Help, my key won't turn! - Benzworld.org

maasmike · 05-02-2008, 11:54 PM

Yesterday I drove my car home and parked it in the garage. This morning I awoke to find that my key will not turn in the ignition. It turns far enough to unlock the steering wheel, but does not make it all the way to the second position. I have never had a problem with the key in the past (there was never any trouble turning it). What do I need to do to fix it? Please help!

mbkomfort · 05-03-2008, 07:42 AM

Don't turn the steering lock back on! If you can turn the key to position 1 the lock can be dismantled/removed. Have you tried to spray oil in it?

GreaseDiesel.org · 05-03-2008, 08:41 AM

Oh man, this is actually a common problem eventually. Whatever you do don't lock the steering wheel - this happened to me a few months ago and it was a BEAR! - you need to replace your ignition lock & tumbler and unfortunately possibly the whole housing - thats what I had to do - heres some helpful links

http://dieselgiant.com/repairignitionlock.htm

https://www.autohausaz.com

Jevile219 · 05-03-2008, 01:06 PM

How are your transmission shifter bushings? Sometimes if you don't put it in park completely then the neutral safety switch will keep you from turning the key. Just try 'jiggling' the shifter, insuring it is engaged in park, then try again.

79Mercy · 05-03-2008, 08:47 PM

^^^No, the neutral saftey switch will not stop the key from turning? That switch will allow the key to turn, it just will not engage the starter.

Jevile219 · 05-04-2008, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 79Mercy

^^^No, the neutral saftey switch will not stop the key from turning? That switch will allow the key to turn, it just will not engage the starter.

I'm quite positive that what I said was correct. If the transmission is not in neutral or park then the key will not turn. I know this because my shifter bushings are not the greatest and I must insure I'm in the correct gear.

MB-Owner-in-ind · 05-04-2008, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jevile219

I'm quite positive that what I said was correct. If the transmission is not in neutral or park then the key will not turn. I know this because my shifter bushings are not the greatest and I must insure I'm in the correct gear.

Which model/year car do you have?

79Mercy · 05-04-2008, 04:21 PM

Not on a W123. You must be talking about another series.

maasmike · 05-05-2008, 12:52 AM

Thanks for the insight. I thought I would have to get in there and replace it, but wanted to be sure before I started digging into it. Hopefully I can get this done before the coming weekend as my wife needs the other car to head outr of town.

Jevile219 · 05-05-2008, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maasmike

Thanks for the insight. I thought I would have to get in there and replace it, but wanted to be sure before I started digging into it. Hopefully I can get this done before the coming weekend as my wife needs the other car to head outr of town.

Have you tried making sure it was in park? I'm not saying that's the problem, but I know it's common with these cars when the shifter bushings get old.

I have an '85 300D TurboDiesel. I could be wrong about it being the neutral safety switch, I thought that was what kept the key from turning when it wasn't in park or neutral. However, even if it's not the neutral safety switch, this is a common problem with the key not turning.