124 ignition barrel
 

Hi, All

first post here - so here goes !

Ignition key refuses to turn. Was a bit sticky yesterday and I squirted it with a teflon lubricant. SInce then it's no turn.

It's not the steering lock hindering the turn of the key ...

Any ideas on what to do next ? I can't even get it to go to position 1 to remove the barrel myself to clean / replace.

TIA
Louis

:confused: :mad:

I recommend playing with the key. Moving the key in all directions, pulling it out slightly, etc. If you are very lucky and get it in position 1, remove it and replace the lock assy. Don't even bother cleaning and fixing. Locks are very cheap. It's not worth risking another jam.
If you can't get it in position 1, you'll need to do some cutting. I've done this once. It's a pain in the A**.

This has been discussed before. Do a search for more info.

Vin

To reply to my own post - some feedback

with a vice-grip and a LOT of wiggling we (locksmith ...) managed to get the key turned to position 1.

Once the barrel was removed we discovered that two items broke:
- the pin towards the steering lock broke off right at the base of the key mechanism (not too common the locksmith said ...)
- the front of the barrel (where the key enters) broke away from the assembly (quite common - locksmith)

I noticed that I do not get the familiar 'click' when the key was extracted when I parked the car a day ago - probably the steering lock breaking (although it did still lock the wheel).

The front part breaking caused the whole assembly to become inoperative.

Hope this info helps anyone else in the same predicament. Bottom line - $$$$

L

Also people should know that the mercedes steering wheel boxes on the older cars put a lot of pressure on the steering wheel locks. If the wheel is turned and you turn off the engine and then turn the wheel to lock the steering there must be like 50 pounds of pressure on that sucker. Always straighten the wheel first before turning the engine off.

Just a small tip;)