We have tried both of our keys in our 98 ML320, neither will turn. We have shaken the steering wheel to see if it is a steering column lock. No luck. Odd thing is, the same time the key won't turn the right side signal and lane marker also quit working. Any suggestions??

There is nothing I know of (short of an incorrect key) that should keep the key from turning, so I would guess it's the lock cylinder or the steering wheel lock assembly itself that's jammed.

Gilly

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Our's sometimes won't turn and is stubborn. Turning the wheel and re-inserting the key always worked.

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Michael LaFleur

'05 E320 CDI - 86,000 miles
'86 300SDL - 360,000 miles
'85 300SD - 150,000 miles (sold)
'89 190D - 120,000 miles (sold)
'85 300SD - 317,000 miles (sold)
'98 ML320 - 270,000 miles (sold)
'75 300D - 170,000 miles (sold)
'83 Harley Davidson FLTC (Broken again) :-(
'61 Plymouth Valiant - 60k mikes
2004 Papillon (Oliver)
2005 Tzitzu (Griffon)
2009 Welsh Corgi (Buba)

If one of the front wheels is bound against a curb you must pull extra hard on the steering wheel to take the pressure off the lock. Two hands maybe required, and I have even heard of the need to jack the car up to release the pressure on the wheel!

Jim in Phoenix

I was worried about breaking the key off. I was twisting it quite hard! But, a stiff kick to the front tires must have loosened the bind on the steering wheel and freed up the key. Thanks for your posts.

These MLs just get more ridiculous with every tale.

"Thank you for calling Mercedes Benz Road-side Assistance, may I help you?"

"Yeah, my key won't turn in the ignition."

"Have you tried kicking your tires?"

ha ha ha ha

I just bought a 2000 ML430 and we had the same problem (glitch). For us, all we had to do was ensure the steering wheel wasn't in a far left/right locked position. Center the steering wheel (allowing some play in either direction) before you turn the key and maybe that will help you as it did for us.

That's one thing I was going to suggest or mention too; just take your hands OFF the steering wheel and let it go to it's resting position before turning the key off and you should be fine. Even if the wheels are turned, you should be fine, but if you have the steering wheel turned with any amount of force when you shut it off, then you lose the power steering effect when the engine is turned off it creates alot of force on the steering shaft. Hope this makes sense.

Gilly

__________________
Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)