Ignition Cylinder
 

Recently I experienced difficulty of inserting the key to the ignition cylinder. Since the key is a duplicate, I thought the original key will have no problem. But even with the original key, it is still difficult to get the key in, is this mean the ignition cylinder is getting bad or is there anything I can do to improve/fis the problem? It is 89 300E with 120,000 miles. Thanks

Spray silicone lube in the key hole, work the key around a bit, and see if that helps. If the those sticky pins get stuck in the 'depressed' position, the cylinder will no longer turn, and you will be in real trouble.

Best of luck.

the original key and the replacement. my experience was that the 'original' key was somehow worn. and i had difficulty with the switch. ordered a key from the dealer - by vin number - and have had no problem since. although in truth i do not remove the key for any reason. my thought .....

Change it before it dies. Its not too expensive now but if it dies add a zero to the cost.

Stopped by the shop on my way home yesterday, it took him 5 sec to get the tumbler out and another 5 sec to put in a temporary "shop tumbler" while waiting the matching one to come. He also mentioned considering changing the steering lock and igniton switch because they might go bad dut to the age, and it will cost additional $200, and the new tumbler I put in will be wasted if this does happen, is this correct?