I replaced my ignition tumbler a couple of months ago. Ordered from MB using my VIN.

Today, when leaving work I got in to start it, turned to glow for a few seconds and turned to start, and nothing.

I tried it again and it's like something broke in there. I can go to the first position and I get electrical (radio, warning lights, etc) but when I go to start I get no resistance, it's like it is not pushing against anything.

I have my old working tumbler I am going to put back in tomorrow ( I only changed it to get rid of using two keys).

Hopefully, it is a tumbler problem and I can go exchange it at MB.

Thoughts?

__________________
----Adam

1985 300SD 322,000

That's probably not the tumbler, it's probably the ignition switch itself. When mine did that the little keyway that connects the electrical portion of the switch to the main switch had broken.

Are you saying this:



or this:

__________________
----Adam

1985 300SD 322,000

Yes, on mine the little keyway that you can see in the photo broke and allowed the key to turn without any resistance because the spring is part of the electrical unit.

Thanks Craig,

I'm going to drop by my car in a couple of hours with my old tumbler and a safety pin just to check and will report my findings.

__________________
----Adam

1985 300SD 322,000

Nice pics, Adam! Just the thing I was wanting to see. I wonder if that shut off actuator comes with the whole lock out mechanism? (I think that's my next job)

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YES, the vacuum shutoff switch/valve comes with the assembly..






.

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That's why when my key got stuck in Betty, I replaced EVERYTHING in there. Why do the job twice?

Sitting in the parking lot at work, late to pick up my son from day care, is not something I want to have happen again. New tumbler from MB, new locking mech from aftermarket. Do it and be done!

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related: i just replaced my tumbler with a vin matched unit from the mb dealer a few weeks ago. the issue was that the key would not turn. well, after just a few days with the new tumbler, i have the same issue of the key not turning. should i now replace the unit/part thingy that has the vac valve dealy in it?

the tumbler needed to be replaced anyway. it was aftermarket so now i have a "one key car".

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key not turning with a new tumbler is either the collar on wrong, or the steering wheel lock pin damaged...

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OK, I got the tumbler out this morning.

When i use pliars on the holes that the tumbler engages to turn it keeps turning. I can turn it and turn on accessories, unlock the steering wheel, etc but not start it. It will keep turning, but I could not get the power to turn off.

I was able to unplug the vacuum shutoff and jump the terminal block to start it and get it home.

I am thinking it is for sure the switch. Thanks Craig.

Thoughts?

__________________
----Adam

1985 300SD 322,000

Yup, I bet you will find that keyway broken, it seems to be the weak spot. If you remove the switch you may be able to manually operate the electrical part to start the car and make the brake lights work, but you will still need the shut-off lever to stop the engine.

I was able to operate the electronics with the tumbler removed, just no glow or start position. I "hot wired" it to start it and got it home. Luckily it is a warm day and the engine fired over easily without glowing.

__________________
----Adam

1985 300SD 322,000

Just got off the phone with Lee.

I've got a new housing (comes with switch) coming tomorrow. I need to drive the car on thanksgiving day. I figured that since I need to replace the switch I have to remove the housing. If that doesn't cure my problem then I can't buy only the housing and would be left with two new switches. And, I didn't want to have to remove the housing again.

I'm researching replacing the housing, doesn't seem too difficult.

Any tips?

__________________
----Adam

1985 300SD 322,000

I replaced the 240 and 300 a while back. I thought is was more difficult than it really was.

Here is a post from a thread with 2 links. hope this helps.

Not your usual sticky ignition question.


above the post # is the thread where I got this from. good read too.


Charlie

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