Cure for stuck Ignition Lock
 

Visted many threads on the dreaded stuck ingnition lock and combined some of the thoughts on vibration. The thumbnail below shows the key inserted into the top sandpaper fastner of a common vibrating sander. Works like a charm in just a couple of seconds. I repeated the process several time to assure myself it was not a fluke.

Now for the exchange of wisdom. The 126 has one slot to insert a wire in the #2 position to remove the plastic colar, and then the lock cylinder. Rotating the key I found the hole and it goes in aprox. 1/2 further but I cannot rotate the collar counter clockwise (even with needle nose pliers). Should I feel something release? Threads indicate the collar should unscrew easily :( . I noticed a tool for removing the collar ($35 :eek: ). Need some wisdom please.

brass key
 

Dude speaks the truth.

Guess they used brass keys in 85 :confused: Key is OEM just like my SDL key(s) BUT since you work in a MB shop - tell me how to get the cylinder and colar off :cool:

brass keys
 

they never used brass keys, even the older factory keys with the double side were steel, unless copied, send me a close up of the key, i will tell you if it is factory or not

Best close up I can do with this digital

That door key looks origional...
The ignition key though...does it have the same "Huf" or whatever it is written on it where the metal meets the plastic (written in the metal)?


The key pictured in the sander is not origional. You can see how the plastic is weird and also how the proprotions are all off.

keys
 

that is not the same key that was in the original post picture the second one is steel, send both full size to my email mercedessd@cox.net
if all else fails use a magnet

Picture of both in email :)

keys
 

i received both, the one with the blue twist tie is definately brass

Twist tie is my sander key - I will look at the red dot key when I get home.

I just replaced the cylinder on my 300SDL last week.
I used the new cylinder to mark my insert pin so I
new that it was set in all the way.
You might try jiggling the key with the pin in
to make sure that (key stock) on the old cylinder
drops. The outer ring/collar has a groove on the inside of it.
When you insert the pin it drops the (key stock) out of
this groove, this lets you unscrew the collar, which is about
2 to 2.5 inches long.

I used a large bent needle nose pliers, it marred up the
ring/collar but not to bad.

PO had a brass key, which is why I had to replace the tumbler about 5 days ago. This is the 3rd tumbler this car has had. Brass keys wear faster than the steel MB keys, and the filings gunk up the tumblers.

I don't work in an MB shop. But you already know how to get the collar off, as the subject has been discussed to death. Put the wire in the hole first. Then turn the key toward position 1 as you are simultaneously pushing in on the wire. Sooner or later the end of the wire will find the hole and go down into it, freeing the lock cylinder. At this point you turn the collar CCW, use a piece of rubber if you lose your grip. If this doesn't happen there is something you are not doing correctly or your cylinder is screwed and you'll have to go ahead and drill it out. Not impossible but that steel is tough.

when my tumbler got locked it wouldn't budge with any vibration or lubrication. i ordered a new key and that was able to turn it. if u are not about to get the collar out try this, i think i remembered it from when i took mine out.

insert pin into the hole. at the same time pull back on the key (that is inserted) try to do this while rotating the collar as well. i remember i had to rotate it out until it got stuck on the key, pull the key back a few more mm, then continue rotating it.

OK it's out :D
Conclusions:
#1 - 126 has one slot and shop manual secifically states using a 1.25 rod 1.3 or 1.5, paperclips, wire does not work - this made all the difference in the world. Lesson learned, if it says 1.25 then use 1.25
#2 - There is a collar removal tool for $32. I bought a pair of 90 degree bent needle nose worked great.
#3 - Vibrating sander worked very well (many times)
#4 - 123's and 126's are different :rolleyes: