Ignition Switch problem 1981 300 SD. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

firemediceric · #1 10-12-2006, 07:55 PM

Yet another hiccup with the 1981 300 SD.

I went to start the car this afternoon and the key would not turn. After a couple of tries, the key turned and I was on my way.

I remembered in all of my recent reading on this forum that this is a symptom of imminent cataustrophic disaster. I only had to start the car one more time to get back home. It worked fine that time.

Since then the car has been sitting in the driveway and I have been searching for threads on this issue. I have also read the Diesel Giant how to.

Do you guys feel that I only need to replace the key cylinder, or should I replace the entire ignition mechanisim.

Any advice, as well as direction to posts on how to do it as well as how to disassemble the dash will be greatly appreciated. Many of the links in the old threads no longer work. I guess I'll be doing more searching tomorrow

whunter · #2 10-12-2006, 08:55 PM

Ignition Cylinder Tumbler replacement; mixed diesel/gas
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/142232-ignition-cylinder-tumbler-replacement%3B-mixed-diesel-gas-post1065596.html

firemediceric · #3 10-12-2006, 09:53 PM

Thank you. All of those threads should give me plenty of reading tomorrow.

300SD81 · #4 10-12-2006, 10:16 PM

Check to make sure its your key cylinder and not your steering lock. I drilled a hole in my steering lock while the pin was inside and broke the bit in there when mine broke so it could never come out. No need to worry about it popping out when the car is on if the bit falls out since the internal mechanism still holds it in.

gregszustak · #5 10-12-2006, 10:20 PM

I had a similar problem. Found info on this site for a teflon based oil (brand??)
Whoever posted it said it was recommended by a locksmith, freed my ignition key and I am also able to use the passenger side lock.
Might be an easier fix.
WD 40 didn't do the trick.
Came in a small black bottle from a small hardware store

firemediceric · #6 10-13-2006, 09:07 AM

My eyes are blurry from reading all the threads relating to this, and I have many more to read. I haven't even started to search yet how to disassemble the dash on this '81 300 SD.

As I take a break for a while, I have a few questions. I have the 126 body style, I'm pretty sure. See how ignorant I am about this car? The Diesel Giant instructions are for an '85 300 D, same animal? What about the 123? Same instructions apply? I have also seen posts regarding E class cars and others.

I have seen some posts about removing the key cylinder and using a screwdriver in place of a key. I am not at all concerned about theft with this car. Is this an option for me? Other than the theft issue and the obvious "tackiness" about using a screwdriver for a key, what are the drawbacks? Would the steering wheel lock still cause me a problem?

If I can remove the cylinder and use a screwdriver to keep driving the car without fear of being stranded, that's what I'll do, for now.

I'm trying to digest all of the information I can before I tear into this. Thanks for all of your help. whunter posting the links to the threads was a huge time saver.

vstech · #7 10-13-2006, 09:21 AM

I think 80 was the last year for the 116 body style. I hope you don't use a screwdriver on the car, but it is yours to do with as you please...keep reading.
John

adiver2b · #8 02-03-2012, 06:23 AM

Hi having just pulled the tumbler from a 83 300d I found that some of the units may take a fair amount of pushing on that pin . I found a small philips screw driver from a watch makers set gave me the force needed. One of my tumblers needed the extra push and this tool gave no blisters.

ROLLGUY · #9 02-03-2012, 11:41 AM

I have tried all the tools that are mentioned in the above threads (thanks Whunter), and still couldn't get the lock apart. I was able to remove the lock assembly from the car without grinding the pin, and replaced it with the one I had from a 123. I still have to find a way to remove the cylinder from the old lock so I can get the correct keyed cylinder from the factory, and install it in the car. Right now I have 2 lock assemblies that I can't get the cylinder out of (one in the car, and the other out). I thought of drilling a small hole on the side of the collar right where the pawl is, to help push it in so I can unscrew the collar. What do you think?

whunter · #10 02-03-2012, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

I have tried all the tools that are mentioned in the above threads (thanks Whunter), and still couldn't get the lock apart. I was able to remove the lock assembly from the car without grinding the pin, and replaced it with the one I had from a 123. I still have to find a way to remove the cylinder from the old lock so I can get the correct keyed cylinder from the factory, and install it in the car. Right now I have 2 lock assemblies that I can't get the cylinder out of (one in the car, and the other out). I thought of drilling a small hole on the side of the collar right where the pawl is, to help push it in so I can unscrew the collar. What do you think?

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