I have a Mercedes Benz c220 and the ignition will not turn. When I place the key in the ignition to start the car the key wont turn to the on position. Its like the steering wheel is lock and won't come unlocked. I tried shaking the car, the steering wheel and putting the car into gear but the trans is locked as well. I pulled the bottom part of the dash off to access the ignition lock cylinder. Should I replace it or try to fix the old one? If anyone can help with tips or advice I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks
Did you try jacking up the car at the front then wiggle the steering as you turn the key? Did you try a spare key? Spray inside the mechanism with WD40. Try putting the key in at different depths and turning.
The lock cylinder is a replace only item.
I had the exact same problem. The cylinder needs to be replaced.
You can do this of two ways:
Pricey option: Go to the dealership and get this fixed. It's going to cost a lot (they quoted me $160 I think) but you will be able to use the same key.
Cheaper option: Get it replaced with a cylinder with its own key and deal with having 2 keys for the car (one for doors, one for ignition). The part is less than $30. Then you need to find a shop that fixes Mercedes to replace it for you. You can do it yourself, but it's not easy.
The key needs to be put in the 1st position for the cylinder to come free. Now the black metal part around the key needs to come off. I used locking pliers to grip it, push it in and turn it. This should come off (not sure how much you care about the car, but I scratched the living **** out of this part doing it)
Now pay attention to exactly where the existing cylinder is on the car. You have to put the new one in EXACTLY the way yours is now. You will need to turn the ignition cylinder to get it out. Do the exact same thing, the opposite way, with the new one. It's a good idea to have some lube for this, as I had a really hard time.
Put the new one in and put the black metal thing back on. Take the key out and spray some more lube in it. It might be tight for a little while, but it will loosen up. The whole thing took me about 40 minutes, but most of it was spent wrestling with putting the new one in. Hopefully you don't have the same issue.
Good luck!
Reset your Mercedes-Benz key by placing the key in the ignition of your vehicle while the vehicle is turned off. Do not turn on the vehicle. Press a finger on the "lock" button of your key fob while the key is in the Mercedes' ignition.
Pull the key out of the ignition while continuing to hold the "lock" button down. Continue to hold the "lock" button for the duration of the key resetting process
Use another finger to push down on the "unlock" button five consecutive times. Keep holding down the "lock" button.
Release the "lock" button. This is the end of the resetting process for your Mercedes-Benz. Use your key fob to ensure it is properly working
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I tried all the tips u offered and still won't turn. I'm trying to remove the lock cylinder now but have had no luck so far. Where is the button that needs to be pushed in order to remove the cylinder? Also does the key have to be turned on to the 1st position in order for the cylinder to come free? Any advice from this point would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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