more ignition tumber issues
 

I have the part, and can not get the current tumbler out. through reading,
I change the key to the 1st position, of 4 (off acc on start)
Press the wire in. Can not get the wire to release anything......

Turn the black ring, with what? how.

thanks
doug

I found that wire/paperclip didn't have the tensile to work - I used a small allen wrench (1.25mm). Put the allen in the hole and slowely move the key to pos. #2. You will feel it fall into place. Press firmly down and you almost get a "crunch" sound. The cylinder is now released and you can remove the black outer ring.
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I got the allen in the ACC position? and it will not let the key turn, but I can not push it hard enough to release anything.

Getting frustrated that is sounds so simple, and I can not seem to do it... Been trying most of the day now....

Put the allen wrench into the hole and notice how deep it goes. Turn the key to the positon (1 or 2 - I don't recall at the moment), push the allen wrench in deeper. The key will no longer turn. The black ring might be hard to unscrew, but it can and will now that the spring loaded lock inside isn't stopping it.

ACC position is counterclockwise to off (remove key) position. You want the first clockwise position from off. It was frustrating the first time I tried too. If it doesn't line up exactly, there is nothing to push. You need to giggle the key as you go to get the slot to line up with the allen wrench (I couldn't get a paper clip to work either). Second, third, and fourth times were a breeze.

Ive done this several times with the tumbler removed from the car and its still a brain teaser how to get it all apart.

Well, that's a new one for me. Off on my ignition is all the way counterclockwise. Position 1 is ACC, position 2 is ON, and beyond that is the START spring loaded position which falls back to position 2.

Maybe you can get a good flashlight and shine it into the hole. Eventually while turning, you will see the hole behind it.

Now I feel like an idiot.
got it out, the allen would not work. the paper clip worked. On this car the hole is too small for the 1.5MM wrench.
got the new one in, and working.
thanks

This must be a trend. I just ordered a new key tumbler for mine yesterday due to a little scare where the key wouldn't turn without some extensive fumbling. Not a fun situation sitting in a super-heated car, can't roll the windows down, can't see with all the sweat in my eyes and the blasted key won't turn.

I had some of the same finicky problems trying to get the old one to release. After a few good shots of silicone, which must have dissolved some compacted graphite, it released easily and came out without a hitch.

Same here, I just replaced mine today. I think replacing this thing is some kind of IQ test :rolleyes:.
I did a search and read a bunch of stuff. and somehow I thought it lined up on position #1. so after much fumbling around I pick up the new tumbler and notice the slot in the collar, so where is this elusive hole :confused:

Holding the tumbler in my left hand, and pushing down on the springy lock part on the side, and turning the key lining up the slot, the springy thing will snap down and line up the hole. then just slide the paper clip in. (yes in my case the paper clip worked)

so with this great amount of knowledge I figure out it is position #2 where the hole is. and the paperclip slides right in. then the collar will screw right off w/o any tools in my case.

took a few tries getting the tumbler lined up with the slot in the collar and it screws back together.

looks like there is a roll pin just to the left of the hole. Iam wondering if it was drilled out if the springy lock thing would fall out and eliminate the problem with the key sticking. I know it would defeat the original purpose of it. just thinking.

Charlie

I believe drilling out that particular roll pin would release the locking pawl and without the pawl, the lock would turn with the paper clip being inserted.

(Of course the lock cylinder would have to not be installed to remove the pawl...in case someone reads this and is concerned about security issues.)

On my 85, the key I ordered will open everything, and not start it.
The tey I have will open the door, and start it....
What gives? Dealer could not answer that one...
Ordered a new tumber for it also....

I did this last night and also replaced the rear (switch) electrical part. I tired a very small allen wrench. It read and reread the MB instructions. Didn't work. It took the new tumbler out and looked how it functioned. I used a smaller diameter pin. I think the MB manual says 1.25 mm. Ant ways I put the key around the '1' position and poked in a very small jewelers screw driver. I push straight in, no lifting as the manual stated. Turning the key back and forth I found the hole for the release. The cap screwed right off.
I also had the same problem getting the rear electrical connection off. Once the key was aligned, it came right off. The 'new' electric part doesn't have this feature. I might try another one.
I also had to look several time to find the detent to turn the lock housing. I probably spent over an hour. I could probably do it in 1/2 an hour now.
I needed to change the tumbler anyway, but it didn't cure the problem I am having. I have an electrical short and the idle cable gets hot. I think one or more of the glow plugs are shorted out.
Tom