1997 C280 Steering wheel locked, key won't turn
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2013
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C280 1997
1997 C280 Steering wheel locked, key won't turn
My steering wheel is locked and the ignition will not turn on my 1997 C280, All I did was change the batteries in the Key fob. at first the key would turn, but no start. later the steering wheel locked and the key would not turn. I bought a new key, a new Car battery and nothing. Steering wheel still locked and new key or old key will not turn. Any advise or help please. 
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 316
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From: San Francisco, CA
1996 C36
The 97 still uses the old style key and not a Smart Key so the problem you are having is a physical one with the tumblers and/or the steering lock mechanism. Try to rock the steering wheel against the stops while turning the key and see if that unlocks things. Also some folks have had luck with vibrating the key while in the ignition with a sawzall or similar. In the case of my 94 the dealer had to cut the lock out....good luck.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 453
Likes: 12
C230
Good reply from MBSICKNESS.
When I bought my 1998, for what I considered to be a very decent price, I spent another $5000.00 plus on making it perfect. Money well spent for the end result, but if I had known all the small things that need attention, I could have moved up several years.
Anyway, I am happy with the end result.
When I bought my 1998, for what I considered to be a very decent price, I spent another $5000.00 plus on making it perfect. Money well spent for the end result, but if I had known all the small things that need attention, I could have moved up several years.
Anyway, I am happy with the end result.
