Ignition or tumbler or switch or ???
 

Key in, turn to where lights on dash (usually) go on.

But nothing, no battery, brake, glow, etc.

In fact, the clock stops ticking (clock ticks when key is out).

I checked the fuses but they seem ok.

I also studied some threads on taking out the tumbler, because it is kinda loose and I'm thinking I should replace it.



What else can I try?:confused:

It's likely the switch behind the tumbler. They're relatively inexpensive but a pain to replace.

What vehicle do you have?

1979 240D W123

Thanks, Bob, for the clue, at least now I know to search for "switch".

You should post the Year and Model of your Car. I think in on some of the Later Models you need to stick 2 wires into the tumbler to remove it.

I and several others I this last 1.5 Years have had something inside of the Steering Colum Lock break. The Steering Colum Lock is between the Tumbler and the Ignition Switch.
In My Case that Tube that turns the Ignition Switch cracked off.

When I took everything apart I also found that while the Ignition Switch part worked one of the Contacts was burnt badly.

Most places sell the Steering Colum Lock as an assembly. It comes with the Colum Lock, the Ignition Switch and the Vacuum Shutoff Valve that attaches to the Ignition Switch.

I bought a new one from the Mercedes Dealer and it was about $140. It was made by Neiman in France.
Some Sellers sell the Neiman/Valeo made in France assembly for about $20 less than I paid.
If you see an Ad for less than that read it closely be sure it is an assembly and not just the bare Steering Colum Lock.

Yes, Diesel911 - these threads? Actually, this first one has helpful pictures.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/341580-tumbler-problem-key-broke;-turns-freely.html

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/343402-ignition-tumbler-removeal.html

But is your 84 300D the same as my 79 240D? Mine is a W123.

Should I be searching steering column lock? Key turns freely, only no connection seems to be going on.




Also found these videos to be helpful:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2kAIA2-sZ8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5FQEkCflMc

Recently my Ingnition Switch was bad because I lost voltage to the Fan Blower and AC Compressor Clutch. I replaced the Switch and the Tumbler and the Steering Lock mechanism. If you replace the Tumber you may want to get a matched Tumbler from the dealer that matches your VIN and your current keys. My car was a '82 300SD and I posted the procedure what I did, just search under my ID. It can be done with the steering wheel inplace.

Thanks, LNGfish, found your posts here:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/338566-ignition-key-tumbler-lock.html

My key turns, steering wheel not locked, just no electrical contact (no dashboard lights on).

Starting a new thread:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/343565-grounding-issue-bwdik.html#post3204134