Got a problem that developed overnight. Last night I was tinkering under the dash my '82 500 SEC. This car has a Clifford security system that doesen't seem to work right. I don't know anything about this system, but me thinks it's some type of fuel or ignition lock out device. Got under the dash and found a couple loose wires that looked like they came loose from the crimp fittings. Pretty much a horrible installation job 20 years ago, but thats another story. Anyway I unplugged the main Clifford box and chased down some of the other wires that disappeared under the dash toward the ignition switch, but I didn't cut or remove them. Made sure the car would start and run, then buttoned it all back up, and double checked that it would start run again, which it did.

Came out this morning and the key would not turn. I'm thinking I knocked a wire loose from the ignition switch. I say this because as I was standing on my head under the dash, I could see black tape on the back of switch. It almost acts like there is a solenoid thats not engaging.

Any tips on accessing the switch? From the under side or through the console?

Cliff

If your sec is the same as my 90sdl, the easiest way to have a good look at the switch would be to pull the instrument cluster. You can make the tool, buy the tool, rent the tool, push the cluster out from behind (have to remove panel under steering column...or
Stick a small screw driver from the front sides and pry the cluster out. You want to put something on the soft porttion of the instrument cluster surround not to mark it. YMMV work w/ CAUTION...I did mine this way 2 days ago.

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82 300D....went to MB heaven
90 350 SDL....excercising con rods

Well thankfully my problem was nothing. It was late last night when I buttoned things up and the last thing I did, for some reason, was I turned the steering wheel just enough to lock it. All it took was to put some pressure on the wheel as I turned the key. Thanks to the internet my memory was jogged by an old post I found on another forum as I searched for answers this morning. Glad I came to my senses before tearing into something that didn't need tearing into!