Hey guys,


So I recently discovered after installing a volt-meter that my 12v key on accesories stay on even with the key off. I disconnected the volt meter, and all related wiring, but that did not help.

I have an aftermarket headunit in there, but I know I have it wired right and it has not been an issue till recently, it always used to shut off with the car. I disconnected the power wire to the amp, no help.

What components are responsible for making sure those accesories only get power with the key on?

I have a Bosch AL129X alternator wired in there, but it's been in there for almost a year with no issues, so I know that wiring is okay.

I had to fix a coolant issue yesterday, and it got the engine bay quite wet. Is there anything that could have gotten wet that would have caused this? I noticed it happen a couple weeks ago after I degreased the engine bay, but it went away, and is happening again. Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks!

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1984 Mercedes-Benz 300D

Could this be the ignition switch? I've been puling different wires, trying to test. Nothing happened with the wires I pulled, but at some point I switched the key off and removed it and the radio shut off. I went to put the key in but missed and bumped the edge around the keyhole. Just from bumping the edge, it turned back on, as if the bump made the ignition switch thing the key was in the on position.

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1984 Mercedes-Benz 300D

Also, I should mention the ignition key lock has been giving me trouble for a while. I'd have to yank the wheel back and forth pretty well while trying to turn the key until it would finally turn. Could all of these be signs of a failing ignition switch?

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1984 Mercedes-Benz 300D

Sounds like your Ignition Switch. also if you are having trouble turning the key and having to move the wheel back and forth to get the lock assy to release. It is time to replace the lock assy and ign switch.

You are getting al the indicators that she is on the way out, easier to replace it now that to wait until it locks up and you have to drill it out.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

i agree with charlie that the ignition switch needs to be changed. it is also possible that the installer of the stereo connected the always-on with the switched positive leads.

Thanks guys. Just ordered a new ignition switch and tumbler assembly. I surely hope that's what's causing it. I can't think of anything else.

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1984 Mercedes-Benz 300D

if you are having trouble turning the switch without rocking the wheel you could need a lock assembly, not just a tumbler...

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Yeah, I'm gonna get a new switch in there. And I put the head unit in there, so I know the wiring is okay. Like I said, the past couple head units always turned off with the key, including this one unitl recently. I was also able to use the electric mirror adjustment with the key out. Always thought that was a key on accesory.

Yeah, I know it's going to be the tumbler, lock assembly, or both. Fact of the matter is the lock assembly is quite a bit more expensive than the tumbler and I've read many more cases of tumlbers being the issue(not to say that makes it more common, maybe just more reported). I plan to try the tumbler, and if that is not the faulty component, I will acquire and install a lock assembly.

However, I know it will be one or both of those two components, so I'm not worried, will replace as necessary. My bigger concern is the electrical system not seeming to realize the key has been removed. Everything I've been able to find(not much) points to the ignition swith. Does anyone think there's anything else I should check, in relation to the electrical issue?

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1984 Mercedes-Benz 300D

I suppose my only concern is whether the steering lock assembly being worn would contribute to my electrical issue. Would the worn lock assembly have any way of causing the ignition switch to not realize the key was in the off position? I mean the whole having to yank the wheel thing has been happening for a bit, but it doesn't happen every time, it's quite random.

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1984 Mercedes-Benz 300D