Removing Key while not in Park - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tcornett · #1 10-25-2007, 09:50 PM

I noticed on my 83 300sd that I am able to remove the key without putting the car in Park. I don't think this is normal, but how do i correct this issue? My car started rolling backwards while I was getting out of the car since i neglected to put the car in Park before I got out.

Is there some sort of locking mechanism on the transmission or ignition to stop the removal of the key? I am new to these cars and would appreciate anyone who can help point me in the correct direction for diagnosing and correcting this issue.

Thank you for your help

Tim

bustedbenz · #2 10-25-2007, 10:02 PM

It's normal on my 86, should easily be normal on an older one. Transmission is completely independent of the key switch. Steering wheel locks on key removal, but the gears are free to shift at anytime, key or no key. There's no interlock of any kind that I know of.

Jeremy5848 · #3 10-25-2007, 11:30 PM

In both of my Benzes, the transmichigan can be shifted regardless of what position the key switch is in. I always use the emergency brake so I haven't shared your rollaway problem.

Jeremy

pawoSD · #4 10-26-2007, 01:13 AM

MB expects its owners/drivers to remember to put it in park or set the parking brake before exiting the vehicle.

Although new ones probably have all the interlocks....

tcornett · #5 10-26-2007, 07:50 AM

Well it is certainly good to know that the car is normal, it is just the owner that is broken

.

Thanks for the quick responses, I am sure I will have more questions as I continue to discover the car.

#6 10-26-2007, 08:13 AM

That safety "feature" wasn't required for cars to have until the late 90's (IIRC).

bustedbenz · #7 10-26-2007, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy5848

In both of my Benzes, the transmichigan can be shifted regardless of what position the key switch is in. I always use the emergency brake so I haven't shared your rollaway problem.

Jeremy

I never use my emergency brake because once you step on it, the spring is too weak or something (previous owner had hooked a makeshift spring in the carpet panel on the side, the real spring hook is damaged or something) - and although it releases, the pedal is just floppy enough for the brake light to stay on all the time unless you tug it just right.

pawoSD · #8 10-26-2007, 04:36 PM

The interlock on our minivan doesn't work. You can shift it to whatever without pressing the brake...even out of park.

charmalu · #9 10-26-2007, 09:01 PM

If your car started to roll backwards when you were getting out, thats what it is suppose to do. The parking brake and the park position is on the transmission are there for a reason.
If your car rolls away after you leave it, you will have some liability issues. I have seen this happen in parking lots where it seems to be level, god forbid that it would run over someone.

I see it all the time, people pull into a parking space and just slam it into park, and the vehicle is rocking back and forth, must be good on the transmission.

Charlie