Steering wheel lock problem
 

My car has started having a problem with the steering wheel lock not allowing the key to turn. It takes a lot of wiggling of the steering wheel, swearing and kicking of the front tires to start the car now. This problem started fairly suddenly yesterday. Once you get the key to turn past the wheel lock position there are no problems. Anybody have any ideas?

Sounds like you need to replace the steering wheel lock. If you don't know the history of the tumbler replace it too. Do a search on tumbler and you will have plenty to read for awhile.

You may already know this, but you have to take the tension off the steering wheel lock in order to turn the key. The SD won't allow you to turn the key unless you do this. But, once you get into the habit..........it's automatic.

Now, if the lock cylinder is failing, you best get a new one.......post haste. If you get to the point where you cannot turn the key........you are looking at a very expensive repair. To change the lock cylinder takes 20 minutes after you have purchased a new one from the dealer. Don't wait another minute on this.

Another victim of the Huf business model
 

Yep, I know about turning the wheel to get the tension off of the lock, but this seems to be a different issue. I can turn the wheel until I am blue in the face but it does not seem to help. :( What parts should I be looking to replace and will I still be able to use my same key? Thanks.

This piece, but the 123 diesel vacuum switch version if different. This gives you an idea though.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Benz-280-300-420-500-New-Steering-Lock-Switch_W0QQitemZ8060969819QQcategoryZ6763QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It sounds like the ignition cylinder might be the problem if turning the wheel isn't helping.

If indeed it is your problem, I got a new one for $66.50 from the dealer recently. Not too bad, and it came with a new key!

Is there some way of being certain it's the steering lock without taking the cylinder out? You said, of course, that turning the wheel wasn't helping.

Broken Lock Cylinder
 

Had the same isssue with my daughter's 300SD. When I removed the lock cylinder, it came out in two pieces. Installed the new cylinder and it worked like new.

James

I still think the steering lock may be at fault. I was playing with it today and try to insert and turn the key when the wheel lock is not engaged there is no problem getting the key to turn. If however I turn the wheel until the wheel lock clicks and engages I can not turn the key.

If the lock cylinder is the problem will I be able to replace it with another that will use the same key? I just finished fixing all of my door locks and I would like to be able to use the same key on all of the locks. Thanks for the help. –Bryan

OK, I thought there might be some reason you thought it was the steering lock.

I've read about people taking out the ignition cylinder and filing the steering lock pin down in order to avoid problems with it. If you want to go that route there's info. on this site somewhere. If not, hopefully fixing it isn't that bad of a job.

If for some reason you do need a new cylinder, the ones from the dealer come with the same key the car originally came with, or at least mine did.

When you order your tumbler from the dealer it will come with a key that is identical to the key sold with the car when new.
So, you should be able to use your same key - provided it is the same cut as new
and no one has changed the ignition tumbler.

The dealer wanted a copy of my drivers license and registration to order my replacement key and tumbler.

It sounds to me like key and tumbler also.

The key tumbler problem only shows up from position 0 (off locked) to position 1 (accessory).
It is smooth between 1 and 2 because tumblers have already moved into place.

Well I guess I should just disassemble the whole thing and have a look at it. Are the tumblers out of the locked position when the ignition is off but the steering lock is not engaged?

Does anybody know the difference between the $70 ignition lock and $200 ignition lock that fastlane sells? Thank you again. –Bryan

I just spoke with the dealer. They want $100 for the tumbler and $250 for the ignition lock. They also said a special tool is required to remove the tumbler and that I should drive there so that they can remove it. Does anybody have any other thoughts or words of advice before I take the plunge? Thank you. –Bryan

That's a bit pricey for just the lock cylinder. You can remove it yourself with a bit of wire and some patience. Naturally, the tool is much better. Bet they charge you 1 hour for the privelge, however.:mad:

I used a small jewelers screwdriver to lever the mechanism out of the way so that the collar can rotate. Took about 15 minutes total time to R & R. But, some folks struggle with it for hours.............

Well with the two hour drive to the dealer and back I could stand to play with it for a while and still be ahead. Do you agree that I should change both the lock and the tumbler or should I try just the tumbler first? Thank you