Can't go- is it the ignition switch or what

[hsmith]

Morning,

Boy, troubles come all at once. I need to get out and work, but I got to figure this out first. When I got in the car this morning I turned the ignition, and when she got past II there was no resistance all the way to where I could not turn it any more. I turned the key back, took it out and repeated the same thing over a few times. Even after I took the key out the lights (and radio) that come on when you start up stayed on. I thought I better take the hot wire off the battery since they stayed on. When I was taking the hot wire off I thought I could hear a faint buzz noise somewhere close to the firewall. Does this mean that my ignition switch is shot? I just had a new one put in at the Dealership in Bowling Green about three years ago. If anyone can help me on this one please let me know. Thanks very much.

Hugh Sr
190d (W201) 99,350

[vstech]

it sounds like the tumbler mechanism is not engaging the electrical switch portion.

[Diesel911]

The good news is it sounds like you can still get the Tumbler out.
Once the Tumbler is out you can find something to rotate what the back of the Tumbler would rotate and you can either get your Car going like that or If the problem persists you will know it is not a problem with the Lock Tumbler.

In the Pic the Arrow points to recess that the Lock Tumbler goes into. Find something to stick into there to rotate the Steering Wheel Lock/Ignition Switch.

Originally Posted by vstech

it sounds like the tumbler mechanism is not engaging the electrical switch portion.

Yes, I (and others) have had the keyway between the main switch and the electrical portion fail.