replacing iqnition switch asm

[James Acconcio]

The iqnition switch in my 83 300sd is bad, the key only turns 1/4 of the way, what is the best way to remove the switch asm,
Thanks Jim

[Benzmac]

There are special tools for this. You have to get it to the #2 position and then put in the tool to release the pins.

[Billybob]

Sounds like it may just be the ignition lock tumbler that is at fault. rather than the lock or the ignition switch itself, but you will know for sure once you remove the tumbler. Because this situation can be a much larger problem if the tumbler completely fails and no longer turns at all, you should take the oppurtunity to remove the tumbler while you can still get the key to turn.

Use the search capability above and right and you should find more than a couple threads with instructions. If you'd like get me your e-mail address and I can send you the procedure as a PDF file from my CD you'd just need Acrobat Reader to veiw it! Good Luck!

[earossi]

Removing the ignition lock is relatively easy. The "special" tool referred to by other posters can be made from coat hanger wire. You want to bend the coat hanger into a "U" shape with the spread between the two ends roughly equaling the diameter of your ignition switch. You don't have to be exact. But, make the leg lengths equal and about five inchs long. Then take a file or sharpening stone and put a 45 degree champher on the inside of each leg end. When you insert the tool, the beveled end will depress two tangs that hold the lock in position. As mentioned earlier, the switch HAS to be in the #2 position for the holes to line up for insertion of the tool mentioned above. Incidentally, you will have to remove the decorative trim ring from around the ignition lock in order to gain access. This ring usually either screws on or is a pop fit requiring use of a small screwdriver to pop it off.

I would like to reiterate the advice posted earlier. Fix you lock ASAP while the key will still allow you to turn the tumbler to the #2 position. When and if the lock fails to turn, you are screwed and are looking at a very costly repair that is best performed by a technician.

Sorry for the long post.

[Snibble]

replace that part ASAP. Myt friend has a pontiac sunbird and the key was stuck and couldn't turn the car off!!! It was a scary moment... don't want that to happen to you.

Having been a locksmith for some years I have to ask - how badly
worn is your key ? 90% of all lock failures are due to worn keys no longer moving the tumblers or pins to the proper level allowing the lock to turn .Have your keys looked at first- might save some cash and time

[Billybob]

Get your VIN and Title, take it to your nearest MB Dealer and order a new ignition lock tumbler and key. You will get a brand new key that will fit all your existing locks! That way you won't have to carry two different keys and you'll have the exact perfect cut new key. If you can find a locksmith that can do it, you can have them cut a duplicate from the new key that will be very accurate, it would be fruitless to duplicate a worn key!

Scott, What exactly would the locksmith do in that case, try to cut a new key based on what he was able to determine the original cut heights to have been? Are the cut heights some standard increment? Would you measure the worn key and them cut the new key to a coresponding standard cut and then see if it worked, maybe needing some fine adjustment to make it work?