Ignition switch - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

GlennCraven · #1 10-03-2007, 07:36 PM

Not really a diesel problem, but I walked out after work 30 minutes ago and the key won't turn in the ignition. It turns a teeny bit, but whatever I do, I can't get it to go far enough to turn on the juice to shut the sunroof, let alone far enough to start the car.

I've tried turning the key with the car in (and out of) every gear (floor-shift auto on a 1983 300D), with the wheel yanked and cranked, and with the key wiggled and jiggled and tickled inside the switch.

I'd had no troubles until now.

Any ideas? Does an ignition switch that fails just suddenly lock up?

blindwolf · #2 10-03-2007, 07:54 PM

Start looking for a new switch. You might accidently hold your mouth just right and get it started, but even if it does, DO NOT TRUST IT!

300Turbo · #3 10-03-2007, 08:18 PM

Mine just started to stop at the ignition point. The steering unlocks and wheel turns. The key would turn all the way, the first time. I would forget about glow plugs needing to heat up, I let it come back, glow plug light goes off then I try to turn it and it would stop right at ignition spot. I finally put it in neutral and took it out of parking brake. Parking brake has slack in it so trans does catch some. Lo and behold, key now turns all the way. Its happened twice now. Strange .

GlennCraven · #4 10-03-2007, 08:29 PM

Thanks for the responses. After 50 minutes, we got it. My boss came out to help (made the same comment, "Maybe if you hold your mouth just right ...") Sure enough, eventually it turned far enough to get the key on/door open buzzer (but no dash lights, no juice to the sunroof switch) then a touch farther, and then VOILA, ignition.

Got it home, shut the roof and windows, switched it off, then switched it back on and off four or five times, completely smooth.

I did fool with the shifter some, mash in the brake pedal and fiddle with the parking brake, and even roll the car back and forth during the attempts at ignition. I don't really think any of it did any good.

At least it's home ...

hangit · #5 10-03-2007, 08:42 PM

Here's a link that might be helpful to you. http://www.dieselgiant.com/repairignitionlock.htm.

As I as well as others on this forum can attest, once these locks start giving you problems, you better replace them immediately. The problem doesn't go away. JMTC.

John

zeke · #6 10-03-2007, 08:47 PM

First day I took mine to work, I got in it at the end of a (hot Texas) day, and had this problem. I called the PO and he said "you just have to jiggle it." II did and it finally turned - I had read all about this problem on these forums, so I drove straight to the nearest parts store (Autozone) and got a tube of graphite powder. Squirted it in till I saw a puff and it is much better now (not fixed, just not so scared it is going to lock forever). Did this everytime it stuck and over the next week, it happened less and less often -

Definitely just buying me some time, I have a new key core on my short wish list. But it bought me some peace of mind for about $4

GlennCraven · #7 10-04-2007, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeke

I drove straight to the nearest parts store (Autozone) and got a tube of graphite powder. Squirted it in till I saw a puff and it is much better now (not fixed, just not so scared it is going to lock forever). Did this everytime it stuck and over the next week, it happened less and less often -

Definitely just buying me some time, I have a new key core on my short wish list. But it bought me some peace of mind for about $4

I had this recommended by my boss, too. I should probably get some.

This morning, the switch is turning like it's new.