Removal of ignition tumbler cover 1986 300E

[strongman]

Help!!! I have read previous posting on how to remove a ignition tumbler. However now I at a standstill trying to figure out how to remove the ignition tumbler cover. I've inserted a U shape tool to unlock the tumbler. Does the tumbler cover unscrew counterclockwise or just pull off. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
James
1986 300e

It unscrews counter clock wise. It should unscrew fairly easily if the tool is inserted correctly. Good luck...

James,

Be very careful when you get the old tumbler out to carefully inspect the opening in the steering lock assembly still in the car. When I did this at a DIY Tech Session at ASC in Alexandria, the techs didn't think it was a big deal and told me go ahead don't worry. There is a tang on the tumbler that inserts into the steering column lock assembly and on mine, it had broken off. If you don't notice this tang and put the new tumbler into the opening, the old tang is jammed in deeper by the new tang and you will be lucky to get your steeering column assembly out without drilling.

I was lucky enough to have Marvin, one of ASCs team leaders, generously offer to help. For the next two hours he torre my dash out and worked to get the steering column lock assembly out without drilling into the side of the column. He was able to, but I would have likely towed the car to a dealer if I had done this at home in my garage.

Not trying to scare you off, just giving you a tip from one who has seen this job go south quickly.

Mike Yox

[J.HIDALGO]

I did this a while back. If I remember correctly the key has to be in a certain position (is it in the "O"?) then, you can take it out...I don't have my notes with me but I can look it up if nobody else has an answer soon.

[Stan Pittman]

The tumbler does not screw off. Set the ignition to the #2 position insert the tool to release the lock and just pull it out.

[strongman]

I'll like to thank you all for the advice. After several hours of trying to unscrew the ignition tumbler cover by hand thru the 3 inch opening, I decided to remove the lower panel in order to gain better access to the cover and use vise grips to unscrew the cover. It worked. According to the vehicle's maintenance records the tumbler is less than two years old. Now I don't have to worry about being stranded

Thanks,

James
1986 300e