ignition locked up
 

My ignition seems to have locked up in my 1986 560SEC. I was driving last night and the engine stalled (this happens occasionally, and it usually starts right up). I coasted over to the side of the road to restart it, but the key would not turn all the way. It only turns about half way to the accessory position and will not turn any further. At first I thought the steering was locked, but I know that it is not because I was able to get the steering wheel to lock and unlock.

Does anyone have any idea what may be wrong?

Hemant

do not let it turn to the off position, you need to remove the lock cylinder right away, just do a couple of searched on it and you will find the threads you need

Thanks, I found the threads on the topic. I'm making the tool right now to remove the tumbler.

I already tried spraying some WD40 in there, but it didn't help.

Unfortunately, the car is about a mile away in the hot memphis sun in an area that is not exactly safe.

My plan is to get some graphite lubricant because some people found it helpful. I hope it gets along with the WD40 okay.

I'm also bringing along my new electric toothbrush to hopefully vibrate the stuck pins loose. Unfortunately I don't have a whole lot of cordless devices to try.

Any other tips from you guys that had to do this before?

I'm a little confused if my problem is the same as what others have encountered. My lock will turn a little bit, but thats all. Also, I made the releasing wire tool, but I only see one hole in the silver part of the lock, where does the other part go?