It's been getting worse and worse, but I have to sit there and wiggle the key and the wheel and eventually it frees up.

Is my ignition bad? Is there any way to disable this handy "feature"?

Thanks in advance.

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1984 300D Turbo 169k

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
-----Mark Twain

First, let me recommend reading information on the ignition lock in the DIY section.

This is not to avoid the question but to help you decipher where, and how serious, the problem can be.

Is the key failing to turn to the "II" position? This could be as simple as replacing the tumbler. To keep from having multiple keys, order a new tumbler from the dealer ~$20 (they will need proof of ownership).

If the key turns but the lock is staying engaged, beware of a possibly more serious problem. ($$$ if not caught in time)

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

The key won't turn at all, I wiggle for a while and it turns to position 2 and right to start.

__________________
1984 300D Turbo 169k

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
-----Mark Twain

That's the sign of a worn ignition tumbler.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/142232-ignition-cylinder-tumbler-replacement%3B-mixed-diesel-gas.html#post1065596

It's a real simple procedure of turning the key to the "II" position, inserting a paper clip and removing the collar. The first time took me about 15 min. after that you can probably do it in about 5min. The links I pasted will give you more information.

BTW, If you are using brass keys, get rid of them. They are OK for an emergency set but not for everyday use.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

Well that's good news. I'm guessing I'm going to have to order the tumbler from the dealer otherwise I'll end up using two separate keys.

I appreciate the help.

__________________
1984 300D Turbo 169k

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
-----Mark Twain

What type key are you using, the original MB steel key? Are the teeth on the key worn out? If you dont have the original key, i recommend you buy the proper key from your local MB dealer first.

Sometimes its a worn key rather than a worn ignition tumbler.

__________________
1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e485-1-2-1.jpg

I've got two keys. One original and one aftermarket. Maybe I'll order a key from the dealer and see if that helps.

__________________
1984 300D Turbo 169k

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
-----Mark Twain

do the keys appear to be worn?

Order a new key first, then order a tumbler if necessary .

__________________
1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e485-1-2-1.jpg

A new tumbler and key will be more than $20.

I bought a timbler and 2 key for the 80 240D, and it was $90 for the tumbler and $15.84 for the second key plus tax.
There might be a variable in price differences between dealers, I don`t know.

You won`t get the key or tumbler the day you order it. It is over nighted from Texas where they keep the secret codes .

I had to replace the lock assembly`s on the 80 240D and 85 300D. I had a good used one for the 80, but had to order a new one for the 85, it was $172.00. but after 25yrs and 30yrs, they do wear out.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Yea I was talking about the non mb tumblers you can buy off the parts sites. Well I might as well order the key first I can still use it if the tumbler is bad and I have to order a new one.

The keys dont really look won to me, but it's hard to tell.

__________________
1984 300D Turbo 169k

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
-----Mark Twain

Just for reference, I bought a new tumbler(which comes with a key) and also a spare key from MB for $76. You should have the same part number, therefore the same price.

And you do need to take in your title, or registration in your name, plus a photo ID to order these pieces. Also, once you order them they will not drop ship them to your house. You have to drive back a couple of days later to pick them up.

__________________
----Adam

1985 300SD 322,000

There's no guarantee that this problem will be solved by a new tumbler. Act on the safe side and when installing the tumbler do not re-install the hardened cylinder that screws on around the tumbler. Try turning the ignition key first and if you still have the same problem (my guess is you will) you'll need to replace or modify the steering lock assembly. Others have removed the locking portion allowing the steering wheel to move without turning the key. This effectively fixes the lock issue. I replaced the entire assembly which is easier (though more expensive, obviously).

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mjk

'84 300SD 119KMi (Liesl der Diesel)
'84 300D 326KMi when the oil left (former parts car)
'82 300SD 253KMi (new parts car)

The dealer shipped the tumbler and key to me. I paid $8 for the postage which was cheaper than driving 40 miles back to the dealer in Monterey.

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

That is nice, perhaps it was just a local policy rather than global policy in my case then.

__________________
----Adam

1985 300SD 322,000