'84 300D. Last year the key sometimes would not turn in the tumbler, so I replaced the tumbler assembly with a new part from the dealer. The new part came with new keys. For over a year I thought the problem was solved. Now, the tumbler is stuck again. Really stuck. Tried all three keys (old key plus the two new ones).

I now realize that last year I should have replaced the lock assembly at the same time I replaced the tumbler. Is it possible to remove the lock assembly with the tumbler still in place? Or do I need to find a way to grind the tumbler collar off?

Ideas please?? Thanks-

If the key will not turn, then the problem is with the tumbler assembly not the column lock. The symptoms of a column lock problem is the key turns but the column remains locked in place.

I've seen several reports here of a vibrating sander, or similar, helps to get the key to turn and unlock. Believe me, that collar is made of some tough metal and probably a diamond bit in a dremel is going to take a long time, if you can even get access to it.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

Hmmm.. Tried the palm-sander-on-the-key trick, which worked for me last year but not last night... Maybe I'll go under the dash or behind the gage cluster and see if I can put a large screwdriver on the tumber/lock mechanism from behind... and vibrate that with the sander. Anybody ever tried something like that?

New cylinder and key set! Genuine MB part! Can it really be no good already? That's why I am thinking it must be something in the lock assembly that is not letting the cylinder turn.

No way will the lock and cylinder assembly come out (cleanly) unless I get that hardened bezel off the cylinder, right? And that won't happen unless I can get it to turn...

It seems that I was able to remove the whole stinking thing without pulling the bezel.

If I recall correctly, I was able to remove the trim ring, and somehow I pushed the lock 'pin' in and wiggled and rotated the locking mechanism out of the column with the dash still in the car. I think that it just a matter of trial and error with the lower panels and the cluster out of the way.

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2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid SEL Premium (Sparky)
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I had some similar problems last week. My problem was key was not going in fully. I removed collar and tumbler and sprayed with brake cleaner and shook it off then used about 10 drops of 3 in 1 oil. Look at yours and make sure the key is going in fully. It should bottom out at ledge on key. Roy told me the end of key touches something and unlocks the steering lock mechanism. Maybe you key is not going in all the way.

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1982 300SD

Well, I finally got the key to turn. The tumbler was only a year old and the key goes in silky smooth, so I really don't think that was the problem. The old palm sander trick on the key didn't even work, so I still think it has to be in the lock assembly. I got under the dash, and while working the key I could feel the mechanism in the lock assembly through a thin end plate on the lock assembly. (thin aluminum plate? not sure as I haven't ever pulled this part). Anyway, I tapped on that thin piece on the lock assembly with my left hand fingers while working the key with my right. And the key turned. So until I get around to fiddling with the lock assembly again the key will just stay in there to prevent it from locking again.

So at this point I think I'll grind the pin that holds the lock mechanism to the steering column per the procedure on Diesel Giant website and maybe look around for another lock mechanism. Anybody ever done that lock mod on the pin? Any leads on a good steering lock mechanism? This is for a 1984 300D. Thanks all.

126 frozen steering lock/tumbler removal (fairly easy, but long)
After reading of the dreaded stuck tumbler/steering lock over the years, and the need for a particle beam blaster or $700 to fix it, I went to start my car and moved the steering wheel ever so slightly as I sidled into the seat. I was treated to the Fort Knox-like sound of the steering lock bolt finding it's mate in the column, ka-lunk!! Having had no tumbler problems, ever, I figured it had just slammed home a little firmer than usual. Two hours later with Lock-Ease, vibrators, prayer and really sore index finger and thumb, I realized the tumbler was NOT going to turn to position #2.

..Remove knee panel(s), steering wheel and instrument cluster with normal methods.
..Loosen (a lot, but don't remove)and slide upwards pinch clamp holding steering lock/tumbler to collar on steering column thru inst. opening. 10 mm. bolt.
..Remove turn signal/multi switch and cruise control stalk from steering column and unplug connectors (3 screws)
..Loosen steering column, two 13 mm. bolts staring at you on bottom of inst. cluster opening.
..Drop steering column a little (~1.5 inches?) and remove steering column plastic fascia (pulls out in one piece towards you)
..Locate the release button on the steering column collar. It will look a lot like the release buttons on vacuum cleaner hoses/attachments. It will be on the wider part of the collar, ~ halfway up, visible from where you removed the column fascia. Of course it won't release since you can't get the key in position #2 (or you wouldn't be doing this!)
.. Try the key once more after praying.
..Use a DIAMOND bit in your Dremel. I used a bit from eBay (30 for $10) and despite the fact everyone swore that this was "space age steel" I drilled the pin out in less than 5 minutes. Use a routering motion. A 30 cent bit! and it was still good when I was done.
..Disconnect the vacuum lines (diesel), warning buzzer lines from bottom of switch, lock out cable (if '89 or newer) from switch. You cannot remove the electrical plug from the back of the tumbler/lsteering lock because you still can't get key to #2.
..Slide the steering lock/tumbler out of the column collar (since you've obliterated the retaining pin with your diamond bit) and fish it thru the bottom, still attached to the electrical cable that you can't remove (yet).
..As per Steve Brotherton, cut the scews for the electrical part of the switch with a carbide disc (3 screws) at the junction of the steering lock/tumbler assy. and the electrical switch portion(aluminum)in the back. It will still be functional, just with slices in the retaining "humps".
.. What I did was push the locking bolt into the assy. with a few choice hammer blows and Viola!...the key worked. The offending pawl in the lock assy. had been released.
..Either way release electrical plug, using screwdriver to get position #2 on the electrical switch if you had to cut, or your key, if the "innards" freed up with the hammer.
..Remove the tumbler at this point if you can rotate key.
..Take the assy. away and put it in a vise and beat on the bolt area some for kicks. There is a aluminum window, peened in four places, opposite the bolt. Remove peens and pry (lustily) the window up only ~1/2". Try key , which should surely turn,remove tumbler.
..If by now the tumbler is still not turning, throw the whole thing away and put in new lock/tumbler assy. You've still saved a ton of money. Assembly is the reverse of before.
..If tumbler is now out, rotate the area behind where the tumbler was until parts start to fall out. This takes alot of tinkering and many will just want to get a new steering lock assy. at this point.
..If you want to continue, remove all of the "innards"(springs, pawls, cams) you can, and pry the window all the way out now.
..The locking bolt will fall thru the window and you'll never have to worry about it again.
..Reassemble assy with the part inside that turns the electrical switch, but leave out the bolt, springs, pawl and cam, and replace the "window" and repeen. Replace tumbler. THIS TAKES A REAL TINKERER TO GET RIGHT, but it is NOT difficult.
..Test the key in the tumbler and you'll see how easy it is to turn. No wonder so many go bad; they are turning a pound of steel in the steering lock with each key turn!
..Take the assy out to the car and spend some time aligning the electrical switch part (key position #2),screw it onto the assy. (with new screws if needed) then put pinch clamp over assy,reconnect electrical plug and fish it upwards and insert into steering column collar. The pinch clamp will hold it in position when tight, even with the retention button being blown away.
..The electrical switch portion will provide rebound for the key from the start position and all will work the same with the exception of no steering lock and no warning buzzer for key left in car. Only now, the tumbler will turn like "buttah".

I took the time to write this up since so many had asked how to disable the steering lock. Most "key won't turn" problems are solved with a new tumbler, but I'm convinced half of these are because the tumbler is so stressed by the locking bolt.

Believe it on not, 3+ hrs. start to finish. You should be an above average DIY and love to "tinker" to do this.

Hope it helps someone.
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The Golden Rule

1984 300SD (bought new, sold it in 1988, bought it back 13 yrs. later)
Last edited by jbaj007; 03-03-2003 at 08:59 PM.

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'84 300SD sold
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