Replace the interlock cable. They go bad, and sooner or later the key switch won't turn and you won't be able to get the key out, either.
Peter -----Original Message----- >From: "Tim C." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Sent: Oct 21, 2008 11:13 AM >To: mercedes@okiebenz.com >Subject: [MBZ] Starter knob stuck > >Short: how to get the starter knob to move from the 'off' position, aside from >brute force? It is sticky in the cold. > >Long: Our w115 240d is technically my wife's, but she has never driven it (or >any diesel) in the cold (45F or so, i.e. cold for North Carolina). Today she >wanted it for some reason. I showed her how to start it and warm it up, and >how to twiddle the blower knob such that the defrost comes on, and she goes >off to drop the kids at school, and I go off to work. > >Half an hour later I get a call, 'I can't start the car!' She can't get the >starter knob to pull from the off (all the way in) position. I have her turn >the knob a bit, turn the key, no joy. I believe she really was pulling as >hard as she could, or at least I got an earful when I suggested she get >someone else to try pulling on it. So I offer to come pick her up, and of >course she says coldly 'I'll just walk home.' > >Fifteen minutes later I get another call. 'I got it to start, but now I'm >stuck at the grocery store.' This time she lets me go pick her up. We trade >cars, boom, starter knob works for me on the first try. Because of this - and >because my wife has dainty hands and weak thumbs - I don't think it was a >mechanical (interlock or other) issue but just a matter of getting the force >to move the knob off the stop. > >I'm sure there's some way to fix this - I can't very well run after my wife >every time she parks, but she does enjoy driving the Benz and it really was >her pick for her car so I'd like to make it work. Is there some lubrication >point for the knob, or do I just need to take it out and try to get it cleaned >off? Or is there a better way? > >Anyway, that's my tale of woe for the day, hope you get a chuckle even if you >don't have any suggestions. :) > >-TC > > >_______________________________________ >http://www.okiebenz.com >For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ >For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
