Key won't turn drama - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cewyattjr · #16 02-21-2010, 08:27 PM

So what do you think the chances are with an 82 300D that I should be getting the mechanism with the cup instead??

Thanks!

-Chuck

cewyattjr · #17 02-21-2010, 09:37 PM

I see now... what I really want is one like this one for my '82.

Seems like I might be able to salvage the larger metal part of the steering lock assembly from the eBay one.

What's the difference between the "URO" one as opposed to the genuine one... aside from about $26?

charmalu · #18 02-21-2010, 10:43 PM

I have both of my lock assembly`s and removed both ignition switches. It looks like maybe the cup style will fit the older style.
when you get the E-bay switch, just remove the ignition switch and replace it with your old one. just 3 screws hold it on.

so maybe the steering lock assy is the same, just the ignition switch is different. don`t know about the Euro parts. Maybe Chineese

. not sure

Or you can just bite the bullet and order this one. now $4 more than I paid 6 mo ago.

http://www.allpartsexpress.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1982-MERCEDES--BENZ-300dt--/--L5--3005cc--3.0l--Diesel--Fi--Turbo-Electrical&yearid=1982%40%401982&makeid=MERCEDES+BENZ%40%40MERCEDES+BENZ%40%40X&engineid=1193767%40%40300DT++%2F+L5%2D3005cc+3%2E0L+DIESEL+FI++Turbo%40%40300DT&catid=Electrical%40%40Electrical&subcatid=Steering+Lock+Assembly@@Steering+Lock+Assembly&mode=PA

Charlie

cewyattjr · #19 02-22-2010, 06:48 AM

Hi Charlie,

I could replace it with the old ignition switch, though I'm kinda guessing that the switch is now defective, which is why I'm not getting a full crank to far right... it's either that or the tumbler, not sure which. I may get the cheapo Chinese one at this point, just to see if that fits the bill. It's kinda like playing tinkertoys!

Sorry to read about your 85 300d back in 07. Sounds like that was a sudden unexpected engine blow up, eh?

Anyway, thanks again for the suggestions!

Chuck

funola · #20 02-22-2010, 08:19 AM

Take the tumbler out (takes 2 minutes with a paper clip) and use a screwdriver to turn the ignition switch/lock to see where the problem lies. With the tumbler out, operate it with the key and see if it rotates its full range. If not, wash it it hot soapy water moving key in/out/turn till no more gunk comes out. Should work like new if no twisted/jammed springs in the tumbler.. Do not lube the tumbler with anything! Leave it dry! Lube attracts dirt and that's what cause it to jam over time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cewyattjr

Hi Charlie,

I could replace it with the old ignition switch, though I'm kinda guessing that the switch is now defective, which is why I'm not getting a full crank to far right... it's either that or the tumbler, not sure which. I may get the cheapo Chinese one at this point, just to see if that fits the bill. It's kinda like playing tinkertoys!

Sorry to read about your 85 300d back in 07. Sounds like that was a sudden unexpected engine blow up, eh?

Anyway, thanks again for the suggestions!

Chuck

charmalu · #21 02-22-2010, 12:43 PM

Chuck,
when you get the E-bay switch, remove your old ignition switch off the back, just 3 screws, and switch them. then see if the key will turn the tumbler while it is in your hand.
you can also switch in your tumbler, and see if it will work in hand before installint the assembly. just a thought.

yeah that timing chain/eng problem back in 07 was a fun day. I only want to do that once. it was 109 deg in Winnemucca, NV that day. spent the first day trying to figure out what to do. made some phone calls, found the only rental car I think was in town. drove 180miles to Reno for a U-Haul trk and trailer the next day, and back. got back in town about 6pm, winched up the car and was heading west some time after 9pm. drove til about 12pm and found a rest stop. finally got home the next afternoon. we were about 500 miles from home. wish I had a digital camera back then.
I guess like they say, If money can fix it, it`s not a problem.

now every time I hear some new noise, What`s that noise $ ?

Charlie

cewyattjr · #22 02-22-2010, 04:43 PM

Hey Charlie and funola,

I got the nicest email help from the eBay guy, Lester. He gave me similar instructions as funola, so will give those a try when I get home. As luck would have it, I have my inspection sticker is up this month. I'm driving my TDI Beetle until I get this sorted out.

Sorry about the timing chain disaster! I had something similar with my last TDI, where the water pump died and the timing belt skipped a few teeth as a result... pistons bang valves... you know the sad story. Yours sounds a bit like a nightmare on a blistering day though. I'm not sure what can be done to avoid that with a timing chain vehicle, but to have that chain inspected now and then I suppose.

I'll report back on what I find out with the tumbler and screwdriver.

-Chuck

cewyattjr · #23 02-22-2010, 07:22 PM

This new posting was very helpful for removing the tumbler, especially the video. Turns out it is the chunk of metal/assembly bit just behind the tumbler that the tumbler "connects" to. Once I removed that somewhat cracked looking pot-metal piece, I can use a screwdriver to start it.

charmalu · #24 02-22-2010, 08:22 PM

Down in the bottom on the left side is that springy loaded tang. put the screw driver to the left of it, push it to the right as you push the screw drive down, and turn to the right. the thing should turn, and the GP light should come on and the engine will start with the final turn.

I had the chain replaced 70,000 miles before it broke.

broke first 2 cam towers, twisted the last rocker by firewall, and cracked the head, along with bent valves. was doing 65mph at the time.

Charlie

cewyattjr · #25 02-22-2010, 08:28 PM

Yep, it is that springy loaded thing that is busted! It wouldn't turn to the right, until I pulled that out and turned the ignition switch further down in the socket.

Wow, 65 mph! Go bang is right!

cewyattjr · #26 02-23-2010, 09:46 AM

Hey so this is the gizmo that I suspect might be the problem. When I pull it out of the "socket" I can kinda start the car with a screw driver, but it is really kind of a pain, I really have to wiggle it around a lot to find the sweet spot. Then the little diagonal shim of metal down in the socket seems to keep the steering locked. Driving down the road with that thing jimmied seems a bit risky, plus I have to pull the vacuum lines to keep it from shutting down.

SO... with the tumbler seeming just fine, it looks like I either need the steering lock mechanism or the ignition switch or both.

charmalu · #27 02-23-2010, 11:03 AM

Iam looking at my assembly and tumbler here in hand. where did you find that gizmo? Is that the part the tumbler fits into? Did it some how come out? I don`t see how it could, or Iam missing something here.
Your pictures and what Iam holding in hand sure look different.

With 240,000K might just need to change the whole thing.

I replaced the 85 at 357K, and first had troubles back around your milage. replaced the tumbler, still wasn`t real smooth, but worked. then I replaced it couple yrs ago again. had to wiggle the steering wheel a little.
then the wife came home one day and said "Fix it"

. then I ordered the whole assy, from phill. now smooth as silk. so looking back on it now, should have replaced it long before this. they are a mechanical devise that is a wear item, and there isn`t any set time to replace one. some last longer than others. I do know with my own experience, if that thing starts to give me any trouble, and the tumbler isn`t the whole fix. Iam replacing the whole steering lock assy.
This one should get me to 600K or????

Iam getting to be an expert now on removing them. each one gets a little easier.

Charlie

cewyattjr · #28 02-23-2010, 11:10 AM

So this thing was right behind the tumbler. First I tried turning it with a screw driver and simply would not start, just like the experience with the key. Well then I was able to spin it all the way around, and it did come right out.

cewyattjr · #29 02-23-2010, 11:20 AM

Actually... what you are looking at is this thing that I've circled in this shot of the ignition housing.

charmalu · #30 02-23-2010, 12:38 PM

OK, well no wonder I haven`t seen one, mine are still in there. If it came out I think your a candidate for a new one.

I used a screwdriver, and had to work it some to get it to turn on the 240. It did start etc... but Iam not too sure how long I would trust it on a daily use.

Charlie