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Ok, so I was the wife of a mechanic and lived a car sheltered life.  My OS was driving the mercedes benz getting gas when he went to turn the car on. He couldn't get the key to turn over in the ignition and the steering wheel is locked. I have no idea where to start or what to do. Any advice? thank you
BS 52, FWH 53, Married 1-1-84
D-day 5-14-07, WH moved in with OW
Plan A 9 months, DARK Plan B 3-17-08 until 3-2-09
WH and OW broke up 1-09
Started over 7-09
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This reminds me of a car I used to drive. What you had to do was use your left hand and pull the gearshift as far to the left as possible and then the ignition would turn. You actually had to pull it towards you AND to the left as far as you could go.
That's assuming your gearshift is on the steering wheel.
I don't know if it will help but it's worth a try!
Good luck!
Charlotte
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Sometimes you just have to wiggle the steering wheel a little just to get it to let go. Sorry I'm not more helpful than that.
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My car did that not too long ago -- Really weird. I either got it loose my wiggling the steering wheel or I was able to somehow get the key out of the ignition and unlock that way.....
Maybe the Mercedes website could help figure this out??
D-Day May 14th, 2005
Married 16 Years
DS age 8
6 months Plan A
Plan B 10-11-05, H moved back in June 2007, Very False Recovery.
2nd Day-Day 7/7/08 Kicked WH Out.
Plan B for my sanity
"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." Robert Brault
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Thank Tabby.....
Kim that is a great idea. I'll try it.
Someone else suggested key lubrication. Who knew... :RollieEyes:
BS 52, FWH 53, Married 1-1-84
D-day 5-14-07, WH moved in with OW
Plan A 9 months, DARK Plan B 3-17-08 until 3-2-09
WH and OW broke up 1-09
Started over 7-09
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Nope. He can get the car started with his key deal. He tried the lubrication, but I'm not clear if that worked or not. What he said was that he can't get the center console to move it out of park.
He was very frustrated so I sent him off to play lacrosse and hopefully work on frustration and see if there is anyone to offer suggestions or help us get the car home.
Thanks Cat... any other thoughts?
BS 52, FWH 53, Married 1-1-84
D-day 5-14-07, WH moved in with OW
Plan A 9 months, DARK Plan B 3-17-08 until 3-2-09
WH and OW broke up 1-09
Started over 7-09
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Thanks Dancing.... I'll try that.... if it still seems to be the key. Oops silly me, I just reread what you wrote. Nope the gearshift is in the console in the middle of the seats. OS seems to think that's where the problem is. Thanks for the suggestion. Ok Kim, I just checked the MB website. OMG.... Get this... Every Mercedes in the US, no matter how old, how many miles, how many owners is qualified for 24 hour, 365 day a year road side assistance.  Thank you for that suggestion.... It's one idea. It's an 84 and my dad is the original owner. So when OS gets home, will drive over there try your suggestions a couple of more times and call road side assistance. They will tow the car to the nearest dealership at a charge which I haven't got so I need to be smart about my decisions. Who knew?
Last edited by QueeniesNewLife; 02/22/09 02:57 PM.
BS 52, FWH 53, Married 1-1-84
D-day 5-14-07, WH moved in with OW
Plan A 9 months, DARK Plan B 3-17-08 until 3-2-09
WH and OW broke up 1-09
Started over 7-09
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Queenie - Do you have a different key? Mine does that, and I just wiggle the steering wheel, but sometimes it is hard to get it going. Then I noticed that it only does it with the original key which is worn. I now use my other key, and no more problems.
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I do.... I'll try that too. Thanks.....
What I'm waiting to find out from OS is if he finally got the key to turn into the ignition and can't get it into gear or the key is still causing trouble.
He was too frustrated to really ask so I'm waiting for him to get home.
thanks B....
BTW, how is your mom?
BS 52, FWH 53, Married 1-1-84
D-day 5-14-07, WH moved in with OW
Plan A 9 months, DARK Plan B 3-17-08 until 3-2-09
WH and OW broke up 1-09
Started over 7-09
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An 84?
Guess what I did for an living and when!
Is it a 240 or a 300?
I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.
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Its 300sd turbo diesel. Three guesses and the first two don't count? 
BS 52, FWH 53, Married 1-1-84
D-day 5-14-07, WH moved in with OW
Plan A 9 months, DARK Plan B 3-17-08 until 3-2-09
WH and OW broke up 1-09
Started over 7-09
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Posts: 6,643
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Pariah,
What do you think. I talked to my son, he says, he has pulled the steering wheel all the way over to the left and tried cranking the key. Nothing.
He thinks that it is connected to the center console where the drive, park, etc. is..
BS 52, FWH 53, Married 1-1-84
D-day 5-14-07, WH moved in with OW
Plan A 9 months, DARK Plan B 3-17-08 until 3-2-09
WH and OW broke up 1-09
Started over 7-09
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Wiggle the shifter as you wiggle the key.
EVERYTHING on that car is vacuum operated by a pump on the engine, from the fuel shut off valve to the door locks.
The ignition switch operates a vacuum valve and the diaphragm on the pump might be split now. Has the car had trouble shutting off lately?
I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.
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I need to ask my son that question.
If that is split, any idea how much we could be talking about?
BS 52, FWH 53, Married 1-1-84
D-day 5-14-07, WH moved in with OW
Plan A 9 months, DARK Plan B 3-17-08 until 3-2-09
WH and OW broke up 1-09
Started over 7-09
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Posts: 6,643
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Nope, he says it hasn't had trouble with it shutting off lately.
Last edited by QueeniesNewLife; 02/22/09 05:06 PM.
BS 52, FWH 53, Married 1-1-84
D-day 5-14-07, WH moved in with OW
Plan A 9 months, DARK Plan B 3-17-08 until 3-2-09
WH and OW broke up 1-09
Started over 7-09
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Posts: 2,037
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I copied it. Delete it now or that lurking troll will harass him.
When you want me to call?
I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.
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If you have time now, I would really appreciate it. Thank you so much...
Last edited by QueeniesNewLife; 02/22/09 05:07 PM.
BS 52, FWH 53, Married 1-1-84
D-day 5-14-07, WH moved in with OW
Plan A 9 months, DARK Plan B 3-17-08 until 3-2-09
WH and OW broke up 1-09
Started over 7-09
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Posts: 2,037
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Lemme get back from the store and I'll givem a call. Tabs needs me to go to the store a minit. 
I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.
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Okie dokie. Thank you very much.
BS 52, FWH 53, Married 1-1-84
D-day 5-14-07, WH moved in with OW
Plan A 9 months, DARK Plan B 3-17-08 until 3-2-09
WH and OW broke up 1-09
Started over 7-09
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