1981 300SD - it is not the NSS or shifter bushings - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Diesel911 · #16 05-17-2021, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsb357

so two years ago you replaced the NSS?

have you been back under there and inspected the wiring connector?

He should be able to disconnect the Electrical Connector down there and see if when someone turns the Key to start it is actually getting voltage there.

Diesel911 · #17 05-17-2021, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyl604

I do not believe I have any problem with the steering column lock or the vac switch. It feels more like an electrical contact has just been worn down and if I wiggle it just right it might work one time again. Maybe. For a couple of weeks I would jump it the first time of each day and then it would work fine for the rest of the day; then it just stopped working at all.

Will try to find something on Youtube. So can't I just slide out the ignition switch and slide another in? Not sure as I have no idea what the whole set up looks like - have never been into it.

I merely stated that the a new Steering Colum lock comes with a new Ignition Switch and a new Vacuum Switch. I was not saying the Vacuum Switch was a cause.

There Key tumbler inserts into the Steering Colum Lock and there is a piece with what ends up being a hollow cast aluminum tube that goes into the Ignition switch. On mine the aluminum tube cracked in two.

Diesel911 · #18 05-17-2021, 01:15 PM

Well maybe I was wrong about the vacuum valve: Stuck Steering Colum Vacuum shutoff valve keeps car from starting post #8
Thermostat

Steering Colum Lock (Ignition Lock Housing) causes Ignition Switch Failure
My steering Colum Lock thread (parts inside broken see pics)
Steering Colum Lock (Ignition Lock Housing) causes Ignition Switch Failure

tyl604 · #19 05-17-2021, 02:16 PM

Thanks for the comments guys. I watched the youtube video by MJM Workshop where he removes the whole mechanism and pulls the ignition switch apart.

My lockset works fine and smoothly; key turns fine and the vac shutoff seems to be fine - so I am thinking it is the ignition switch - the almost round gizmo with the copper prongs sticking out. If I remember I could remove it without removing the entire locking mechanism except the it had three? screws holding it and I would have to remove them blind. What I remember at least. Not sure whether they are hex or philips.

To remove everything I just have to relax the clamp around the steering column, the depress the lock button, twist and it "should" come out so I can remove the ignition switch prongs and all un-blind. Then plug in the new one and screw in and try to get the entire mechanism back next to the steering column.

D911 - like the idea of epoxying the lock button. Did that ever create a problem for you? For example might not the entire mechanism twist without the button holding it in place?