Ignition Key Will Not Come Out - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

hotdog1 · #1 05-28-2012, 08:23 AM

On my 1991 350SD I'm having problems with removing the igniyion key. The key starts and stops the car fine. After a lot of fiddling with steering wheel and gear shift am able to get it out sometimes. Any suggestions?

Jeremy5848 · #2 05-28-2012, 11:45 AM

Sounds like either the steering lock or the transmission lock is hanging up. Depending on the model/year, the ignition lock will not allow the key to come out unless IT THINKS the steering lock has engaged and the shifter is in PARK. Your opinion doesn't count. Cleaning and lubricating these moving parts so that they slide freely is the only way to fix the problem, with the possible exception of an adjustment in position or length of one of the locking elements and there I have no experience.

Jeremy

hotdog1 · #3 05-28-2012, 01:24 PM

Sounds like your two suggestions might be the answer. How do you go about lubricating these?

97 SL320 · #4 05-28-2012, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy5848

. . . IT THINKS the steering lock has engaged and the shifter is in PARK. Jeremy

This was happening on my 97 SL, the shifter bushing was missing preventing the trans from going fully into park. ( the bushing on the shift side not the trans side )

There is a small cable that starts at the trans that gives in park confirmation. From parts diagrams, on the SL it goes to the parking brake release then to the ignition / steering column lock.

Columns on these cars lock only when the key is removed, the park confirmation prevents the key from turning that last little bit to release the key. All of this prevents someone from turning off the key and locking the column while in motion. Other cars use a button on the column, of the column shift is interlocked to the steering lock.

Jeremy5848 · #5 05-28-2012, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotdog1

Sounds like your two suggestions might be the answer. How do you go about lubricating these?

I suspect you will need to partially disassemble the lock or at least remove the part of the dash that covers the lock (I'm not familiar with the S-class assembly). We need to hear from someone who has done this job.

Jeremy