W123 ignition lock sticking, gotchas? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

networkboy · #1 06-19-2007, 02:14 PM

Parts are on order and should be here in three days.
In the mean time I am driving the car as little as possible, as you can still turn the key, but it is getting diecy.

Any gotchas when replacing the ignition assembly, assuming I can get the key to turn or is this still a tear the instrument cluster out kind of job?

Can I use the diesel giant tutorial here: http://dieselgiant.com/repairignitionlock.htm and just ignore the pin grinding portion (again assuming that I can still turn the lock).

Cheers,
-nB

vstech · #2 06-19-2007, 02:44 PM

it really depends on what is out on the car... if it's the key tumbler, it's no problem. if it's the steering lock component, it's more difficult.

dieseldan44 · #3 06-19-2007, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by networkboy

Parts are on order and should be here in three days.
In the mean time I am driving the car as little as possible, as you can still turn the key, but it is getting diecy.

Any gotchas when replacing the ignition assembly, assuming I can get the key to turn or is this still a tear the instrument cluster out kind of job?

Can I use the diesel giant tutorial here: http://dieselgiant.com/repairignitionlock.htm and just ignore the pin grinding portion (again assuming that I can still turn the lock).

Cheers,
-nB

I removed my ignition lock housing using DG's pictorial. My key was not
stuck, but the pictorial was great and there were no 'gotchyas'.

BUT, you probably just need to replace the tumbler, which is easy compared to tearing the housing from the car.

If you tear the ignition lock housing way down like I did, youll need to just keep track of the parts and pay attention to how you put it back together. Not too bad.

Youll be entering a 'world of pain' if that lock gets stuck and you cant get it out. Tread lightly and dont delay...

Good luck,
dd

junqueyardjim · #4 06-19-2007, 03:26 PM

It really is quite easy to pull that instrument panel out. Remove the trim panel above the drivers knees and get your hands in there and gently rock and push the instrument section out enough so that you can get in with the 10 mm open end to remove the pressure line going to the oil pressure guage. Then uncouple the big nut on the speedo by hand and unplug the big plug over on the left side and it is out of there. Then if you are well into the ignition steering lock you would be ahead of the game and probably never again have ignition switch problems if you would take your dremel tool or hack saw and saw of the end of that rod that goes into the steering column to lock it up. I think the high risk days for stealing old Benz Diesels is past. If they really want it, they will steal it and break the lock or more. Get rid of that lock and everything works very nice. Be gentle when you re-install that instrument section. Don't push too hard. They are fragile and can crack. If they crack you will have ground problems. Make sure the rubber liner is in place when you push it back in. Don't ask me how I know.

networkboy · #5 06-19-2007, 04:12 PM

The switch, not just the tumbler is certainly bad as once you start the car you need to "back off" the key a bit to engage the CCU and instrument panel. Now the steering lock is getting iffy, so time to act. I already bought the whole enchilada to the tune of $350, but at least this bit of pain will not return.
-nB

nota · #6 06-20-2007, 09:34 AM

junk any brass keys
clean out the lock with WD-40 type spray
get a replacement steel key from the dealer/stealer OR TWO
try the key the other way!!!!! this really works
as they are double sided but most people only put them in one way!!!!!

my locksmith buddy gave me these ideas and THEY WORK
I had a 300sd 83 with a very balkie brass key that was a fight to turn
new steel keys fix that 100%
NO NEED TO REPLACE THE LOCK !!!!!!

mespe · #7 06-20-2007, 09:58 AM

On my older '85 300SD, it was the steering locking mechanism that was hanging up. I just squeezed the end that locks the steering wheel so that the steering wheel wouldn't lock anymore (The little thingy no pop-out) and never had any problems again.

Renntag · #8 07-19-2008, 12:42 AM

Hello,

This is my first post here. I found this site after poking around for service info for my 300TD. The ignition key intermittently will not turn. It is now seemingly more of a permanent feature.

Thanks for the info. I actually used WD40, jumped in a circle, had a beer, threw salt over my shoulder, and shazam! The key turned.

Not trusting it to continue working I removed it based on the instructions in the link provided above. I found that pushing the lock pin back into the housing manually, the key works perfectly.

Tomorrow I mod the assembly such that the pin stays back in the retracted position, thus leaving the column unlocked and more importantly removing the new annoying feature.

My next task is to get the A/C working. It worked 2 months ago, compressor engages, lines are cold, I was told that perhaps the expansion valve is at fault.

Once that is fixed, there are several other items next on the list.

bnaquin · #9 07-19-2008, 01:29 PM

I'm having a similar issue but it's not too bad yet. I thought it was the key tumbler but it appears to be related to the steering lock. Sometimes I have to jerk the wheel back and forth while doing a Jedi mind trick on the key to get the key to turn. Can the steering lock be removed or disabled? I'm not sure of it's purpose to begin with.

bgkast · #10 07-19-2008, 02:45 PM

tumbler but it appears to be related to the steering lock. Sometimes I have to jerk the wheel back and forth while doing a Jedi mind trick on the key to get the key to turn. Can the steering lock be removed or disabled? I'm not sure of it's purpose to begin with.[/QUOTE]

It can be disabled by removing it, taking out the lock pin, and reinstalling it. The purpose is to prevent the car from being able to steer if the key is not it. Knowing how easy it is to "hotwire" the engine to start I would not want to disable this feature in my cars. You best do something with it soon. My steering lock went from an occasional problem to occasionally working in the span of a week. If you can't turn the key when you want to replace it you will be very $orry.