ignition tumbler in pieces, cover wont move anymore - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BernieBenz · #1 07-13-2006, 04:16 PM

ok i followed the instructions on how to remove the tumbler cover and the cover was unscrewing until i reached the key head and i couldnt move it anymore because the head was in the way so stupid me takes the key out and tries to continue to unscrew the cover but now the cover wont move and the tumble is in at least 2 pieces inside the cover. i can get the key in there but it wont turn so i cant get it back into position 1 and start over. anyone else have this misfortune? ive been at this **** since 1pm. the car is an 87 300SDL

TX76513 · #2 07-13-2006, 04:35 PM

How far is the 1.25mm rod going into the lock assembly?
How are you unscrewing the cowling?

Maroon 300D · #3 07-13-2006, 04:35 PM

By cover do you mean the black heavy-duty plastic that surrounds the tumbler?

I'm thinking that if you have the tumbler partially out you shouldn't need the key anymore, but truthfully I don't know that for sure.

I'm assuming your tumbler is the same as mine, many apologies if it's not.

When I removed mine I had an issue with the dash resting on the plastic around the tumbler; I was only able to move it a little bit, then I couldn't move it anymore. Then I figured out that the dash was the problem. I had to lift on it a bit to remove the tumbler.

BernieBenz · #4 07-13-2006, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX76513

How far is the 1.25mm rod going into the lock assembly?
How are you unscrewing the cowling?

it was in far enough to release the cover, it turned several times but then i ran out of room because the key head was in the way. i figured it was loose enough to take the key out and continue to spin the cover off. im still out there jiggling the key and hoping ill be able to get it back to the "1" postion

TX76513 · #5 07-13-2006, 04:49 PM

If I understand you correctly. The key is out but the cowling will not turn? How are/were your turning it?

BernieBenz · #6 07-13-2006, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maroon 300D

By cover do you mean the black heavy-duty plastic that surrounds the tumbler?

no i mean the heavy duty metal piece that encases the tumbler

TX76513 · #7 07-13-2006, 04:52 PM

After you insert the 1.25mm rod and get the "crunch" sound it should only take a few turns to get the metal cowl off the catch mechanism at the base of the tumber.

BernieBenz · #8 07-13-2006, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX76513

If I understand you correctly. The key is out but the cowling will not turn? How are/were your turning it?

yep the key is out and the collar stopped turning after the key and my "homemade removal tool" were taken out. i can get the key back in but it wont move to the correct position so i dont know if i can put the wire in there and try to release the collar some more.

TX76513 · #9 07-13-2006, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BernieBenz

yep the key is out and the collar stopped turning after the key and my "homemade removal tool" were taken out. i can get the key back in but it wont move to the correct position so i dont know if i can put the wire in there and try to release the collar some more.

Are you using the removal tool or the economy version as illustrated in my pic? How many rotations of the collar did you make before you removed the key?

Maroon 300D · #10 07-13-2006, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX76513

After you insert the 1.25mm rod and get the "crunch" sound it should only take a few turns to get the metal cowl off the catch mechanism at the base of the tumber.

..And once this happens there's no need for the key or the tool anymore, is there?

If there is a need for the key, you could try the electric sander trick. People have had success getting keys to move in sticking tumblers with the vibration.

TX76513 · #11 07-13-2006, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maroon 300D

..And once this happens there's no need for the key or the tool anymore, is there?

If there is a need for the key, you could try the electric sander trick. People have had success getting keys to move in sticking tumblers with the vibration.

If he has made a couple of laps with the cowl it should just screw off. The sander trick would work....but...they key would have to be completely inserted.

Bernie - go the the thread attached, scrowl down to the 126 part and see where you went south.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/122959-ignition-cylinder-lock-removal.html#post882553

bgkast · #12 07-13-2006, 05:06 PM

Since you have it in the #2 position you should be able to just insert your paperclip or other tool into the release hole and continue turning the collar. It should be close to being unthreaded. When you insert the release tool you are depressing a catch that allows the collar to turn as well as allows the tumbler to be pulled out.

BernieBenz · #13 07-13-2006, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgkast

Since you have it in the #2 position you should be able to just insert your paperclip or other tool into the release hole and continue turning the collar. It should be close to being unthreaded. When you insert the release tool you are depressing a catch that allows the collar to turn as well as allows the tumbler to be pulled out.

its not in the 2 spot, its in the off position. i had it in the right spot when it started to come loose, it turned about 5 or 6 times then it wouldnt go any further because the key was in the way. thats why i took the key out.

catmandoo62 · #14 07-13-2006, 05:14 PM

take the key and grind the sides off to clear the collar??if the tumblers bad you can get one keyed for the car by vin number,so you'll get a new key anyway.then keep that key as a spare.

Maroon 300D · #15 07-13-2006, 05:21 PM

I know I wrote this before, but when I removed my tumbler I had essentially the same issue you're having, and it turned out that the dash was resting on the tumbler, making it impossible to move. I'm not sure how it happened but it did, and it took me a while to figure it out.