Steering Lock

[Guy Massey]

I have recently bought a 1985 (C reg) 500 SEC and I haven’t had it five minutes – well, two weeks, actually – and I have already got a problem.

When I got it the key seemed very stiff when I put it in the ignition barrel. It was stiff, but it worked.

The problem now is that I went to start it the other day I can not turn the key clockwise. It is just as though the steering lock is still engaged. I have tried wiggling the steering wheel from one side to the other but I still can’t get the key to turn.

Can someone offer some advice on what to do?

Which way do I have to turn the steering wheel to unlock the steering lock?

Would it help to jack up the front end and get the weight off the front wheels?

Can I disconnect the steering lock? Or withdraw the ignition barrel?

Help. What can I do?

 

[television]

You could try some white grease from a lock smith or MB, but the chances are that it will need a new lock, only from MB.

Malcolm and welcome to the forum.

 

[Casual Traveller]

Is the key worn? I have had the same symptoms and bought a new key from MB for £11.00, they just needed the VIN.
Graham.

 

[tom7035]

I have recently bought a 1985 (C reg) 500 SEC and I haven’t had it five minutes – well, two weeks, actually – and I have already got a problem.

When I got it the key seemed very stiff when I put it in the ignition barrel. It was stiff, but it worked.

The problem now is that I went to start it the other day I can not turn the key clockwise. It is just as though the steering lock is still engaged. I have tried wiggling the steering wheel from one side to the other but I still can’t get the key to turn.

Can someone offer some advice on what to do?

Which way do I have to turn the steering wheel to unlock the steering lock?

Would it help to jack up the front end and get the weight off the front wheels?

Can I disconnect the steering lock? Or withdraw the ignition barrel?

Help. What can I do?

Hi Guy, welcome from me.
I'm no locksmith and neither am I familiar with your model, but my strong advice is NOT to force it under any circumstances or you could face a bill of £££'s! I'm thinking sticking tumblers and would personally try spraying in some very thin lubricant (penetrating oil or similar) and PATIENT wiggling of the wheel and turning attempts of the key without forcing. You may be lucky and suddenly it might turn - you may have to try for a fair amount of time, so as I said, patience. You are going to have to replace the lock barrel in any case, but to remove it, it needs to be turned to position '1' (if it's the same as the later models that is).
Try a search of the forum using relevant keywords as there have been issues like this discussed several times.
I don't think raising the front wheels will make any difference.
Meantime I'm sure someone much more experienced in this problem will come in.
Good luck, Tom.