https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLY2zOS2Hn4

Sun Tortise, when my ignition tumbler got sticky I put the job off just like you.
When it finally failed, it took 30 min of constant wiggling and turning the key before it finally turned.

I got the car home, shut the engine off with the STOP lever on the engine and unhooked the battery
leaving the key in the ON position. I then removed the tumbler which only takes about 10 min.
You can start the car with a screwdriver or some needlenose pliers until you get a new lock cylinder.

Watch the video above on how to remove the cylinder.
Do it NOW before your lock finally fails (it will)
If the lock fails and you can't get the key to turn one more time you are screwed
then it is at least a six hour job drilling out the entire steering lock assembly.

You have been warned.


Jeff

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1984 300SD 300,000 miles--two tank WVO setup
2.88 diff & 500SEL anti-squat rear end

I totally agree with Jeff. Fix it now.

Thanks for the heads up regarding what to do when you have gotten it to turn only one more time.

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Jim

Yea fix it now.

My 300d left me stranded for about 1/2 hour of me
jiggling the key and the steering wheel before it would turn

I drove straight home, killed it with the lever under the hood and
disconnected the battery

The problem is generally NOT the tumbler

I put in a new one only because the original key was very worn.

Yes, if your vehicle is from the 1980s and early 1990s the steering coulomb lock and the tumbler are reaching the ends of their service lives.

Also, some have been saying that the steering column lock assemblies are no longer available in some cases.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel