now is it sure that is it the tumbler on my 85 300d that is not leting the key to go on to the firing position? i need some pictures or steps on how to replace it and will i need a new key?

Here's the link for the cylinder lock replacement:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforu....php?p=1065596

You might just need a new cylinder, you might need to replace the entire interlock. I would try just the cylinder first, as the new interlock is almost $200.

Good luck!

__________________
Rich

83 300D
98 E320 Wagon

link doesnt work?

I was just about to post a similar question but in the interest of keeping the forum tidy I will post here. My ignition cylinder is also stuck and won't turn. I have tried several sprays and endless jerking the wheel around etc. I ordered a new cylinder from MB and was going to have a locksmith drill the old one out and put the new one in but before I do I wanted to ask you guys if you think that will do the trick. Also, I chose to go the locksmith route because it's like 1/3 of the cost of having my shop do it but then again if it doesn't actually fix the problem the savings might not be savings at all....
Any thoughts you guys have are greatly appreciated!

Oops, sorry that link didn't work-try this one (it's better anyway):

http://dieselgiant.com/repairignitionlock.htm


I did this job myself-first just trying a new cylinder, but had to replace the entire interlock assembly. Like the thread says-it's not all that hard, but you do have to remove the instrument cluster and the entire procedure is quite involved.

As far as having a locksmith do this-I would show him this thread and really see if the guy has auto smarts. It may be more involved than merely drilling out the lock cylinder and replacing. If the car is your "baby" and in excellent condition you may want to reconsider.

__________________
Rich

83 300D
98 E320 Wagon

Keep trying on the key it can take up to 1/2hr!

__________________
http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

Spray some lube in it. Apply vibration to the key while in the cylinder to possibly loosen the pins. My 240 D locked up and finally after over 1/2 hour of trying I was able to turn the key. Then replace the cylinder and most likely the steering lock assembly before it happens again.

Follow the directions at Diesel Giant.

John

__________________
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
2002 F250 powerstroke with Plantdrive WVO conversion
1983 300SD 190K miles ,sold
2006 E320 CDI

In most cases all you need is a new cylinder/plug. The sticking problem is fixed. More on the locksmith -vs- dealer story. When you get a replacement, there are two you can get. The better is order it by your VIN (bring in your license and registration for proof of ownership.) Mine was $90.00. Delivered in three days, no extra charge with a new key AND it fits the doors and trunk.

Lesson learned?? I got the general purpose cylinder and took it to a locksmith who promised he could key it to my keys within a week. Six weeks later I called (for the third time) and NOT ONE of the jack leg MORONS at

MARSHALL LOCKSMITH of RALEIGH NC

knew what to do with it. They tried to charge me full price $60.00 plus cost of cylinder (total $100.00) for a cylinder that you could turn with a toothpick as "totally normal." These locks use wafers instead of a pins, the idea is the same but half of the wafers were not in.

Long story short - get it at the dealer as I should have in the first place.

__________________
1987 300D (230,000 mi on a #14 head-watching the temp gauge and keeping the ghost in the machine)
Raleigh NC - Home of deep fried sushi!

I have sprayed a bunch of silicone lubricant in it as well as some stuff that's supposed to make rusty locks open and nothing. I will give it a couple more tries. I ordered the new tumbler from MB and have it waiting to go in via the locksmith. I guess I should let him drill it out and put the new one in and then if that doesn't work I can replace the whole thing? Or will I have to drill out the new tumbler I just spent $100 on?

i got it unstuck with wd40, i sprayed alot of it in the morning and i let it sit and then in the evening i kept trying and then got pliers and put it on the key and jerked it and i got it fixed, but then i found out the battery died somehow...

"Got it fixed" as in replaced the tumbler? If so good move. But, don't think that because it freed up that it is fixed. I'm guessing you replaced the tumbler, but just wanted to make sure that you know it will come back if not replaced.
I just went through this, and replaced my tumbler only to have it lock again when the steering wheel locked. Turned out to be the whole ignition cylinder......

__________________
Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

Ugh that sucks... so did you have then drill out your brand new tumbler?

Nope, I just had to mess with it another 1/2 hour or so to get it to turn again, then I got the tumbler back out, then the ignition cylinder assy. Had an older style handy from my old 77 300D, so put that in for now.....

__________________
Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

nope nothing new

If your key won't turn to unlock the steering column, you most likely will have to replace the ignition lock housing (the thing that the tumbler is in, that goes into the column). It's about a $150 part, or you can take chances with a pulled one.

I thought I lucked out when I got the tumbler out of my '83 SD and could put the new one in. But then I thought, there's some gunk in here, perhaps the tumbler is not the problem... Took the housing out, tried it with the new tumbler and sure enough, it jammed up. With the housing out it was simpler to hit it with a hammer until it freed up enough to get the new tumbler out.


Now, if you can live with a column that doesn't lock, just grind out the pin as per DieselGiant's writeup, and put in a new tumbler, assuming you got the old one out without destroying the housing. I had no key that would fit my '84, and the tumbler still isn't out of the housing, though half the front has been ground off.

__________________
1983 300SD 467,000 km - 473 champagnermetallic

location: 34°5' N 106°53' W (Socorro NM, USA)