Ignition lock trouble!
 

Yesterday I had trouble to turn the ignition key, turned the key around and all was fine. Was able to start the car a couple more times but this afternoon I could not turn it at all. tried it for at least a hour. I have to face the fact: I need to drill it out!

The sad part is I changed all my locks and ignition tumbler less then 5 months ago, all brand new from the dealer; $690.-! I should have changed the lock as well:mad:

Now my question: What kind of drill (amps?), drill bits do I need and what is the right place to drill? I have to buy a drill, I don't think my 18V cordless will do the job...

I have to do it myself, the indie will charge me at least 6 hours + parts!

The good thing about my car it leave's me always stranded at my own place...

Were you using a steel key or a brass key?

Can't the lock be removed and replaced via the instrument cluster without all the drilling?

I guess they they are steel keys, original Mercedes.

Before you drill
 

Hold up, I saw something on here a little bit ago, about using a lot of patience and dousing a frozen lock several times with WD40, working the key in and out and wiggling, dousing, working, dousing.... I think they mentioned it took a few hours of this, BUT it did eventually rinse out enough of the crud packed up in the the lock mechanism to allow it to turn one more time for them to get it out, sure beats drilling if you succeed.

It might have been contact cleaner they used, & I recall they rinsed each time until it came out clear/clean looking.

slow down...
 

Busting out with a drill should be your last resort! Do a search on here for ignition lock issues. There are a variety of techniques that people use to get the key to turn - all are better to at least try before you start drilling. Even just pulling the wheel to the right or left while you turn the key could work. My key has gotten stuck a few times, and I've always been able to get it to turn - and sometimes it did take a while. If this is the first time it's done it to you, I would absolutely keep trying to turn it before you put in the hours of drilling it will take to break it.

I had the same problem. Hours of wiggling and a few blisters later I got it to turn. Don't drill, even if you can't get it to turn...take a look at diesel giant's page for how to grind down the pin to remove the lock.

i just had to drill mine out. i used the heaviest duty drill bits i could find from the hardware store and still busted a few. i couldn't find/reach the part DG mentioned so i ended up going throught the whole mechanism. i will say that it was nothing short of a royal PIA.:eek:

I'm going for Diesel Giants method, what a pain in the a#* is this. But before I will hammer and wiggle it for another hour...:(

I PM'd you Jorn

Dumb question but is the steering wheel locked?

TX76513, I can't find anything about your method. Are you using a sander to vibrate the dirt out?

Yes it's locked. I think my car is punishing me because I'm thinking about buying this 500SEC.

Yep...don't forget to try vibration. (Electric sander, massager, etc ;) )

This is the most frustrating thing that ever happened to me with this car, I lost all hope and faith! Tried to follow Diesel Giants way but I can't find the little pin. Vibrated the hell out of it, wiggled, pushed and hammered for hours I'm ready to send it to the bone-yard!

Sunday I buy my self a drill and drill the ***** out of it, at least that will give me the feeling I accomplice something, even if it's by the milimeter.

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