door key question 1985 300TD

[JB3]

I have a problem with the drivers door and hatch in my 85 300TD. The actual lock has not been used for quite some time (aftermarket key fob), and the key wont turn in it. The same key will kinda work in the passenger door, but not the trunk.

This key used to work in them all, as well as the ignition the PO tells me.

Ive been lubing, cleaning, and trying to get it going for a while, and im at the point where I just want to replace all 3 door tumblers with a new door only key.

Where is a good source for these tumblers, is this a dealer only part? Or is this a locksmith only situation?

Also, can I pull tumblers from another chassis? there are no 123s around at the moment or similar year 126s, but i might be able to find a later 124

any advice appreciated, want to be able to lock this car

[Diesel911]

I don't know of a source of the Door Tumblers but. You might find some instructions on removing the Door Tumblers and try having them cleaned in an Ultrasonic Cleaning Tank.

Most Fuel Injection Shops have them and Harbor Freight Sells a small one for 30-35 Dollars for cleaning jewelry.
Or maybe there is a Member in your area that has one.

Also when you remove the Door Panels you might find that the Lock Tumblers are not turning because of something the turn inside.

Concerning the Key that will not open the Trunk. I have the same issue. It is because I do not have the Master Key but only the Valet Key.

[JB3]

Originally Posted by Diesel911

I don't know of a source of the Door Tumblers but. You might find some instructions on removing the Door Tumblers and try having them cleaned in an Ultrasonic Cleaning Tank.

Most Fuel Injection Shops have them and Harbor Freight Sells a small one for 30-35 Dollars for cleaning jewelry.
Or maybe there is a Member in your area that has one.

Also when you remove the Door Panels you might find that the Lock Tumblers are not turning because of something the turn inside.

Concerning the Key that will not open the Trunk. I have the same issue. It is because I do not have the Master Key but only the Valet Key.

not a member nearby that has one, but there is HF pretty close. Cleaning the tumblers sounds like a good idea. Can they be removed without the key turning them?

I thought the same thing about the valet key, (I only have key copies, no originals), but the key opens the glove box, and passenger door. Just not the driver door and trunk.

[Mölyapina]

On the trunk thing, the trunk on my 300SD is tricky to open -- the key actually has to be out a notch or so for the key to turn. Could it be that something like this is going on?

[JB3]

Originally Posted by Jooseppi Luna

On the trunk thing, the trunk on my 300SD is tricky to open -- the key actually has to be out a notch or so for the key to turn. Could it be that something like this is going on?

nope, no turn or even hint it might. It acts as if its the wrong key.

This is why i just want to start new with 3 new locks and their own dedicated key, and remove all the electric door actuator stuff since the wiring has corroded a bit.

[vstech]

yup.
the 123 door and trunk tumblers are a snap to open up, clean and reassemble. go get some spares from a junkyard door, and take out all the leaves. open up ONE of your tumblers at a time, and repair as needed.

[Mölyapina]

Originally Posted by JB3

nope, no turn or even hint it might. It acts as if its the wrong key.

This is why i just want to start new with 3 new locks and their own dedicated key, and remove all the electric door actuator stuff since the wiring has corroded a bit.

Right. I was wondering if I had the wrong key until I tried it at various stages of insertion and found one that worked. For me it's push it in all the way, then pull out one or two "clicks" and it works just fine.

[whunter]

Originally Posted by JB3

I have a problem with the drivers door and hatch in my 85 300TD. The actual lock has not been used for quite some time (aftermarket key fob), and the key wont turn in it. The same key will kinda work in the passenger door, but not the trunk.

This key used to work in them all, as well as the ignition the PO tells me.

Ive been lubing, cleaning, and trying to get it going for a while, and im at the point where I just want to replace all 3 door tumblers with a new door only key.

Where is a good source for these tumblers, is this a dealer only part? Or is this a locksmith only situation?

Also, can I pull tumblers from another chassis? there are no 123s around at the moment or similar year 126s, but i might be able to find a later 124

any advice appreciated, want to be able to lock this car

Mercedes Benz THEFT-RELEVANT PARTS ORDERING POLICY
MB THEFT-RELEVANT PARTS ORDERING POLICY

Door LOCK issues, link thread.
Door LOCK issues, link thread.

.

[TnBob]

DL and registration ARE required to get a matching set of keys. Dealerships price them differently so check around.

[andrewjtx]

I have a full set of w123 wagon locks that I can sell you. Including a nearly-new ignition tumbler that was installed in the car shortly before it was totaled.

PM me. They are all boxed and ready to go. I can have them in the mail tomorrow...

[vstech]

Originally Posted by whunter

Mercedes Benz THEFT-RELEVANT PARTS ORDERING POLICY
MB THEFT-RELEVANT PARTS ORDERING POLICY



.

section 4.1.1... AUTHORIZED representative...

mechanics and dealers can order keys for owners with proper authorization...

I have done it for customers.

[JB3]

Originally Posted by whunter

Mercedes Benz THEFT-RELEVANT PARTS ORDERING POLICY
MB THEFT-RELEVANT PARTS ORDERING POLICY

Door LOCK issues, link thread.
Door LOCK issues, link thread.

.

thanks for these links!

[funola]

The wafers are gunked up. I have freed them by working key in tumbler while submerged in in a bowl of hot water with lot's of dishwashing liquid. Keep doing it till no more sediments come out. Do not lube, leave it dry.

[JB3]

Originally Posted by funola

The wafers are gunked up. I have freed them by working key in tumbler while submerged in in a bowl of hot water with lot's of dishwashing liquid. Keep doing it till no more sediments come out. Do not lube, leave it dry.

working on learning how to remove them now. I have absolutely no idea.

thanks for the tip, sounds like a good thing to try once I get them out

[daw_two]

Originally Posted by JB3

working on learning how to remove them now. I have absolutely no idea.

thanks for the tip, sounds like a good thing to try once I get them out

PM sent.