Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Electrical and Instruments => Topic started by: n/a on August 28, 2004, 04:22:54

Title: Stuck ignition key
Post by: n/a on August 28, 2004, 04:22:54

Hello everyone

I just got my car back from a service and it's going beautifully (touch wood)! Today when I took it out to a Mercedes Club event I found that the ignition key was stuck fast. It moves from position 1 (off) through to start but won't go anticlockwise into the lock position so that the key can be removed. I must admit that it's been stiff for a while now. I've hit it with spray lubricant and will leave it overnight. Any suggestions?

Thanks as always,

Mark


1965 230 SL light blue, auto, RHD

Title: Re: Stuck ignition key
Post by: ja17 on August 28, 2004, 07:17:35

Hello Mark,
Try squirting some lock graphite  into the lock and work the key back and fourth.


Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

Title: Re: Stuck ignition key
Post by: pagode.info on August 29, 2004, 00:55:14

NEVER use oil !

The small fingers inside
the lock will be unable
to slide around the key
with old oil around after
months.

230 SL steering lock cylin-
ders are not available any
more. (280 SL cylinders are
and also easy to replace)

Tom


 



www.pagode.info

Title: Re: Stuck ignition key
Post by: n/a on August 29, 2004, 06:13:04

I tried the lock this morning and it was still stuck. Then I took the car for a drive and when I stopped and tried it thekey came out but in the 1 or off position. I put it back in and turned it around to lock and everything jammed up again. After a bit of jiggling the key and steering wheel at the same time it came loose but I'm not game to turn it all around to lock again. Correct me if I'm wrong but the key shouldn't come out in the off position should it?

Mark

1965 230 SL light blue, auto, RHD

Title: Re: Stuck ignition key
Post by: Malc on August 30, 2004, 01:43:16

THere may be dirt and crud in your lock begining to jam it up. Couple of things you could try
Electrical contact cleaner which evaporates quickly, or like I have had to do with my daily hack (saab 900) where the key is on the floor is use an air line and fine nozzle to blow the crud out from time to time.
Malc

Title: Re: Stuck ignition key
Post by: hands_aus on August 30, 2004, 05:14:55

yes, it can be removed on my 250sl with the old style keys

Bob (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

Title: Re: Stuck ignition key
Post by: TheEngineer on August 30, 2004, 21:09:23

I have taken the lock cylinder out: Instructions are in the BBB. You may find after you examine the removed lock cylinder with the key in it (Don't pull the key out with out watching for the little fingers to fall out) that your key is worn too much.

1969 280SL,Signal Red, A/T, P/S, A/C, Both tops.    Ret. engr. 1967 230SL - Sold

Title: Re: Stuck ignition key
Post by: TheEngineer on August 30, 2004, 21:17:04

On my car the owners manual says: "0" = Off position, steering locked when key is removed. "1" = Garage position: Ignition off, steering free with key removed & my radio works. "2" = Drive: Ignition on, steering free, side lights automatically turned off; not possible to remove key.

1969 280SL,Signal Red, A/T, P/S, A/C, Both tops.    Ret. engr. 1967 230SL - Sold