Hello.
I find myself in need of the 560 sel that I set aside in the fall when it stoped working. I thought my toyota pickup would get me through the winter and that I could wait till spring to troubleshoot this, but my killer driveway has stoped the toyota as well. So I have to fix the 560 now, Outside, in the winter, in the snow, but not all alone. I've got you guys, Thank you very much.
My last trip was up my driveway in the snow, wheels spinning and then stuck. I left it till the next day and it wouldn't turn over so I rolled it to the side and left it until now.
I had the transmission replaced 5000 miles ago. The key switch has refused to turn a few times. Now when I turn the key only the srs light lights up and that only for a few seconds. when I release it no lights are lit, guages don't move no horn, fans, nothing except the headlights and radio work. I tried moving the shifter many times and no difference. I read that I should check the neutral safety switch by looking for backup lights and I have none. What does this sound like the problem is? If it is the neutral switch, can I get around this to start it so that I can get it to a lift? Did I mention that it is in the snow?
Also. while trying all of the switches in different key positions I found thar the seat heaters can be turned on when the key is turned all the way that it can be turned. Seemed odd.
Thank you,
Robert

Not to suggest you're daft, but, to be sure everything's how it should be (because who knows what strange behaviour might otherwise happen), have you fully charged your battery?

Do you ever get any ignition lights lighting up? Oil lights etc.?

__________________
190E's:
2.5-16v 1990 90,000m Astral Silver
2.0E 8v 1986 107,000m Black 2nd owner
http://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall.jpghttp://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall2.jpg

OK, let's go with some basics. Fuses. Those little devils will look perfect and be perfectly bad. Best to actually check to see of you have voltage on the spring tabs they snap into with a voltmeter. Next, ignition switch. contacts in them can yield strange results. If you slowly rotate the keys switch, do you get say radio power in or near the first or second position? Third, hold the key all the way to start and slowly move the shifter. Do this with brake firmly applied. Start by pushing shifter all the way forward and then slowly move it all the way back to second gear. See if you get any action out of the starter anywhere. All of this of course is based on a battery putting out a good 12 or more volts. Just on general principle, bring the battery into a warm garage or such (70 f) and charge it overnight. Check voltage before and after charging. Clean battery terminals and cable ends. Man I hate working in snow.

Pentoman and BobK,
Thank you for your replies.
The battery is strong enough to give me good head lights.
I have slowly moved the gear shift through all ranges while holding the key fully and gotten no responce. The radio is powered all of the time but I tried the windows switches in the different key positions and get no power to them until the key is turned as far as it will let me. At that point the seat heaters work as well. So tell me, bad ignition key or switch? If it is is it a pain to replace?
Thank you,
Robert

Hello, I called to get a price from MB on an ignition switch and the price is over $315.00. I guess I shouldn't be shocked I guess.

Hi robbert,

from how you describe the last trip up a driveway in the snow with tires spinning, probably gravel flying etc. I just can't believe that the key terminal will be affected. What about the connection at the starter or the safety switch at the transmission? Aren't those more likely culprits?

Good luck

Reinhard Kreutzer

Gentlemen,
Could you help me out here please.
When I turn the key

1) No dash board lights light except the SRS light when the key is turned fully after a few seconds, the srs light goes out.

2) I do not hear the fuel pump at any key position.

3) The windows and seat heaters work when the key is held fully on only.

4) I hear what I think is the steering lock disengaging but I feel the wheel does not get locked. I can tun the wheel a little bit with the greatest of effort with the key in any position.

5)I have had a few ocasions when the ignition switch would not turn at all on the first few tries. I felt the key was going bad but now I realize that it always worked the door locks and trunk.

I realize that you would have to be a mind reader to be able to get through this with the information provided but I am doing my best.

The car is not in a place that I could safely get under it to check the neutral safety switch. I tried.
I could get a bit of a look at the starter conections from above and the best I can tell they look alright.
Thank you for your insight,
Robert

Hello,

The key does go in and out okay. But I am getting the feeling that it is not turning all the way. Maybe I am wrong about that though.
Thank you for your input.
I need to get this car started today somehow. Big commitment in Boston.
Thanks again,
Robert

Gentlemen,
Thank you,
I went out to remove the tumbler with a paperclip and a pair of pliers as I read in a post. Lost patience and turned the key with the (can you believe I did this?) pliers. and it started! Just one little click and it was free. Now with 26 bags of sand to put on my icey drive way and I am off to Boston.
You guy's are the best.
I can't thank you enough.
Robert