Steering wheel locked, ignition will not turn - Page 5 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ginger97 · #61 02-25-2003, 12:13 AM

Now there's a picture for your 'pretty girls thread'. HA! HA!

Out of curiosity, I had to take a look at that thread (ok people, let's not get back to the borderline homo thing). Some of you guys made me laugh with your comments.

I agree that people are free to express themselves. I would probably do the same if I had 'all' attributes and the 'nerve'.

In support I will say that I am not bothered by the male fascination with 'pretty girls' as long as girls are not exploited. If you are old enough and of free will, it's an individual choice. I also agree that if you don't like it, or other things for that matter, then don't go there.

I guess I'll have to find a 'pretty guys' thread somewhere, so I won't feel left out. HA! HA!

Anyway,
I do use the search feature, but for me the reponses get a bit overwhelming for a "girl'.

I just need a good, reliable mechanic. I have considered trying my first oil change, though.

#62 02-26-2003, 02:36 AM

Well glad to see you can make good of pretty girl fascination.
I'm perhaps a little bit harsh on guys in that respect - lack of self-esteem or something!!??
I agree with the pretty guys thread - only "pretty" isn't quite the word!!
Nothing like getting your own back!!

Whilst it takes a while to absorb mechanical information, it's definitely worthwhile taking note of what you can. (Especially having 2 X chromosomes!!)
The only things my cars have ever been to a mechanic for is wheel alignments and LPG conversions so far, but mostly my boyfriend helps me out whenever I get stuck.
I can tell you, I'm sure my wallet is much the better for it!!
A site like this where everyone is willing to offer their knowledge, experience and contacts/information is most comforting.

haasman · #63 02-26-2003, 02:44 AM

Ginger,

If your injectors are getting dirty this might help: Diesel Purge

Haasman

EricSilver · #64 09-06-2003, 11:40 PM

Uh Oh, now it's my turn.

My key jammed when I stopped for gas just 2 miles from home. Amazingly, it took four hours for a tow truck to arrive to haul the car home, but that's neither here nor there.

Anyhow, I have the usual symptoms: Key will not turn, steering lock engaged, owner very unhappy, etc. I noticed some minor ignition key stickiness once or twice in the past month or so, when I parked with the wheels perfectly straight, but that was it. In those instances, I could feel the pressure from the steering lock, and turning the wheel a bit (steering lock was not engaged) allowed the key to turn. Also, on one or two other occasion, the "key in lock" buzzer went off even when the engine was running.

I have not yet tried the "jerk the sterring wheel while turning the key" approach, although I have a blister on my right index finger from repeatedly wiggling the key in the ignition. I also think the "jack up the car and remove weight from the wheels" method sounds good, and I will try both of those methods tomorrow.

Should I get the key to turn, I will NOT remove it from the ignition, and will leave it in the #1 position and RUN to the dealer to get a cylinder rerplacement kit.

If there are new ideas and suggestions, I'd love to hear them, otherwise, wish me luck!

unkl300d · #65 09-06-2003, 11:59 PM

do the jiggle methodically. it may take 45 min. straight.
also try angling the nose of the key downward using that pressure angle as you try to turn/jiggle.

EricSilver · #66 09-07-2003, 12:57 AM

Just the jiggle -- not the steering wheel turn?

I did it a while ago for, oh, 90 seconds but the blister on my finger is making that painful. I'll lance the blister and try it again tomorrow.

I sure hope it works. Replacing the cylinder would then be fairly simple, judging from what I am reading in these threads.

How a lock could go from smooth function to total failure so abruptly amazes me.

EricSilver · #67 09-07-2003, 01:59 AM

"You could, assuming that your steering lock is truly unlocked and will stay that way, break into the wiring and add a toggle switch to turn on the ignition and a push button to activate the starter. It is a matter of spending a lot of money to have a key that works or $10 to be able to start the car.

If I can start the car in this manner, would the steering lock disengage?? I could do this hotwire job in about 10 minutes.

I used to have a pushbutton starter and had only used the key to power the systems up, after deciding against a totally keyless system. I could easily re-connect an on/off switch to the wires that power up the ignition components so that the car is driveable, however, if the steering lock stays engaged, this effort won't be of much use.

d2bernhard · #68 09-07-2003, 11:57 AM

If it's your lock cylinder / tumbler, yes it's easy. Order the part now -- takes a bit of time. If it's the other mechanisms in there, it gets more complicated.

I wrote up the directions:
ready to cut ignition tumbler

EricSilver · #69 09-07-2003, 01:00 PM

d2bernhard, thanks.

Right now, my mission is to get to position 1. Seems that one or more pins in the tumbler are stuck, perhaps jammed by some small metal fragments or dirt. (I noticed that after lubricating the key with WD40, it comes out with dark gray sludge on it. Must be a lot of dirt and debris in there.

I am doing the jiggle/turn thing in hopes that the stuck tubler will be freed for one last turn.

EricSilver · #70 09-07-2003, 02:40 PM

Also,

I read your replacement instructions in this thread:

ready to cut ignition tumbler

If I can get the key to #1 position, would it be smart to remove the faulty cylinder now and use a screwdriver until my new one arrives? (If figure I would need to do this for a few days at most. )

EricSilver · #71 09-07-2003, 07:00 PM

Wow, talk about going from bad to worse.

I had a locksmith, who supposedly specialized in automotive locks, come by to try and free the ignition. He promptly broke off the key in the cylinder.

Before that, he managed to turn it to position two, but oddly, no lights or buzzer came on so I suppose the switch may have been broken or perhaps the lock never engaged it.

Oddly enough, I was able to insert the angled-end U-shaped coat hanger tool to try and pop the cylinder out, but that did not work. Perhaps for the same reason I got no buzzer/power-up. Whatever is in there is jammed real good.

The steering lock is disengaged but catches briefly when the wheel is centered and disengages when turned. Even though I could definitely hotwire the car, I would not dare drive it in that condition.

Tomorrow I will either tow it to the mechanic and have them drill and replace the locks (and probably now the door and trunk locks too). Or, if the cost is lower, have another locksmith drill out the cylinder, which will free up the steering lock and at least enable me to drive it to the mecahnic or dealer for a new cylinder, and possibly switch. Ugh.

unkl300d · #72 09-07-2003, 09:07 PM

Eric, no need to change all locks.

First off, Benzmac advised me 1-2 yrs ago to change out the tumbler AND the steering lock mechanism at the same time, when my 300D had this problem.

My indie decided that it was best to only change the tumbler.
Soon after, it got stuck again. So the mechanism was changed also.
Now no more problems
The tumbler can be rekeyed to your original key. Buy the tumbler and take it to a locksmith (one that does not break things)
It can be rekeyed to your original key.

Have the locking mechanism hanged out.
Other members have had varied experience with just changing the tumbler only.
Benzmac has more experience!!!
It worked for me the hard way.

sorry to hear of the problems. hope the locksmith did not charge you.
try to get a pithing needle from a bio lab or a sharp pointy pick. maybe you can coax the key stem ou.
have a needlenose plier ready, a fine point one or a doctor's
locking 'plier'.

EricSilver · #73 09-08-2003, 12:11 AM

Nope, I was not charged -- and certainly would have refused if the locksmith even suggested it.

Based on what you said, perhaps this is for the best. I'll do both the locking mechanism and the tumbler.

I will probably have another, more capable locksmith drill out the cylinder. I was told it would take about 2 hours. After that, I will be able to drive it to whatever service center will supply and install the new lock.

I assume I will be given some form of temporary key if they are able to do this tomorrow. Since my only key was broken (the old one is too worn) I will have no choice but to either replace the door and trunk locks, or not lock the car until new keys for my VIN arrive. (Right now all the windows and sunroof are wide open, since I can't power anything up, so keeping it unlocked for a few more days won't be a hardship.)

WOuld it also be possible, and sensible, to simply leave out or disable the steering lock?

DaveMcDonald · #74 09-08-2003, 12:27 AM

Change the tumbler, and your back in business.

unkl300d · #75 09-08-2003, 10:45 PM

Eric, I asked the same thing a while back. You can't disable
or isolate the steering lock (see archives)
also ome other member used a dremel tool to cut into a tubler, he wrote about it on a past post, use the archives.

Bummer, I bet you are strapped for time and must rely on
a loksmith etc.

Good Luck.

Denis