Removing switch assembly from steering lock
 

You probably aren't pushing the pins in far enough. As I remember, I had to use short screwdrivers to push the pins because they have to go farther into the holes than you can do with your fingers. Once the pins are pushed in sufficiently the switch will slide out without any fuss.

Jeremy

Ok, thanks. Will give it another try.

Well I've been at it again. I am 99% certain that the pins are being pushed in far enough. The switch still isn't releasing. Is there something that I am overlooking?

What is your name, Bob?
 

First, let's make sure I understand your question. I have assumed that you are talking about the 3rd picture in post #10 of this thread, which shows the ignition switch assembly still attached to the steering lock in the car and labeled in red letters "Spring-loaded pins hold switch onto steering lock" with two red arrows pointing at the pins that have to be pushed in to release the switch from the steering lock.

If that's what you're talking about, I have no further suggestions. I don't recall any problems getting the switch to release except the pins were hard to push simultaneously and had to be pushed in farther than I expected. Once pushed sufficiently, however, the switch came out with no further trouble [except for the transmission shifter lock cable].

If you're talking about something else, let's start over.

Jeremy

Well that's what I was talking about. Still haven't gotten it out.

jeremy
 

excellent walk through.... ive gotten all the way to re installation...when i reconnect of the w210 ignition switch with the car no power is restored...everything is dead... any suggestiions? i tried all the fuse but cant quite reach the battery due to the fact that my seat is fully reclined.. any help?

FYI. Cars with DAS have a transponder ring (edit: except early verions of DAS) and use a slightly different "tool" to remove the tumbler cover/ring. The thread linked below is rather long but has some very good photos and videos which are helpful on the 1997/DAS models. Factory WIS procedure also attached below in PDF format.

Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!! key won't turn ignition - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

For the later/DAS cars, the special tool is not needed... pliers works fine. Which is nice, since the factory tool is >$100, and the aftermarket tool is still $40, sheesh. So much for the old days of using bent coat hanger wire for free, eh? *sigh*


:zorro:

And to confuse things even more . . .

I've been reading everything I can find on DAS and central locking and the anti-theft system. For the 1996 model year, Mercedes produced at least two and possibly three versions: a very early version without DAS, a version with DAS but without the transponder ring, and a later version with DAS and a transponder ring. The 1997 and later models all have DAS and a transponder ring. These have a slightly different way of removing the ignition switch, which I was not aware of when I wrote the above. Apologies for my ignorance.

To determine if your early 1996 (no transponder ring) has DAS or not, get in the car, lock the doors with the button on the dash, then try to start the car. If it starts, you do not have DAS; if it does not start, you do have DAS (DAS turns off fuel injection). All later cars with a transponder ring have DAS.

BTW, do not lock the car with the remote from inside the car and then start the engine -- the system thinks you are hot-wiring the car (it assumes the remote will always be used outside) and sounds the alarm.

Jeremy

Jeremy, as usual, you are 100% correct... I keep forgetting about the "early DAS" cars without the transponder ring & keys. Previous post updated.

I swapped out my lock cylinder (photos below) and it made a huge difference. They key was fine, but the lock tumbler wafers were visibly worn on the old tumbler. Totally worth the ~$60 for a new one!

:batman:

http://www.w124performance.com/image...mbler1_new.jpg

http://www.w124performance.com/image...mbler2_new.jpg

http://www.w124performance.com/image...mbler3_old.jpg

1996 is unique
 

A final note: early (1996) W210 owners need to be aware that their car is unique in having a mechanical locking ignition switch. Parts people do not always know this and try to sell you the later switch for your 1996 car.This is not only the wrong lock/switch but is far more expensive and has to be dealer-programmed. Fortunately, the 1997-up electronic switch does not wear like the earlier mechanical switches -- just don't lose the key!

Jeremy

Jeremy, do you mean 1998-up? The 1997 (USA-spec) still uses a mechanical lock tumbler (as shown in the photos above). 1998-up went to the fully electronic doohicky.

:blink:

Picky, picky!
 

Yes, I should mean 1998-up. I wasn't sure, thought 1997 got the electronic lock/key along with the 5-speed transmission. Thanks for correcting me. It's difficult to keep track of which model-year got which change, even worse the in-year changes like the DAS stuff previously discussed.

Jeremy

96 e300d ignition switch problem starting
 

Hi Guys
Problem starting. You have to pull the key out a little and jiggle the steering wheel to turn the key to start but If you dont lock the steering wheel the key turns with no problem. What do I need to do? There is a lot imformation out there. Im confused. Thanks Greg

I suspect that your steering wheel lock is sticking, based on your description "If you don't lock the steering wheel the key turns with no problem." AFAIK you should take the lock assembly apart to clean and lube the steering lock. This should be done sooner rather than later as a stuck steering lock will prevent you from turning the steering wheel even if you manage to get the engine started (which won't happen if you can't turn the key).

In addition to this thread there are others on the removal of the lock cylinder and the steering lock. There should be enough information to enable you to do this job.

Jeremy

ignition problem 96 e300d
 

thanks for the reply
I had the same problem with my 84 300sd .I removed the ignition and cut the pin off that locks into the steering column it works fine. Can I do this with this car? Also both sides of the blade key are worn and has no chip. thanks Greg