Steering wheel locked, ignition will not turn - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tryan · #16 02-09-2003, 09:45 PM

you should be able to get the steering wheel to move at least a couple degrees in the locked position. can you get it move any?

the electrical portion of you ign. switch may be hanging you up.

(its a $30 part) it would be worth a try to remove that part and then try the key.

Ginger97 · #17 02-09-2003, 10:37 PM

Yes, it will move a few degress left and right. But like I said, I have tried pulling hard both ways while turning the key. No go.

Where is this electrical part of the ignition that you talk about and how does one remove it?

Will the suggestion I received earlier to un-hook the battery cables for 15 minutes or so work? I haven't tried that because I didn't have the tools to do that.

unkl300d · #18 02-10-2003, 02:10 AM

Ginger< when this happened to me< i PATIENTLY Jiggled the steering wheel left and right and simultaneously (firmly but not
way forcefully) moved the key toward on (with a downward pressure on the key) for 45 minutes ! then it released. So be methodical and patient (or pay big money to a mechanic).

If you get it released, then leave the key on aux. when you turn the car off. This allows you to have the cylinder and steering lock replaced.
Don't turn the key to off all the way and don't remove the key.

Good Luck
Do a search on this subect, kiddo.

tryan · #19 02-10-2003, 11:33 AM

dig deep in the trunk and you might find the factory tool kit floating around the spare.

the battery should be a 13mm. negative cable first off /last on. important.
the under dash panel is three phillips screws on the bottom of the dash and a couple quick release 1/4 turn clips. i don't remember what size the nut/bolt is that holds the plastic electrical switch in.

if the wheel will move a little, i would do what unkl300d said and be patient. you might try a little graphite on the key (i use a extremely small amount of marine fogging oil)

try some zen and think the pin out of the hole.

Ginger97 · #20 02-10-2003, 05:11 PM

OK, I have tried everything suggested. No go. Looks like my only alternative is to have it hauled to the repair shop.

Thanks for everything guys!!! (Sorry if have assumed incorrectly on the guy part)

I'll let you know what happens and how much the loan is that I'll need from the bank. HA! HA!

d2bernhard · #21 02-10-2003, 05:37 PM

Have you tried it in neutral? Tired rolling it a bit back and forth (a few inches).

Ginger97 · #22 02-10-2003, 05:41 PM

Yes, unfortunately, I have tried that too! It will not budge. Nothing I have done changes anything. I do not even feel anything loosen up.

Ginger97 · #23 02-11-2003, 06:32 PM

Guess what everyone!!! My car is running again!!! A friend of mine brought her mechanic over and he had it started in 15 minutes. The "Magic" touch.

He says I will eventually need to replace the switch, but at least I can drive it to the repair shop.

Thank you all so much for your help.

I am so happy, didn't know something this simple could make someone so happy!

Who needs that Ex anyway?

when I have great online buds like you.

and close friends like her.

Now for my next problem?????

tryan · #24 02-11-2003, 07:15 PM

glad you're back on the road

engatwork · #25 02-11-2003, 08:11 PM

Ginger - Take it and get the tumbler replaced and have the steering lock mechanism inspected AS SOON AS YOU CAN. You are fortunate to have been able to get it going. You DO not want to have to get it drilled out.
A new tumbler can be gotten from the dealer if you carry your VIN to them along with proof of ownership.

haasman · #26 02-11-2003, 08:56 PM

Hurray! Glad to hear it.

Tell us, what did your mechanic friend do to solve the problem?

Haasman

Ginger97 · #27 02-11-2003, 11:18 PM

I will go to the dealership this week. Any idea about the cost of the tumbler?

I am not sure exactly what he did, because when I ask him he just told me not to move the key past the first position like most of you had said, and that I needed a new switch. His boss owns 2 Mercedes' and he does the work on them, so I guess he just had that touch and of course, there was no level of frustration for him as with me. I will ask him the next time I see him.

Amazing!! He was so kind and would not let me pay him? I felt really bad about that. I guess I'll bake him a cake or something?

haasman · #28 02-12-2003, 12:06 AM

Be sure and use lubricant on the rest of your locks. Best is a graphite based auto-lock lube.

Definitely do something for him: Expertise, willingness to help, for free. Good Guy.

...and hey, no "Ex" involved!

Haasman

unkl300d · #29 02-12-2003, 01:00 AM

Ginger, that situation is like a slot machine.
One sits and feeds it change with o results. The minute one moves, the next person hits a prize on your primed up slot machine!
Anyway, Benzmac always advises to replace the tumbler and steering lock.I changed my tumbler alone and had a repeat
incident. Then I had the lock replaced.
No more problems.
Cheap insurance compared to a frozen key again.
Both items are not real heap, but in the long run it pays off.
Cheers.

engatwork · #30 02-12-2003, 06:24 AM

Ginger - my brain is starting to get real cluttered up with work related stuff but I vaguely seem to remember (for my 300D) the tumbler costing around $70 and the lock mechanism around $150. These are local dealer prices. Anyway, I changed it all myself so I don't have a clue what it would cost to pay someone else to do it. It is still ALOT cheaper than drilling it out

.