E-Class (W210) 1995-2002: E 200, E 220D, E 240, E 290TD, E 300TD, E 200, E 240, E 280, E 320, E 420, E 430 (Wagon, Touring, 4Matic)

e320 benz steering column locked

Old Aug 9, 2008 | 06:55 PM
  #1  
66wagon's Avatar
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'97 E320, Also tinkering with a 66 chevelle wagon!
e320 benz steering column locked

Looking for some help. I have a 97 Benz E320. I backed in my driveway, shut the car off , went out later to run an errand, and the key would not turn in the ignition. Thinking it was a costly ignition repair I put it off for a couple weeks. The new guy where I work overheard me talking about it. He worked in a Meecedes shop for a short while before moving and said he would help me with it. He got the ignition switch out of the dash, freed it up and it works fine. The problem is the column itself. The end of the ignition switch engauges in the column to unlock the steering wheel when turned. This cannot be turned. Has anyone had similar experiences? is this a mechanical issue? is there a solenoild to check? or power to solenoid somewhere? Sorry to be so long winded, any help would be GREATLY appreciated ! Scott
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Old Apr 7, 2011 | 10:52 AM
  #2  
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1996 E320
I have the same issue. MY wife's 96 E320 is in the garage now, with the steering wheel locked. You can turn the key, even start the car, but the steering wheel remains locked. I have had instructions anywhere from, removing the steering column, to grinding the bottom from the ignition lock housing. Last word from a MB mechanic was..."have the car towed in"....I cannot spend hundreds of dollars on this...SURELY.. someone has a way to unlock the wheel....
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Old Oct 16, 2017 | 12:51 AM
  #3  
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1996 e320
Originally Posted by spjyxl
I have the same issue. MY wife's 96 E320 is in the garage now, with the steering wheel locked. You can turn the key, even start the car, but the steering wheel remains locked. I have had instructions anywhere from, removing the steering column, to grinding the bottom from the ignition lock housing. Last word from a MB mechanic was..."have the car towed in"....I cannot spend hundreds of dollars on this...SURELY.. someone has a way to unlock the wheel....
Hello i just had the same issue with the same yr mk n modle
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