My ignition is different - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

slarson80 · #1 05-29-2007, 09:38 PM

Hello everyone, My latest project is to replace my ignition switch (tumbler) it feels a little hinky and I've read some horror stories here. I went to my local indy and bought the tumbler, it looks the same as the one in the DG pictorial etc..But the one in my car is different. The black cover just pops off. It is not threaded. And behind it there is a snap ring. Has anyone here changed out this type of tumbler? I am adding some pics, they are kinda of blurry but I think you'll be able to see what I'm talking about. Anyway what I want to know is how does this one come out? Is it more diffcult? etc.

Thanx , Sonny

vstech · #2 05-29-2007, 10:59 PM

does it have the paperclip hole? if so, turn the key to the second detent, and put in the paperclip. tumbler should pop right out.
John

slarson80 · #3 05-29-2007, 11:17 PM

No it doesn't, near as can I tell . It has a snap ring around the center which is raised and chrome.

Here is a better pic.

Here is a pic of the new tumbler, there is no raised chrome center and no snap ring.

The third pic is from DG pictorial, again no raised chrome center, no snap ring.

bgkast · #4 05-30-2007, 12:03 AM

You have the older style tumbler. You will need to replace it with another old style tumbler (which are still avaliable from the dealer) or replace the entire steering lock assembly. Here is a thread where I was asking about removing the old style tumbler: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=180934&highlight=Tumbler

slarson80 · #5 05-30-2007, 12:08 AM

Thanx Bgkast. was it very hard for you to do? Ok near as I can figure he says put the key in number one position, then reach behind the lock assembly and press in on a knob that is sticking out back there. then it pops out?

bgkast · #6 05-30-2007, 12:21 AM

I never got around to doing it. When my ignition was giving me problems I ordered a new tumbler and a new key to replace the brass one that came with the car, but the old ignition worked fine with the new key. I still do not regret ordering the tumbler though because the dealer told me they do not have many of this old style left. I believe mine had to be ordered from Germany.

slarson80 · #7 05-30-2007, 09:55 PM

Just wondering if any one else has changed out one of these earlier ignition switches. Looking for pointers, thanx

JimmyL · #8 05-30-2007, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slarson80

Just wondering if any one else has changed out one of these earlier ignition switches. Looking for pointers, thanx

Let me look through my pics and see if I took any. My '77 had the old style tumbler, and removed it, all the handles and the trunk lock. Have them in a baggie somewhere.
I had the dash off when I was removing mine, but seems like you turn it to either position 1 or 2, and push a bottom or hump or something in order to unlock it.
I'll check pics on this computer and my laptop and see if I took pics at the time.
Jimmy

slarson80 · #9 05-31-2007, 11:59 PM

Ahh, search function is a wonderful thing. It took a while but I found this posted back in '02 by some fella in Canada. I believe he called himself
123 300D Driver. Anyway, thanx to all that replied.

"I ordered a new original-keyed tumbler...took about 2 weeks. I found out that I have an old style tumbler that doesn't have the release pinhole from the front, like just about everyone else on this message board. Mine has the release pinhole on the ignition lock body. It is located at right angles to the key axis, about 1.5 cm underneath the dash at about the 1 o'clock position. The detent on the tumbler can be depressed when the key is on position 1, which allows you to withdraw the tumbler and key."

I should add that my original tumbler was good. Replacing it did not solve my "hinkyness" . Which was somtimes the key would not go from positition 2 to start. I would have to turn back to 0 and turn the key again, wait for the buzzer, then turn again. It always worked the second time. Guess it's time to replace the locking mech.

Hope this thread can be helpful to someone!

thanx again

nota · #10 06-01-2007, 09:02 AM

tip on key "hinkyness"

try the key the ''other way'' as they are revericeable
but some tend to ware more on one side
and a bath in WD-49 type spray can help
but besure to use a little lite oil after the WD bath

worse comes to worse a locksmith can semi gut the lock removing
the bad pins and tumblers making for less "hinkyness"

vstech · #11 06-01-2007, 09:51 AM

I would only use liquid oil in a key lock as a last resort. it will rapidly attract dust and wear out a tumbler in very short order. dry lube designed for locks is the only way to go.
wd-40 is ok as long as you don't follow it up with the lube. as wd-40 will evaporate.
John

123 300D driver · #12 06-04-2007, 05:58 PM

Sonny, I'm glad someone else found my ignition tumbler write up useful.

My replacement tumbler is continuing to work fine, but I did notice afterwards that occasionally the key won't turn to the starting position. Someone on this forum said that this was due to wear in the steering lock pin mechanism and that leaving the steering wheel at a 45 degree angle when shutting the engine down was a temporary cure. I have done that for a couple of years now and this pretty much eliminated the occasional steering lock jamming problem that I had. I think the steering wheel lock mechanism doesn't engage when the steering wheel is left at a 45 degree angle when removing the key.

slarson80 · #13 06-06-2007, 02:34 AM

I ended up replacing the steering lock mech. After I put the new tumbler in by itself, it seemed to make matters worse. It took a little doing, but the peace of mind was well worth it. I got a used lock mech for about hundred bux at a MB only salvage yard. No, I did not "pick it "myself. Still cheaper than a new unit, and it works great!

Thanx for the write up 123 300D driver!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode