SL/R230: 2004 SL500 Key Removal Problem
07-01-2024, 07:40 PM
#1
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2004 SL500
2004 SL500 Key Removal Problem
After replacing the CPS, as it would run about 10 min and quit, most of my other mechanical/ electrical gremlins disappeared, still have to get the door locks working. Great for a month and a half, then the other night after shutting it off, the key won't come out. In Park, key off, but the column doesn't seem to be locking, wheel will turn. Left it until morning and the key came out. Doesn't seem like the transmission/ignition interlock is fully engaging- I can pull it out of park with the key off??? Man, this thing is killing me- never had so much trouble with a car. Any ideas or experience with similar? TIA
07-01-2024, 08:47 PM
#2
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There is no steering lock. Key should be locked in ignition until shifter is in park. This is done with a cable from the shifter to the ignition switch. There is a park lock on the shifter that locks it in park until the key is on and brake pedal depressed. Some people remove the lock lever because it tends to break and leave the car stuck in park.
07-01-2024, 09:11 PM
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2004 SL500
Is there an adjustment on the cable? The EIS is fairly new and has been tested, and will rotate to off and shut off the engine, but the key will not come out, and the shifter is not locking in park with the key off
07-01-2024, 11:40 PM
#4
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It is possible that the cable got damaged when the EIS was replaced and won't allow full movement. I would disconnect it at the EIS which will allow you to remove the key and then see if you have full shifter movement. If so, replace the cable (no adjustment). If you still have an issue, it could be linkage or a problem with the shifter.
07-03-2024, 04:42 AM
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SL55AMG, GL450, SLK, S550, Maserati Coupe
There is a little part in the shifter called a shifter pawl, that is made of plastic and there's a replacement that's made of aluminum, that costs around $25 that people are replacing it with, if you do a search for info about the shifter pawl you should find out more about it. I'm not sure if your issue is being caused by this part or not, -it may be - maybe someone else on here would know. I've not had the shifter issue "yet" but I did buy that part and have it in my garage and the next time the guys at my indy shop have the car, it will be replaced. I think the classic sign that this part has broken or worn out, is getting stuck in Park and unable to un-park.. Good luck
