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-   -   ignition tumbler removal clarification, W126 (http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/114907-ignition-tumbler-removal-clarification-w126.html)

RayG 02-06-2005 12:14 PM

ignition tumbler removal clarification, W126
 
I have searched through the various posts regarding replacement of the ignition lock tumblers on 123/126 cars.

I have bought a new tumbler for mine. I have the piece of 1-2mm diameter wire to press the detent and I have attempted to depress the locking detent and unscrew the collar. However I have been unable to get the collar to budge. I am unsure if I am actually depressing the detent. There is quite a bit of slop in my tumbler and there is no clear indicator that I am in switch position #1, save for the mark on the collar.

If I turn the key slowly from OFF toward position #1 and probe in the hole with the wire, it does not contact anything. When the key is roughly aligned with the #1 mark on the collar, the wire contacts something a short distance into the hole. Past that point the hole is bottomless again.

Is the thing that my wire contacts just inside the hole the detent or is the detent located some distance down inside the hole?

Should the wire be flat on the end or ground to the 70 deg. angle point as mentioned on the 123 cylinder lock removal web page?

http://garnet.acns.fsu.edu/~jjs5772/W123/

I tried it both ways without success.

My understanding is that the detent is spring-loaded and I should feel it give a bit, ie. the "resilient resistance" mentioned in the FSM. The thing I feel at position #1 is essentially rigid, with no perceptible give.

I have pressed pretty hard on the wire and I can't get the collar to release. I hesitate to push too hard and raise a burr that might complicate tumbler removal.

Any help from those who have done this on a W126 car will be appreciated. If someone can manage a fast reponse you may actually save me from having to work on my wife's Subaru. :)

RayG

whunter 02-06-2005 12:39 PM

Yes
 
It is an art, like knitting or rock quarry blasting.
Persistence pays off.
Worst case:
Go to the local dealer, talk with a mechanic, invite him out to lunch or offer a case of adult beverage to show how to remove old lock.

BodhiBenz1987 02-06-2005 01:53 PM

Would these instructions (the cylindar replacement) be applicable to a 124? I have the shop manual, and as far as I can see it's about the same (and not rocket science anyway). Every once in a while I go to start the car and it won't BUDGE in the ignition unless jiggled to high heck. I have a bad feeling something's going bad, and it doesn't look like checking the cylindar is all that hard. Once I get it out, how can I visually tell if it needs replacement?

engatwork 02-06-2005 02:06 PM

The secret is to study the new tumbler and how you have to release the catch. Line everything up properly and probe with the same firmness you use on the tumbler going in.

Brian Carlton 02-06-2005 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BodhiBenz1987
Every once in a while I go to start the car and it won't BUDGE in the ignition unless jiggled to high heck. I have a bad feeling something's going bad..............

Act on the bad feeling.

The cylinder is going bad. Nothing more to check. Go to the dealer and get a replacement cylinder (and a new key while you are at it). The cylinder will match the locks on the vehicle. You need the title with you when you go.

If the cylinder degrades further and you cannot turn or remove the key, you are in deep $hit. This is the definition of deep $hit: $$$$$$$$$. :mad: :mad:

leathermang 02-06-2005 02:48 PM

One thing which wears out ignition switches is having weight on the key when it is in it... like key fobs, other keys... manufacturers have been warning of this for many decades.....

KCampbell 02-06-2005 03:55 PM

I found the trick was to practice on the new one as you hold it in your hand. I used a heavy duty paper clip as a probe, with a straight cut to the end. There was a certain amount of trial and error involved, but all in all it was not that bad of a job.

It is worth noting that the tumbler changed design somewhere along the line, within the 126 series of cars. I think it was around '87 or so, and from that point you need a U shaped wire tool to extract the tumbler.

Kevin

sublettm 02-06-2005 03:56 PM

May I point out that it might not be just the tumbler that is going bad... I just finished replacing the entire lock asembly on my wife's car. At first I thought the tumbler had finally gone bad. I ordered just the tumbler, installed it, and the lock would still lock up tight as a drum and not let loose. I then ordered the rest of the lock assembly, installed it, and not the whole thing works like a champ. I had to follow someone else's instructions from another post about removing a lock assembly that would no longer unlock. Whoever's post that was is a genius!!! I had to drill out the little lock that engages the collar on the steering column to slide out the lock assembly. I then beat the lock itself with a hammer to get it to unlock (followed the instructions). the instructions were very detailed and worked perfectly. Thanks to all for their help.

Mike


Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton
Act on the bad feeling.

The cylinder is going bad. Nothing more to check. Go to the dealer and get a replacement cylinder (and a new key while you are at it). The cylinder will match the locks on the vehicle. You need the title with you when you go.

If the cylinder degrades further and you cannot turn or remove the key, you are in deep $hit. This is the definition of deep $hit: $$$$$$$$$. :mad: :mad:


RayG 02-06-2005 08:42 PM

Looking at new lock was great advice
 
After playing with the new lock, I realized that I did not have the key in the proper spot. The key turns nearly 90 degrees from the off position to line up the hole for the wire tool. It was obvious one I found it. The collar on my lock was sticky. I had to use needle nose pliers to help it along at one point.

It took me several tries to get the tumbler seated fully within the housing such that the smaller of the two detents, the one that prevents pulling the tumbler straight out, would engage with the housing.

Thanks for the help. You guys saved me again.

RayG


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