My Key won't turn??

[odyseus]

Hi all
I have a 1993 C220 Auto and today I find I can't turn the ignition key?. The key goes in OK and I can unlock the steering lock but I cannot turn the key. I read on this forum that maybe the barrel is broken? and that I could try wiggling the steering wheel while trying to turn the key or even vibrating the key with a jig saw??

Is there an easy option or is it going to be expensive, the local Merc Stealership is only up the road - it's just getting it there

Any suggestions as my car is currently stranded at my works carpark!!

Cheers

John

 

[jberks]

bit confused. You say you can unlock the steering lock but can't turn the key. Surely you have to turn the key to unlock the steering?
I had a similar problem on my C220 the day I bought it in '98. (had it 20 mins!!)The key would go in but it wouldn't turn. In my case, the barrel had collapsed and the dealer was the only way forward (not a big problem as I'd just collected it from them) but the things to check are steering (shake) and if auto, waggle the gear lever and ensure its in N or P..

 

[odyseus]

I see what you mean! The auto stick is in park - you can't actually move it when the ignitions off.

I can engage the steering lock, and there is a little movement in the key to unlock it - but not enough to go to position 1??

Up to now the lock has been fine no sticking or any other problems? My worry is that if the barrel has broken you can't get the lock out meaning it's going to be bl**dy expensive ! plus I need to get it to the dealer!! The real bummer is that the car is up for sale and I was expecting a viewing today _ When it rains it pours!!

 

[jberks]

You may fare ok with a specialist. When mine went, they put a spare barrel in to get me going and ordered me one to fit the original key which they fitted a week later, so I am guessing that it isn't too major a job to remove and pop in a used one from a breaker. But if you want to keep to one key then the dealer will have to come into it at some point I suspect.

 

[odyseus]

specialist? Did you get a locksmith to sort you out or the local Stealership??

 

[jberks]

mercedes specialist. There's no need to see a dealer and I don't know of any car locksmiths. A jobbing mechanic can fiddle around with it or you can use an MB specialist who knows how to strip it down and will know of the best source of parts too.