PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Ignition problem! key will go in but not turn.

crhenkel · #3 08-30-2007, 09:12 PM

if the car is not on an incline with the wheels locked, causing a lot of pressure on the steering wheel lock, and therfore making the wheel jamb up against the locking bar and jamb up the ignition cylinder...your ignition cylinder has gone bad. If that is the case, they are prone to breaking and having a problem like you described, you will have to replace it. If you are not handy...it is not a fun job by any means. Most people have to pull the cluster tjust to get at the lock mechanism that has to be ground out and pulled from the back side of the dash. If this does not sound like fun to you, call a local indy shop that deals with MB or the dealer. The new lock cylinder has to come from the dealer anyhow, if you want it to match your key. i think they run about $130-175. There is a lot of time involved in replacing a bad cylinder. Several posts on the forum on how to do the job too. Do a search. Good luck. I know at least once, the real problem was the wheels where turned to the max and the car's weight was pushing on the wheels, locking the wheel to its max position and the steering wheel lock can get wedged tight in that position. Try either putting a lot of pressure on the wheel one way of the other when trying to get the key to release. I hope for you that is the situation, but usually the lock cylinder has gone bad when the key wont turn anymore.