I seem to have a hard time getting my point across. I must be an even worse writer than I thought.

The issue is not the lock, it is the electrical part, the switch. We have several keys and they all work (turn) just fine in all of the cylinders on the car. Never a problem.

The problem is that sometimes the car won't start. In position #2, all of the idiot lights should be on (glow plug, check engine, etc.). When the problem occurs (randomly), only the SRS light is on. The engine will crank but not fire. It is not the K40 relay, that's been replaced. It is not the electrical part of the IP, that wouldn't affect the dash lights. No codes are thrown. If we keep trying the key switch, eventually the car will start. Once started, it never dies on its own (another K40 symptom that others have reported).

The next step is the switch ($400). If it isn't the switch it's one of the computers ($1000). I'd rather it be the switch, of course. I'm trying to replace the less expensive stuff first. Since electrical parts are non-returnable, I end up with a stack of unusable new parts (anyone need a brand-new K40 relay?).

What I need to learn, then, is how to R&R the ignition switch.

Jeremy

__________________

"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970