New ignition lock tumbler busted? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bbeardb · #1 03-13-2009, 07:45 PM

EDIT: poor mans fix for busted steering wheel lock, or ignition housing below, with some pics.

Has anyone ever had their new/replaced ignition lock freeze up on them?

I replaced mine about two months ago, and here I am at work waiting for a ride because this new one won't turn. Please point me in other possible directions for not being able to turn the key.

Tried in park, in neutral, shaking the steering wheel, brake on/off, jiggling the key madness, all the typical "damnit, why won't my key turn" stuff. Don't really want to spray anything in there just yet, seeing as it's new and I don't want to gum it up if I don't have to.

Thanks

ichbineinekrous · #2 03-13-2009, 08:10 PM

when you replaced it did you replace just the key and ignition tumbler, or the entire ignition assembly? The $20 key and tumbler sets are known to be somewhat worthless. Theres alot here on this subject, once you get it to turn, which can be a nightmare, you can drill out the ignition lock pin/steering lock so that it doesn't happen again. Ultimately, the best remedy is a brand new OEM ignition module, which includes the key and tumbler, as well as the vacuum and electrical components. I lucked out and have a brother who was parting out a car with complete part, original. Its a little pricey.

Toblin · #3 03-13-2009, 09:52 PM

WD-40 and lots of it. And keep jiggling the key. Don't worry, WD-40 can't/won't gum up anything.

I'm serious. Do it.

bbeardb · #4 03-13-2009, 11:14 PM

It wasn't a cheap key and tumbler. It was like $100 OEM from the dealer. I didn't know there was anything else you could replace. Kinda pissed it stopped working after two months. And it's not a brass key either.

rcounts · #5 03-14-2009, 12:54 AM

I just bought a Meyhle (not sure of the spelling) tumbler to replace mine for $40. It comes with steel keys and looks like a really quality part. Steel keys and all.

HOWEVER, I got a complete column locking assembly from another member here and decided to try swapping the cylinder from it into my column locking assembly and once I got it in, the first time I turned the key to the lock position I couldn't get it to turn again!

After fiddling around with it a while I finally got it to unlock, took the cylinder out of it and put it back into the replacement assembly and it works fine. Next I tried installing my original tumbler into the replacement assembly and wouldn't you know it, when I turned it to the locked position, I had a heck of a time getting it to unlock too!

So, it would seem that my lock cylinder and column lock assembly BOTH went bad simultaniously. It looks like I'm going to have to replace them with the ones I got from the other board member. That seems to be the only way I'm going to be able to get it working again.

bbeardb · #6 03-14-2009, 12:43 PM

Is this the part you are talking about?

Hope the link works: http://catalog.peachparts.com/item.wws?sku=W0133-1605516&itempk=78169&mfr=Valeo&weight=1.65

I can't seem to find anything specifically to the column lock.

bbeardb · #7 03-21-2009, 10:51 AM

With the key stuck in the palm sander trick, I got the thing to turn (use an older ugly key for that and it vibrated a nice groove in the key "handle"), and it's definitely the wheel lock that is doing it. I have to figure out what to grind off and call it good. Not sure the wheel lock is really necessary...

bbeardb · #8 03-21-2009, 08:37 PM

EDIT: pictures speak volumes. See below for pictures of the pin that needs to be depress and how I depressed it to get it out. For this to work, you MUST be able to turn the ignition, otherwise you'll have to grind that pin out.

I've gone through Diesel Giant's page and read a few threads, but I can't get this thing out. And to make it even easier, I have the tumbler out.

Kick panel is out. Instrument cluster is out. Steering column unbolted and sagging a few inches, collar on the column which holds the housing is undone. Key position turned to accessory or whatever number position that is which undoes the steering lock. Funny thing here, is even if I have it locked, and the wheel is locked, I can't see the pin from underneath looking up at it, or above looking down. But regardless, the wheel is not locked since the ignition is turned.

The back of the housing will rotate up about 15-20 degrees. It will not slide out of the column at all (toward the radio), nor will it rotate further or in the other direction if I so try. It does not appear to be hitting anything either. Not sure what I have to do to finesse this thing out of there.

Thanks,

EDITED to avoid confusion.

vstech · #9 03-21-2009, 09:06 PM

take pictures for those of us that will have to face this soon...

gregszustak · #10 03-22-2009, 06:38 AM

Try to feel around for the pin and use a very small screwdriver to push it in.
Is your steering wheel currently locked or unlocked?

blackestate · #11 03-22-2009, 12:25 PM

on my SD, The pin was visible from under the dash, but could be under the clamp.
Looks like a pin in a hole, not a button. and you must use a screwdriver etc. I could not push mine by hand.

jim16671836 · #12 03-22-2009, 01:26 PM

The pin is usually under the clamp and I think the key needs to be in the complete on position... Remove the clamp... it takes a 10mm wrench... jim

rcounts · #13 03-22-2009, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim16671836

The pin is usually under the clamp and I think the key needs to be in the complete on position... Remove the clamp... it takes a 10mm wrench... jim

Yup, and on my 300CD it was pointed at the top of the windshield - about the 10:00 - 11:00 position if the side of the column is viewed from the passenger seat...

bbeardb · #14 03-23-2009, 01:25 PM

But do I even need to see the pin if the ignition lock it out and the "key" so to speak is turned? The steering wheel is not locked.

I simply can't get this housing out of the column.

gregszustak · #15 03-23-2009, 02:19 PM

I wasn't able to see my pin.
I was able to feel it and depress it with a small screwdriver.
As soon as it was down I turned the ignition lock about 90 degrees and was able to wiggle it out.