95 C280 can't turn key in ignition after sitting a year?

[atikovi]

I have this C280 salvage car/parts car/rebuilder that was fine the last time I started it a year or so ago but now I can't get the key to turn in the ignition switch. And I put a good battery in it. What could be the cause?

[Gilly]

Wrong key or seized lock cylinder. Battery won't matter on that car, it should turn with NO battery in it.

[Gilly]

Unless you mean a new battery in the KEY, in which case same answer, the key battery is only for the remote locking/unlocking functions, not the starter. Have you trid jiggling the steering wheel around? It might maybe have a locked lock cylinder because the sterring is jammed on to the steering wheel lock?
Gilly

[atikovi]

I'll try jiggling the steering wheel and the key is pure mechanical.

[Gilly]

OK, so you have like the valet key or something, the car has a remote lock/unlock, but each car was delivered with one valet key, which has no remote function.
Gilly

[atikovi]

I tried jiggling the steering wheel with no luck. I guess my next step is to remove the whole lock switch assembly.