Key not turning in the ignition

[Scott Brady]

On my G320 463, we have had our first issue. Yesterday, Stephanie was stranded when the key would insert into the ignition, but not turn to the accessory, run or start positions. With a little research, I was able to get the car started by tapping on the ignition barrel and free the tumbler. Is this something that can be cured with a little lock lubricant, or should the entire ignition barrel be replaced?

Just glad it did not happen on the trail! Any advice would be appreciated.

[Layonnn]

On my G320 463, we have had our first issue. Yesterday, Stephanie was stranded when the key would insert into the ignition, but not turn to the accessory, run or start positions. With a little research, I was able to get the car started by tapping on the ignition barrel and free the tumbler. Is this something that can be cured with a little lock lubricant, or should the entire ignition barrel be replaced?

Just glad it did not happen on the trail! Any advice would be appreciated.

someone with an FJ had a issue sort of like this, turned out something in the tumbler broke and the whole thing needed to be replaced (of course ruling out the obvious steering wheel locking the ignition)

[datrupr]

This just happened to me in my Altima a couple pf weeks ago. I was getting mad as the key would not turn. I lowered the steering wheel, raised it again, and then the key turned just fine. Have not had an issue since. I don't know. Wish I could help you more.

[goodtimes]

Scott,

I'd start with some graphite. It will cost you a buck or two, and take a whole minute of your time. But, you will never know 'for sure' unless you replace the whole thing.

How comfortable is Stephanie with the "tap on the cylinder" thing?

Also, you might want to check to be sure that there are no large screwdrivers hidden inside the G-wagon...:elkgrin:

[Scott Brady]

Yeah, at first I thought she had just locked the steering wheel, or just needed to depress the brake pedal, etc.

It is certainly something in the cylinder. I will try the graphite.

[BKCowGod]

One thing the old Mercedes hate (according to my old Benz mechanic) is worn out keys. He was very adamant about always using fresh new steel keys with as few things hanging from the keychain as possible. Unfortunately this is one of the only weak points on this era of Benz.

Graphite will clean up the tumblers, and then removing excess from the keychain and making sure the key isn't worn will keep things going as long as possible.

EDIT: Meant to put steel... this is what happens when I post before I wake up fully.

[Fernweh]

Scott,

the original Mercedes-Benz keys are steel keys, which do not wear as the brass keys do.

My locksmith in Germany can cut new keys from an original Mercedes steel blank using the VIN number. With that number he can get the key number from the dealership (if you do not have the Key number) - if it still the original lock.

Then he can cut the key using his computer software and gets a perfect fitting new key.

http://up.picr.de/2356126.jpg

http://up.picr.de/2356127.jpg

[39Ronin]

One of the keys wore or bent for one of my cars once and I cut a new one and it stopped locking up after that. Did you try another key yet?

[Martyn]

Scott,

I'd start with some graphite. It will cost you a buck or two, and take a whole minute of your time. But, you will never know 'for sure' unless you replace the whole thing.

How comfortable is Stephanie with the "tap on the cylinder" thing?

Also, you might want to check to be sure that there are no large screwdrivers hidden inside the G-wagon...:elkgrin:

Yeah, it's the large screwdriver that's to blame.

[goodtimes]

Yeah, it's the large screwdriver that's to blame.

Actually, the large screwdriver is sort of to blame. As I understand it, the screwdriver was a bit of a catalyst behind the whole G-wagon thing...

:sombrero:

[tdesanto]

Very funny (http://www.overlandjournal.com/blog/?p=136), and good memory Brian.

[Scott Brady]

I added the graphite to the cylinder, and the unit seems to be working well. I will now start looking into the process of replacing it :Wow1:

[kerry]

I drive MB 123's. The rule on those is that if the key stops working once, remove the tumbler and replace it ASAP. In fact, most people who know, won't even remove the key until the tumbler is out. The key needs to turn in order to remove the tumbler. Once they stop turning, there are typically only a few turns left in the tumbler. If it doesn't turn, it is expensive and tedious to replace the tumbler. This may not apply to the G-Wagon but it's worth investigating.

[elcoyote]

FWIW if the interlock relay that is activated when the vehicle is in Park is shot, it will prevent the key from being turned.

[pagoda]

Known weakness on the pre-2000 G's. Do replace the wheel lock (not the ignition barrel itself) asap, or if will soon terminally fail (ask me how I know).

Fair amount of knowledge on the issue here:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/search.php?searchid=4429119

see as well these threads:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/g-class/1216192-ignition-lock.html

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/g-class/1257559-my-2000g-steering-wheel-stocked.html

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/g-class/1246968-2000-g500-key-wont-turn-ignition.html

Cheers, Ennio

[Michael Slade]

On my '94 RRC, the tumbler failed one too many times and I ripped it out completely. Steering wheel lock, tumbler, key...everything.

Replaced it with a power switch and a starter switch.

None of my Land Rovers need a key to start them now. It's kind of nice actually.

[G-force]

Did the same on my late Pajero (Montero), after it was stolen once.

Strange feeling, just flippin a switch and pushing a button to start it.

Keep in mind, this was about 20 years ago. Quite unusual with start buttons, back then . . . . . . :elkgrin:

Of topic, but i just had to . . . .

[daniel ruops]

In our experience the G wagon cannot be trusted to provide you with a means of returning home...even from the mall let alone the outback. We experienced the same problem that you described at 83,000 miles. The "fix" is expensive. I sincerely hope that all others have a more positive experience than what we experienced. The costs and repairs were eternal. If you had been driving a Fiat for 10 years you would have been properly prepared for what we experienced.

[HMR]

I spent 10 years as a doorman/valet at a busy,world famous resort (Bill Gates was a regular). I've had to solve starting issues with G-Wagens, and every other car, more times than you've had hot dinners.

The following will get the key turning 99.999% of the time:
Step one: Press harder on the brake pedal.
Step two: Wiggle the key every different direction while trying to turn ignition.
Step three: Move the steering wheel lock to lock and up and down.
Step four: Slam the shifter into park.

FWIW- After starting ~75,000 cars I can't recall ever having a stuck ignition that I couldn't, eventually, get unstuck. It was a very common problem.

[Dr.Format]

:)