Looking for column lock & ignition switch - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rcounts · #1 02-28-2009, 10:43 PM

Well, it finally happened. My ignition switch siezed up. I tried every tip and trick I could find after searching the posts on the forum. Vibration, flushing with spray lubricant, blasting compressed air, cranking on the steering wheel. No dice.

Soooo, I followed the process outlined here
http://dieselgiant.com/mercedes_dies...20page%202.htm
...and ground down the pin that holds the lock assembly in the column.

BTW, if anyone else tries to follow this same process to repair theirs, I don't know a better way to get the igntion switch to clear the dash, but following the directions in that article didn't work worth a DAMN for me. Pulling out on the part of the dash under the lock resulted in MULTIPLE new cracks in the vinyl of my dash

Anyway, now that I've ground the pin off of it I need to replace the whole steering column & igntion switch assembly. Anybody got a good one for sale?

Oracle12345 · #2 02-28-2009, 10:52 PM

I have a good one available

jt20 · #3 02-28-2009, 10:55 PM

dammit.

KAdams4458 · #4 02-28-2009, 10:56 PM

Awe, shoot.

The parts car I am in the process of obtaining has an intact pin it it, but the lock tumbler was destroyed by someone trying to force it with a screwdriver, so it is done for unless the tumbler itself can be extracted somehow. If I knew how to get it out, you could have the intact housing, and only need a new tumbler and key.

Ugh.

rcounts · #5 02-28-2009, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oracle12345

I have a good one available

Complete with steel key? If so do you know how much you'd want for it?

I don't need the steering column itself. Just the column LOCK and ignition assembly...

rcounts · #6 02-28-2009, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jt20

dammit.

Yeah, that's one of the milder things I said....

daw_two · #7 03-01-2009, 09:10 AM

If I recall correctly, I have a complete ignition with doors, glove box lock, and trunk lock.

EDIT: I guess I did recall correctly. PM me if you are interested.

junqueyardjim · #8 03-01-2009, 10:44 AM

Why replace that ignition lock. Are you really worried about someone stealing a 20 something year old car. I replaced my switch about three years ago and left the ignition pin into the steering column off. That lock pin I feel adds a lot of wear to the assembly and the switch works so nice without it. I myself feel that our 80's Benz cars are really past being stolen, but I agree that you don't want to make it too easy, like leaving the car idling at the curb.

Oracle12345 · #9 03-01-2009, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcounts

Complete with steel key? If so do you know how much you'd want for it?

I don't need the steering column itself. Just the column LOCK and ignition assembly...

yeah $60 plus shipping a new one when all added up is $100

KAdams4458 · #10 03-01-2009, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by junqueyardjim

Why replace that ignition lock. Are you really worried about someone stealing a 20 something year old car. I replaced my switch about three years ago and left the ignition pin into the steering column off. That lock pin I feel adds a lot of wear to the assembly and the switch works so nice without it. I myself feel that our 80's Benz cars are really past being stolen, but I agree that you don't want to make it too easy, like leaving the car idling at the curb.

I don't know. The early 80's parts car I'm bringing home in a few weeks was subject to an attempted theft a few months ago. They obliterated the ignition tumbler in the process. Were it not for the steering lock, they may have been successful.

rcounts · #11 03-01-2009, 09:13 PM

Interesting. What are those out of, a W126? Mine doesn't have the interior-cut keys like those. Mine have regular cut keys. I'm not even sure that this setup would fit mey car.

Quote:

Originally Posted by daw_two

If I recall correctly, I have a complete ignition with doors, glove box lock, and trunk lock.

EDIT: I guess I did recall correctly. PM me if you are interested.

rcounts · #12 03-01-2009, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KAdams4458

I don't know. The early 80's parts car I'm bringing home in a few weeks was subject to an attempted theft a few months ago. They obliterated the ignition tumbler in the process. Were it not for the steering lock, they may have been successful.

Jim's suggestion wouldn't disable the steering lock. It would only mean that if the theif removed the panel uner the dash and loosened the 10mm bolt for the clamp that secures the ignition assembly into the column, then they could slide the ignition assembly out far enough to be able to unlock the steering wheel. But they'd have to disassemble all the stuff under the dash to get to it first. Not really all that likely...

After getting it all out and turning the lock assembly upside down and THEN applying vibration I finally got the tumbler to turn. After removing the security collar and pulling the tumbler out I actually started looking at the tumbler assembly to see if I could remove all the individual tumblers in order to be able to start and drive it temporarliy until I get a new one. Couldn't see how it comes apart, but I didn't spend much time on it either.

I may just replace the tumbler and key. That way if the problem ever happens again, I can disable the steering column lock more easily. I'm debating whether to go to the stealership and get one that matches my VIN or whether to buy one of the new ones on eBay for 30 bucks....

KAdams4458 · #13 03-01-2009, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcounts

Jim's suggestion wouldn't disable the steering lock. It would only mean that if the theif removed the panel uner the dash and loosened the 10mm bolt for the clamp that secures the ignition assembly into the column, then they could slide the ignition assembly out far enough to be able to unlock the steering wheel. But they'd have to disassemble all the stuff under the dash to get to it first. Not really all that likely...

After getting it all out and turning the lock assembly upside down and THEN applying vibration I finally got the tumbler to turn. After removing the security collar and pulling the tumbler out I actually started looking at the tumbler assembly to see if I could remove all the individual tumblers in order to be able to start and drive it temporarliy until I get a new one. Couldn't see how it comes apart, but I didn't spend much time on it either.

I may just replace the tumbler and key. That way if the problem ever happens again, I can disable the steering column lock more easily. I'm debating whether to go to the stealership and get one that matches my VIN or whether to buy one of the new ones on eBay for 30 bucks....

Ah, gotcha. Unless they know about it, they won't have any idea that all they need to bypass the lock is a little wrench to un-do the lock collar. This makes sense.

I think I'd do the dealer cut key. At least you have the option. My early W123 ignition tumbler is apparently not available on a by-the_VIN basis these days t the dealer. Maybe the Classic Center can help me.

79Mercy · #14 03-01-2009, 10:14 PM

rcounts, what kind of trouble did you have with the ignition in the past?

rcounts · #15 03-01-2009, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 79Mercy

rcounts, what kind of trouble did you have with the ignition in the past?

That's just the thing, NONE. No indication of pending failure at all. It has always worked with out a hitch and even worked fine on my way to work last Monday. Then when I came out of work it absolutely would NOT unlock. Nothing I did made any difference. It was locked and staying locked. Wiggling, jiggling, working the steering wheel, blasts of air, flooding it with lube, vibration, nothing worked.

I had to take it out, hold it with the column lock pin pointed towards the floor, apply vibration, and wiggle the key in the lock - all at the same time - before it would finally unlock...