DIY W124 Ignition Tumbler Removal

[HGV]

Ability: If you can scramble eggs you can do this
Time: 30 minutes

I wanted to share my experiance with ignition tumbler removal. I did a bunch of web search and I dove in. Made a pin tool. Didn't work. Looked around and found the perfect tool; Gorilla Picture hanging hooks. Just need to bend the big radius to clear the dash.

Step 1: Insert key and rotate till hole at about 2 o-clock is aligned. Look at the photos for what is the correct position.

Step 2: Insert pin. The point of the pin needs to slide down the outside of the barrel. It needs to capture the spring. Should slip in with a bit of friction. It will bottom out. Pull on the key. If the tumbler does not come out, pull out the pin and put a slight upward curve so it can engage the spring. Try again until the tumbler pulls out.

Step 3: Install new tumbler by inserting the pin to depress the spring. Key needs to be inserted. Remove the pin and you are done

Photo 1: Picture of perfect tool
Photo 2. Tip of perfect tool
Photo 3: Misaligned hole
Photo 4: Aligned Hole
Photo 5: Pin depressing spring