W126 Ignition switch turns, but no start detent or spring back

[AUDIBLE]

1987 300SDL

Everything else is fine; no stuck key, etc. Key inserts fine, turns fine and all idiot lights, accessories, etc. work the right way. Just no pressure against the key in the start position, no 12 volts going to the solenoid, and no key spring-back. With the key in the normal "run" position, one position counter-clockwise from "start," the starter can be hot-wired and the car runs fine.

I've read a lot of threads about pulling bad tumblers, etc., but want to know what the problem here really consists of, and what needs to be replaced.

thanks!

I found a thread that seemed to be about this, but there was a lot of shorthand in it that I didn't really understand.
so my ignition switch quit working

[charmalu]

Off hand it sound like the steering lock assembly, that is what has the spring to bring the key back to the run position.

No 12V to the solenoid, might be the Ignition switch, which is on the rear of the lock assembly.



Charlie

[AUDIBLE]

Thanks.

So if the key turns the mechanism, doesn't get stuck, etc., Should I take the old tumbler out of the Steering Lock Assy, and put it in a new assembly with a new ignition switch on the back end of it? Would there be an advantage to replacing the whole Steering lock assembly/lock tumbler/ignition switch all at once?

thanks
Bruce s

[vstech]

Originally Posted by charmalu

Off hand it sound like the steering lock assembly, that is what has the spring to bring the key back to the run position.

No 12V to the solenoid, might be the Ignition switch, which is on the rear of the lock assembly.



Charlie

not so.
the spring is in the electrical portion of the switch. the part on the end of the assembly has the spring, where the pins are.
if it's available separately, you can replace just the back end!

[vstech]

126-removing elect. portion of ignition switch

[vstech]

Ignition switch removal W126 - how to?

[charmalu]

Originally Posted by vstech

not so.
the spring is in the electrical portion of the switch. the part on the end of the assembly has the spring, where the pins are.
if it's available separately, you can replace just the back end!

OK, you are right. I have one w/o the switch and one with the switch. w/o the switch, it just turns around and around.

with the switch, there is the spring action.

Charlie

[TnBob]

Dont forget that just about any locksmith can match a new ignition to your old key. Be a good time to get a new set of keys from the dealer too.

[AUDIBLE]

I'll report back. Thanks, everyone.

Bruce S