W 202 1996 C 200 ignition lock and remote key problem

[Aussie Nick]

Hi Gang,
Can any one help out?
Sprayed some WD40 into ignition lock as a precaution. Then discovered that the steering wheel had locked up. The remote fob worked to open and shut the doors for a short while but then failed to respond. Changed batteries in flick out fob but without success.
Have taken bottom of dash out to get to underneath of steering column. Have lightly tapped steering lock with a small hammer and have moved steering wheel back and forward but lock will not release. Have checked all fuses but unable to find any defective ones.Have tried connecting disconnecting battery without result.
Any Ideas?

 

[anyweb]

you have to insert the key into the ingnition and turn it to release the steering lock, you MAY have to move the steering wheel right or left while turning the key if the wheel has 'locked' up to unlock it.

i had this problem on day one of owning my w202, because I wasn't use to it, so please try inserting the key, turning the wheel one way or the other until the steering lock unlocks itself

cheers
anyweb

 

[Aussie Nick]

Thanks for reply. I have spent hours doing as you have suggested without success.I suspect that the problem is the tumblers in the lock have been disordered but I am not certain. Thank you again for your quick response it is good to know that I am not alone. Regards. Aussie Nick

 

[anyweb]

does your key turn in the ignition at all ?

 

[television]

It will need a new barrel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSSgf4ZZCfA

 

[Aussie Nick]

The key will not turn at all. I can jiggle it a little bit. I dont understand why the infra red key fob wont get a response from the mirror. The car is stuck in the garage .Thank heaven for a small mercy. Can I Take out the lock so that the car can at least be put on a trailer ?

 

[television]

If you take it out in the wrong order there is the danger that the steering lock will engage for ever

 

[Aussie Nick]

CRIKEY CRIKEY!!!!!!!! yaHOOOOO. I GOT IT . yOU LITTLE bEAUTY....... I GOT IT MATE. She has rolled over for me . Now for the fun. Thanks guys . All your assistance was invaluable.The video clip from Telivision has really enlightened me and I am truly grateful. Thanks also anyweb . the jiggling was very important as was also the turning of the steering wheel in both directions. PLEASE NOTE GUYS. #####Try running air compressor nozzle directed into the mouth of the barrel and feeding compressed air into it to move any dirt or substances that have jammed the tumblers. Keep inserting the key and turning both ways whilst turning steering wheel in both directions . Keep repeating procedure and feeding compressed air until success is achieved.Patience and perseverance is necessary. If anyone has this problem would suggest trying this procedure. would also like to thank ALLAN LENNOX MOTORS for their free advice and telephone technical assistance.
Regards Aussie Nick.
PS I am still not out of the woods.

 

[television]

Thank you for keeping us posted Nick

 

[Aussie Nick]

Hi Mates. The remote fob now is working . Obviously tied into not being able to turn ignition on. Possibly the lock up of the steering disables the remote fob.Once the steering is unlocked the remote single swing out blade fob will operate. Possibly self resynchronizes when steering lock back into normal operation. If you really get stuck I am advised that it will be necessary to grind down the steering lock after dropping the steering column.Quiet messy indeed.If get caught in a tight spot call a tow truck with rollers to avoid dragging front wheels. The auto trans can be switched into neutral by pressing on the normal brake pedal allowing the rear wheels to roll freely.
regards Aussie Nick

 

[csl]

Help please

Just bought w reg 202 estate with electronic key problem ocassionally when i park up and return to car after short period the steering lock engages and unable to disengage or lock car using key fob then after a retry it works very frustrating any ideas

 

[Aussie Nick]

Your ignition barrel is showing signs of fatigue. You should replace from MB before it finally locks you out in an awkward place late at night or in the freezing cold. I suspect it has something to do with metal expansion from warm weather.
Have a look at member Johanssens current thread with his problem.
Have alook at this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSSgf4ZZCfA

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
Welcome to the forum.
The batteries in your key are only used for the central locking, so not worth replacing in this case. The steering lock is released electronically when the key is placed in the ignition. Have you tried the spare key?