Key stuck in ignition tumbler

[Robin Teo]

Hi Friends

For the past couple of months, I have the problem of getting my key out from the tumbler. It is not the key problem as I have the same experience with all my keys(new or old). I can get my keys out if I tap the key numerous times when it is stuck in the tumbler. It is always the finishing turn on the switching off of the engine that I could not turn the key completely to '0' to get the key out.

Just got the tumbler replaced with a set of brand new keys. Problem still exists!!. No problem with starting the car. Only alot of problems with getting the key out of the tumbler. Is it something else that is giving way soon? I hate to be stranded somewhere far away with the car that would not start when I need my car to bring me back home. Any help pleaseee.

Cheers
Robin Teo

[Robin Teo]

How sad. Anybody out there could help?

I am still having problem with my key being stuck in the tumbler. A check with the mechanic mentioned that it may be due to my steering lock that may be misaligned with the tumbler. But I don't have any problem unlocking the steering when the steering is locked. Anyway, he said it should have something to do with the alignment with the steering. And it will be a big job to troubleshoot that.

I also tried moving the steering left and right while trying to pull the key out of tumbler when the key is stuck. Unfortunately, I was never able to get he key out that way. I will only get the key out when I shake the key or tap the key that is stuck in the tumbler numerous times. I am really afraid that shaking and tapping the key too often will cause more harm to the key tumbler till one day when the key tumbler failed and jammed. I have read the threads on this and I really do not wish to be caught in that situation.

I am sure somebody can help me. Many thanks.

Cheers

[Uncle Acky]

Hi Robin, Please indicate the year and model of the car.

I don't have the answer for you but if you paid to have the ignition tumbler replaced the garage should have ensured that it worked properly, which includes being able to remove the key in the normal fashion.

Was it replaced to correct this problem in the first place?

Acky

[y2kimmel]

I believe that the key will not remove until the car is in park. Maybe the mechanism for doing this is causing the problem? It might be as simple as a sticky or improperly retracting solenoid.

Regards,
Troy 1995 E420

[MrCjames]

Hi Robin

There were two systems used on the vehicles, one uses park recognition and the other uses the brake pedal in combination with park recognition. Need some more information about your car, year and model would be great.

Park Recognition: A cable connected to the switch/lock which in turn activates a cam inside the lock allowing the tumbler to be turned to "O." The cable is connected to the gear selector so when it is in park it pushes the cam in the lock assembly and allows the key to be removed.

Combination System: Incorporates the brake pedal to the above system with a twist, you must remove your foot from the brake pedal in order to remove the key. This allows the vehicle to settle against the parking pawl in the transmission (car rolls forward slightly before settling) prior to the driver exiting the vehicle to avoid injury.

Have you had any repairs to any one of the following?

1.Ignition Lock (Replaced)
2.Transmission (Removed and Reinstalled)
3.Selector rod bushings (Replaced)

Cables may be loose, they'll need to be examined to detemine the cause to your current issue.

[Robin Teo]

Sorry Gentlemen. After having said so much and I did not provide model of my car!

Mine is a W124 model, automatic transmission, manufactured early 1993, 16 valve engine. I appreciate all replies for the help needed. Thanks.

Hey Uncle Acky. You are right that the tumbler was replaced to correct the problem. The mechanic should have ensured that the problem is corrected. But I don't really trust them to take the next step as the mechanic recommended that the steering and many other things will have to be taken apart and might be replaced. He said it is a long and expensive job. He don't seemed to know what he is doing. I trust our guys in this forum anytime!

[psfred]

The lock actuator is probably bad -- this is the part that the cylinder fits in.

You will have to remove the lock system from the car to replace it, and it is a pain in the sitting part. Costs about $65 I think. Needs to be done before it gets completely stuck and you have to grind the steel pin off....

Go to a Benz mechanic.

Peter

[Uncle Acky]

Robin,

I checked my 1992 300E, I have the drivers side under-dash panel removed and I can clearly see the cable that MrCjames mentioned in his post above, that cable goes from the gear selector to the right/bottom side of the ignition lock housing and it will not allow the key to be removed unless the gear selector is fully in Park.

When I tried to remove my ignition key while not in park, the engine did shut down but the key did not turn all the way to 0 position and I could not remove the key, only when I engage fully into Park did the key turn that little bit more and came out.

I think it's worth looking into this feature as a possible cause of your problem.

Acky

[Robin Teo]

Yes! I have been trying with the auto gear whenever I have the problem of stuck key. It works all the time. Thanks MrCjames and Uncle Acky. Whenever the key is stuck, I will give a slight push on the auto gear lever towards Park and I will be able to turn the key just the little bit more to '0' and the key will come out. So the key now is control with the feature of 'Park Recognition'.

I guess I will have to the get the connection between the gear selector and the tumbler checked just as mentioned by MrCJames. and Y2Kimmel.

Thanks to all of you guys. I am glad that I did not believe the service consultant who service me. Like I said, I trust you guys in the forum anytime! You are the best!

So now. How can I proceed to rectify the problem? How do I start? Do I start with the gear selector or under the dash? Any cable to tightened or contacts to clean?

Cheers
Robin Teo