Locked ignition

MERCEDESMAN

MEMBER
MERCEDES BENZ

Hello All,
I am another driver enjoying lots of miles on an old mercedes. I have a 1983 mercedes 300CD (turbodiesel). It has 240,000 miles and runs well except for the last month. IF I park the car with the steering wheel turned so that the mercedes logo is vertical, I can always restart the car. IF I park the car with the steering wheel logo horizontal, then it can take several minutes trying to get the key to turn and release the steering lock. Unfortunately the car has been sitting for a month now. I press the brake, and also turn the wheel left and right vigorously with no success. I am parked on a slight incline so Icould let the car roll back if being level :idea: matters. However, if I don't get it started then I will be stuck in the street. Any one had this kind of old car fun?

1 Reply

DR LOOT

MECHANIC
2,311 POSTS

I have had the same problem you are experiencing, the Mercedes ignition switches very complicated, I went to my local key shop, they sold me a special spray for ignition and door locks, I sprayed it in and it fix it, but check your Key it may be warn, if you have your back up key try it, if not you will have to remove the passenger side door handle and have a new key made