Steering wheel locked

[jfarmer64]

All

97 Mercedes s320. Put key in ignition turn on car, put into gear, steering wheel will not turn...Locked in position. (thankfully this happened at work!).

When I pull the key out, I do not hear the "click" that I normally hear that locks the steering wheel. When I open the door, the bell/alarm indicator sounds as if the keys are still in the ignition. I have disconnected the battery and reconnected hoping that would reset the system. Nope. Still locked.

Any suggestions on how to resolve and get functional again?

Thanks

[eric242340]

This is an oddball problem, never come across this one before, I would suggest you have the fault codes read out but an OBDII code reader is not good enough to source the problem, it will need HHT and the HHT software is part of Star Diagnostics now so you will need the assistance of a Benz specialist workshop.

[wallyp]

Sometimes, you can park in such a way that force is being applied to a front tire - perhaps with a tire pressed against a curb. This can apply force against the locking pin in the steering column, making it difficult to pull out. Try this:
Put key in, turn on. Try to turn the wheel in both directions, using some force. Perhaps you can release the pressure on the pin, and it will pop out, freeing the steering.

[jfarmer64]

Thanks to all who responded.

Turned out the the anti-theft pin engaged and locked the steering wheel in security position 3. When this happens, the locking mechanism has to be cut from the Steering wheel and replaced. The dealer estimate was about $900, a competent MB shop did this for about $600.

This is not uncommon in older cars. I did not have issues with the key turning but have been told if the ingnition key is sticky (hard to turn sometimes), get this fixed, it is much cheaper...

Hope this helps someone else.

[eric242340]

Originally Posted by jfarmer64

Thanks to all who responded.

Turned out the the anti-theft pin engaged and locked the steering wheel in security position 3. When this happens, the locking mechanism has to be cut from the Steering wheel and replaced. The dealer estimate was about $900, a competent MB shop did this for about $600.

This is not uncommon in older cars. I did not have issues with the key turning but have been told if the ingnition key is sticky (hard to turn sometimes), get this fixed, it is much cheaper...

Hope this helps someone else.

Thanks for the feedback, this may help others indeed.

[97_€320]

Yo I'm new here! Well I had dat prob. Yesterday ( locked steering weel). Basically u have to brake off the lock mechanism behind the ignition, remove ignition and disconnect then the metal ear looking thing has to come off smash it, cut it how ever u can afterwards the only lame part is dat it tells you to remove key but only wen driver door is open oh and you need to secure ignition in position since back part will be broken off. Hope this saves you $$ I know I did after putting a new tranny on my E320.


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[barry520]

yeah i think you should make a diagnostic