The pick is what the inside looks like when the Lock Tumbler is removed and you can see the slot that you would use the screwdriver on.

lindajane · #11 08-02-2016, 02:17 AM

Thanks,
I can get paperclip in the ignition, but no matter, I can't
turn the black piece. It was still in the position needed for this,
so just ran out, realizing I can't leave it in this position, or it
would run the battery down, right??...still learning.
Tomorrow I'll try again, I have an old tool box of my dads, with
drill bits, old dental stuff, maybe something in there will work.
Or maybe the black part is stuck. But I have hope for tomorrow.
I have to be able to drive this on Wed. Can't take it to the
mechanic until Thursday.
Thanks for your advice,
LindaJ

funola · #12 08-02-2016, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lindajane

Thanks,
I can get paperclip in the ignition, but no matter, I can't
turn the black piece. It was still in the position needed for this,
so just ran out, realizing I can't leave it in this position, or it
would run the battery down, right??...still learning.
Tomorrow I'll try again, I have an old tool box of my dads, with
drill bits, old dental stuff, maybe something in there will work.
Or maybe the black part is stuck. But I have hope for tomorrow.
I have to be able to drive this on Wed. Can't take it to the
mechanic until Thursday.
Thanks for your advice,
LindaJ

Maybe you should have stayed with your first thread, where someone posted instructions on what you need to do to shut the engine off and not run the battery down so you can continue to drive the car till you get the tumbler replaced?

leathermang · #13 08-01-2016, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWhitmore

Unfortunately you car has a non-repeating ignition switch which means that anytime the engine is turned off the key must be turned back to the lock position in order to re-start the car, which puts you right back where you started with a locked steering wheel and locked ignition switch.....

Reminds me of this play ... or the modern version....' Groundhog day'

https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/n/no-exit/about-no-exit

lindajane · #14 08-01-2016, 04:31 PM

Yes, Groundhog day, that's how I felt last night....
This already happened!

lindajane · #15 08-01-2016, 07:22 PM

Hello,

I looked at this video
of taking the tumbler out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2kAIA2-sZ8&app=desktop
The guys key broke off...when I put the key in and turn to right position,
the key does not come out. SO at that point I can stick the paper clip
part in the little hole and hopefully work with it so I can turn to the left
and take the part out?
Thanks