That happened today! Not joking, I just came out of the store w ice cream and a frozen pizza. It s hot here(Ventura, CA) also and I couldnt get the windows down. Key wouldnt go in. Started sweating. Thinking I have to sell this benz(83 300sd ). Starting cussing and then praying. I started moving the steering wheel w pressure in the key and it finally worked! I will watch this video tomorrow before I drive it. Thanks!!
A different issue in my 1984 300D about 10 yrs ago. The key would jam and not turn sometimes. Removed the key stalk (hard) and pried the steel plate off the aluminum housing. Inside, a spring detent had broken off and the parts were loose to sometimes jam turning the key. While in-there, you could remove the steering lock shaft since it only causes issues and probably doesn't do much to prevent theft. Key stays in position without the spring detent. I secured the metal plate by crimping the aluminum and epoxy. If I recall, that plate is only needed for the spring of the lock shaft.
I have a slight issue. My steering column is crooked, right side is higher than left. I though it could be the previous owner always lean on the left side. Can't wait too see what will you find out. Great job as alway.
Just test it. I need to make the steering column further crooked (opposite to what you do) to make the tumbler turn easier. Definitely need to see how you deal with the steering column. Thanks
I am of the opinion that the steering wheel lock has been forced a few times raising a burr on the column. The steel on the column is way softer than the lock. So it probably mushroomed and the slot is warped. I would look into disassembly on the column or at least removing the lock and taking a look. The alignment you mention is probably a part of the slot that has not been mushroomed.
My 01 e320 never gives me a problem. It has one of those funny IR keys and never ever jams. However, in any previous cars I just used the jiggle method. My 85 300d would jam up but the wiggle worked every time. I wouldn't pull on the wheel because you might mess up some internal thing in there by pulling it off kilter.
Mr. Impalaman, great video. Two questions: 1. Does your car have the switch to extended the steering wheel in and out 2. When installing the new steering lock, did you loosen the two bolts of the steering column to dashboard frame? Your buddy Peter from Kansas
@@ImpalamansGarage #2 is the problem. 1-2 mm play left / right & up / down of steering column. Needs to be perpendicular to steering lock and hole center has to line up with pin center Engage steering lock fully, loosen both bolts just enough so steering column can be moved with slight resistance. Move until lock releases without moving the steering wheel. Have fun! Your buddy Peter from Kansas
@@ImpalamansGarage should work with a bit of wiggling on the column. Btw I did watch the other video and thought you did but I thought I better ask. Peter
Well the thing is that I actually replaced the steering lock assembly in one of the previous videos. It's a brand new Mercedes Steering lock. After I replaced it, the the issue remained.
@@ImpalamansGarage That's right you did. Forgive my senility and never pay attention to me again 😏 My senility notwithstanding... I think you're on to something with just loosening and re-tightening it. I ran into GM tilt wheel column issues back before dirt was invented. The bolts down below would loosen up. It was easy to get in two of them with a crows foot. The third was a pita. So naturally most just tightened the two and claimed problem solved.
That happened today! Not joking, I just came out of the store w ice cream and a frozen pizza. It s hot here(Ventura, CA) also and I couldnt get the windows down. Key wouldnt go in. Started sweating. Thinking I have to sell this benz(83 300sd ). Starting cussing and then praying. I started moving the steering wheel w pressure in the key and it finally worked! I will watch this video tomorrow before I drive it. Thanks!!
A different issue in my 1984 300D about 10 yrs ago. The key would jam and not turn sometimes. Removed the key stalk (hard) and pried the steel plate off the aluminum housing. Inside, a spring detent had broken off and the parts were loose to sometimes jam turning the key. While in-there, you could remove the steering lock shaft since it only causes issues and probably doesn't do much to prevent theft. Key stays in position without the spring detent. I secured the metal plate by crimping the aluminum and epoxy. If I recall, that plate is only needed for the spring of the lock shaft.
Your observations sound right to me. Try adjusting the column and it might fix the issue.
You've really thought this through. Thanks for your testing and analysis.
I have a slight issue. My steering column is crooked, right side is higher than left. I though it could be the previous owner always lean on the left side. Can't wait too see what will you find out. Great job as alway.
Just test it. I need to make the steering column further crooked (opposite to what you do) to make the tumbler turn easier. Definitely need to see how you deal with the steering column. Thanks
Thank you so much makin this video because i gotta do that this week lol
I am of the opinion that the steering wheel lock has been forced a few times raising a burr on the column. The steel on the column is way softer than the lock. So it probably mushroomed and the slot is warped. I would look into disassembly on the column or at least removing the lock and taking a look. The alignment you mention is probably a part of the slot that has not been mushroomed.
Interesting analysis.
My 01 e320 never gives me a problem. It has one of those funny IR keys and never ever jams.
However, in any previous cars I just used the jiggle method. My 85 300d would jam up but the wiggle worked every time.
I wouldn't pull on the wheel because you might mess up some internal thing in there by pulling it off kilter.
Now I miss my 2000 E320. Thanks Werner. LOL
Mr. Impalaman, great video. Two questions:
1. Does your car have the switch to extended the steering wheel in and out
2. When installing the new steering lock, did you loosen the two bolts of the steering column to dashboard frame?
Your buddy Peter from Kansas
1) No
2) Yes. Per factory procedure. See previous video.
@@ImpalamansGarage #2 is the problem. 1-2 mm play left / right & up / down of steering column.
Needs to be perpendicular to steering lock and hole center has to line up with pin center
Engage steering lock fully, loosen both bolts just enough so steering column can be moved with slight resistance. Move until lock releases without moving the steering wheel.
Have fun! Your buddy Peter from Kansas
@@inovahightechltd Makes perfect sense Peter. I will give it a try!
@@ImpalamansGarage should work with a bit of wiggling on the column. Btw I did watch the other video and thought you did but I thought I better ask. Peter
I think that lock rod is bent from having been forced a time or two in its life. Causing the alignment issue.
Well the thing is that I actually replaced the steering lock assembly in one of the previous videos. It's a brand new Mercedes Steering lock. After I replaced it, the the issue remained.
@@ImpalamansGarage
That's right you did. Forgive my senility and never pay attention to me again 😏
My senility notwithstanding... I think you're on to something with just loosening and re-tightening it. I ran into GM tilt wheel column issues back before dirt was invented. The bolts down below would loosen up. It was easy to get in two of them with a crows foot. The third was a pita. So naturally most just tightened the two and claimed problem solved.
I always used the jiggle method on every vehicle
I think you should tear the steering column apart to verify, and make more video's.
I need help with that. There are cold snacks in the shop fridge.
Ha ha ha
I think it is almost as good of security device as a third pedal.
😂