As the others said.....fix it now....it WILL get worse. Try the lock cylinder first....but don't be suprised if the lock assembly to the column isn't at fault. You'd know if it is...because it will start doing it all over again.

Dealt with this recently with my W123...and its a simular if not identical situation.

The worst case situation is trying to hack this out when it will no longer unlock at all.

__________________
Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
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Section 609 MVAC Certified
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"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

I have tried everything to get my steering column unlocked. Back and forth, a vibrator, you name it, it's hopelessly locked. I'm pretty sure it's the locking prawl, and not the tumblers. Anyone have suggestions, or detailed instructions on getting the mechanism apart.
Thanks,
James

Instructions here:
http://dieselgiant.com/repairignitionlock.htm

I was faced with same problem this weekend. I started by taking out cluster, but before attempting to grind out pin as per above link, I gave the steering lock a good shake using the cluster opening for access. Somehow, this allowed me to turn the key. I kept it turned position and disconnected battery.

Once key can be turned to second position, the lock cylinder can be removed using a pin (I used sturdy knitting needle). Once mine was out and with no replacement, I modified old one so it would turn the ignition on and off despite tumblers not working! The black nut is put back on as before,

This is a temporary fix, but it seems to work just fine! Once the steering lock was disabled (which I intend to do) then I might buy a new tumbler cylinder, or maybe not

Attached Thumbnails

     

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5

So after having my steering column lock 3 times in the same day and having a pain of a time getting the column unlocked and ignition key turned, I think I figured out how to get it unlocked for the times where you can't get it in the first few minutes. This is for a 83 300SD, so I don't know how other years/models work.

After about a half hour of experimentation and a sore right index finger, I think I found a way to get the key turned that one last time so you can at least get it home to then work on a more permanent solution.

I knew it wasn't the ignition tumbler, because that was already replaced not too long ago (the key is different for the ignition than the door locks). And it only happened when the steering wheel was locked (ie moved more than 15 degrees while the ignition key was out).

I took out my dash panel and started feeling around on the column for any moving parts as I wiggled the key, and there is some sort of side plate/button thing (on the far right edge of the ignition cylinder) that wobbles a bit when the key is moved left/right.

With my leg holding the steering wheel to the extreme side, and holding/pushing this button/plate with two left-hand fingers (one on each end, so it stays down on both sides), and jiggling the key with my right hand (experimenting a bit several times with holding the plate/button first before turning the key, then trying to hold/push it after turning the key, etc).... I was able to get this seriously jammed ignition turned within 15 seconds EVERY TIME. I tried this at least 6 times. It seems like a consistent solution for getting the car started at least to drive it home. And I did remember to re-lock the wheel each time, and check the conventional method "wheel-hold key-jiggle" to see that it wasn't budging.

I don't know what this wiggling button/plate is designed for.... maybe someone can find out for sure and let me know. But it seems to really work.

So before you go calling a locksmith or a tow truck, see if you can unlock it this way, at least one more time.

I had my indie remove the locking device on my 83. Easy peasy.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Ok, I may be overly ambitious, and maybe someone can correct me, but I've refined my approach to unlocking the steering lock, and can do the whole process (assuming the dash panel is already out) in under 5 seconds.

Just remove the dash panel, feel for that right-side "button" on the right edge of the ignition column (it moves slightly when you move the wheel and/or wiggle the ignition lock) with your left fingers, then use your thigh (helps if you know how to steer while driving sans-hands) to wiggle the wheel back and forth (gently, not hard), while repeatedly pressing - and letting go - of that button (with the left hand), turning the key back and forth, etc until it goes all the way.

I've tried it a dozen times this morning, re-locked the steering, tried (and failed) using the more common methods, and then re-tried this approach. 5 seconds every time. Every time.

It obviously is a measure of last resort since you need your dash panel out, but at least you can get your car home, or last a few days more driving (as long as you're careful to not turn the steering wheel when the car is parked).

If you look at the bottom picture below, you'll see a "button" or "plate" on the far right end of the column (it looks like it has a sticker on this picture). I'm not sure if this is the exact ignition lock assembly for my car, but it looks pretty close.

This might sound obvious...but why not just replace the worn out lock assembly. They aren't that expensive or hard to find...and it solves the problem once and for all.

__________________
Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
---------------------
Section 609 MVAC Certified
---------------------
"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

BHD--surprised to see you're back.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I've been around for a long time (last couple years in fact)...just didn't have anything to say. Been busy with other endeavours.

__________________
Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
---------------------
Section 609 MVAC Certified
---------------------
"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche