Anyone knows how to remove and replace a 116 450 sel ignition switch? Was working fine until suddenly you can not turn key to open to No. 1 position (ignition on) and No2. position (start). It turns a little but it won't budge further. Any help would be appreciated. By the way is not the steering lock since it locks and unlocks steering wheel fine when key trans right a little.
Carlo

Removal, the easy way:

1. Remove the instrument cluster.
2. Remove the wiring at the back of the lock.
3. Turn the key to position 1. Then pull out the key.
4. Undo the bolt clamping the lock down.
The lock assembly is Tee shaped (-|). The top half of the tee gets the key and the wiring. The bottom half has the steering wheel lock sticking out of it. Look for the little button that holds the lock into the steering column. It is half way up the base of the tee, and a little bit forward (in the driving direction) to make it hard to see. That button doesn't move if the column lock is engaged.
5. Push that button in with a small screw driver.
6. Wiggle the lock and pull it out of the column.

Removal, the hard way:

Follow the above instructions, except for step 3.
There, you will have to drill out the lock tumbler.

If you are lucky, you are turning the key far enough to depress that button. Once that button is free of the hole it's in, you can return the key to position 0 and remove the key that way.

-CTH

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http://www.111lakeside.com/

Thanks for the help. Will try it. So far the key goes in out without difficulty, also locks/unlocks the steering but it won't go to position 1. It truns right just enough to unlock steering but then it stops and won't go further.

Jim:
Success in turning the key to No. 2 position after about 3 hours of trying. Cluster is off, retaining bolt off; wiring disconnected but can't find the button to push. All I see is a tiny hole halfway hidden to the right base close to the dashboard where a paper clip fits but pushing it does not bulge anything. Is the button to push underneath the switch T by any chance or where else could it be since I don't seem able to find any button? Thanks
Carlo

If the lock were removed from the steering column, the button would be about 1/4 to 1/3 up from the bottom. It will need a good solid push with a screwdriver to push it in. It is spring loaded VERY well.

-CTH

__________________
- cth350@gmail.com
http://www.111lakeside.com/

UPDATE: ignition switch tumbler changed succesfully; release tab was hard to locate. Now the problem is that key do not spring back automatically from No. 2 with new tumbler; steering lock does not work; and warning buzzer is on even with key removed when door is open. My diagnosisw is that the steering lock T where the ignition tumbler goes is bad. Next job willo be to replace it.
Tips for others with the same problem. Removing Steering Wheel makes job easier: use deep socket 20mm (7/8's) or 22mm in some 116's to remove steering wheel retaining nut; pry plastic cap center emblem off with a small screwdriver to see retaining nut; after nut removal place hands in 9 and 3 position and lightly tap both ends of the steering wheel pulling up and it pops out. Tip in replacing wiring harness to instrument cluster: be carfeful to make sure that 8 pin conector at left of the instrumnent cluster is replaced with the correct alignment of the connectors: there is a plastic locating tab but if missing (mine was) you can reconect the pin connector incorrectly; you'll know if warning lights do not come on and temp, fuel gas gauges do not work; there is a hole for a dummy pin to help you align it correctly; do not run car with the pin connector incorrectly placed or you'll burn the instrument panel; if you see smkoe it may be too late? otherwise you could just blow the fuse.