I read a lot of info here after my ignition key wouldn't turn anymore. I very luckily got it to turn one more time (intense thoughts of what my next car is going to be might have made the Mercedes relent).

Now, I got the cylinder out, and the key turns easily in the cylinder. I used needle nose pliers and turned the switch inside the hole all the way off. Now it won't turn back on. There is a little toggle gizmo in there too that moves a little that I think is connected to the steering lock.

So is the real problem down in the hole, and not the lock cylinder itself? Are there any writeups related to this?

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

You're in for a steering lock replacement, a search should turn up info. To turn the car on without the tumbler you have to press that little spring loaded detent on the steering wheel side down in the hole. Use a larger flat blade screwdriver to press it and turn it at the same time.

I pulled the instrument cluster, dropped the steering column, and loosened the clamp holding the switch housing to the column. The housing now moves and wiggles, but won't come out.

I read something about a release button near the column, but can't find one.

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

Found it. It's on the lower front - there's even a recess in the steering column surround to get at it from underneath.

I put the housing and cylinder back together at the workbench and was able to repeat the problem. Only now I was able to push the locking pawl in when it got hung up.

So instead of taking it all apart or buying a new housing, I gently smashed the end of the tube with a hammer and punch, so the pawl stays inside the tube.

We're back on the road again, minus a steering wheel lock.

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

steering wheel lock for anti-theft.

glad to hear another cheap fix available.

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1990 300CE. Garage kept all its life. Looks & Runs Like New. Everything works. White w/Palomino int. Pioneer 12 CD player in the boot. 17" Enkei LX-F Chrome wheels w/Falken Azenis ST-115 225-45 tires. Tinted windows. Black sports grill w/Euro clear front lamps.