87 300E ignition switch
 

Installing a new ignition switch/steering lock assembly; inadvertently put on the black cylindrical switch cover before putting in the tumbler; can't seem to figure out how to remove switch cover. It clicked on so smoothly, have to assume there is a way to remove. Anybody out there with a service manual or knows how to remove the cover?

Thanks.

If only the cover is in, and the tumbler is out. Then you just nned to turn the cover by unsrewing it to the left.

I tried turning it; the base of the switch cover has a small notch at 9 o'clock that fits a ridge on the housing of the ignition/lock housing that prevents turning the cover. It appears the only way to remove the cover is to find out how to release whatever holds it on the assembly. My fear is that something on the tumbler releases the pins/locks/ears/whatever and that I'm SOL. I will spend some more time looking at it; otherwise I'll call the dealer in the morning. Appreciate the quick response.

There isn't anything other than the tumbler that is holding it on.

Is the ignition assembly still in the car? If so its probably just crud build up on the collar trapping it behind the rubber gasket on the ring.

Just take an adjustable wrench, vise grips, channel locks and turn it. You may want to cover it with masking tape or something if your worried about scratching it. But the tumbler is what keeps the collar from turning and being removed.

It's simple to remove. Simply take the wire tool you removed the tumbler with. Look inside the black cover and you will see where to push in the little wire tool (two places). Slip it in and it will release the clips holding the cover.

At least that's how it works on a '90 300E.

Ignition Lock
 

The double paper clip did the trick. Thanks to all for the timely advice.