This forum comes through again. Yesterday my key would not turn on the ignition in my 300D. Jiggled and wiggled to no avail. Looked on the forum at the wealth of info and, at first was dismayed at the work that I might have to do to remedy this. Then I read further (tons of info) and read that I might insert the key and vibrate it with the handle of a jig saw. I took this hint and went a step further. I grasped the key with a pair of vice grips and gently vibrated it with an old chiropractor's massager (not the kinky kind). In seconds my switch released and I was on my way. Will visit the not so local MB dealer very soon for a new switch that uses the same key as the doors. Thanks folks for such a great idea.

Two questions though. #1 when I turn the engine off I turn the key to the 1:00 position as instructed and I turn the wheels all the way right or left. I cannot, however, restart the engine without turning the key all the way off. Have had the car for two years and have noticed this before. Is this normal? Question #2---- just how much of the ignition switch needs to be replaced? I looked on Diesel Giant's site and saw several options. Again I think I will go through a dealer so my keys will match. However I have an inherent distrust for advise from most dealers who are trying to sell me something. Again, this site rocks!!

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John Schroader
bio burnin' 83 300D, '83 300 SD, '79 240D
"I've never met a man who was good at making excuses who was good at anything else" Ben Franklin
"You cannot permanently help a man by doing for him what he could and should do for himself" Abraham Lincoln

I believe the standard advice is that if you get the key to turn by vibrating it, you should immediately remove the cylinder because it could be the last time it turns.
Your switch is normal I think, that's why people say you should remove the tumbler immediately. I think you should be able to start and drive the car by using a screwdriver once the tumbler is removed. I think you only need to replace the tumbler and not the whole ignition switch.

These comments come from what I have read on this board, I haven't done it myself.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Kerry's correct...(And removing the Old Bad Tumbler prevents any kind of
"Accidental" use.)

This is what you want from the dealer:

You'll have to show proof of ownership (Registration maybe)[call first and ask]

The new keys will fit all the other locks,because they will be "Keyed to" the
vehicles VIN number.

This is Diesel Giant's excellent tutorial on Ign.Locks + Tumblers:
http://www.dieselgiant.com/repairignitionlock.htm
(you only need the last three or four sets of pictures,but understanding the
locking system cannot hurt)

Attached Thumbnails

 

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'84 300SD sold
124.128

I am waiting patiently for feedback. Does the kinky type of vibrator work better or worse for this application? If your ignition locks up again before you get the tumbler replaced could you contribute to the wealth of knowledge on site? Members need to know.

A little KY Jelly would help with the vibrator

I just replaced mine, called the dealer, and he had me FAX the registration and a copy of my drivers lic. had the tumbler and 1 key in like 4 days.

I notice today that I had to wiggle it some to get it to turn, HMMMM.
maybe I need to replace the next part in line.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Yes, this is normal. It is a safety device designed to keep you from energizing the starter motor when the engine is already running.

Jeremy

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

A little KY Jelly would help with the vibrator Might need this for my trip to the dealer.I'm hoping not. Gonna call the dealer (another town / another state --MB dealers are scarce in rural KY). Too, I plan to take the old tumbler out tonight. Didn't know I could do that and still start. Again, thanks for the insight.

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John Schroader
bio burnin' 83 300D, '83 300 SD, '79 240D
"I've never met a man who was good at making excuses who was good at anything else" Ben Franklin
"You cannot permanently help a man by doing for him what he could and should do for himself" Abraham Lincoln

John, I'll make the assumption that you know for certain that it's the tumblers and not the steering wheel lock. The way you can tell it's the lock, is if before you shut the engine off, you cut the wheel all the way to one limit or the other - that way the steering wheel lock will not engage and your problem will go away. Just because you have to jiggle the key doesn't tell you that it's the tumblers, you may be giggling the steering lock loose. If it is the tumbler, all you need to replace is the tumbler set.

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Houston, Texas
1984 300CD 235K miles, Elvira, one owner
1987 300TD 180K miles
1974 TR6 78K miles Sarah Jane, one owner
OBK #27

I thought it was the tumbler but now I'm not certain. It only acted up 2 times, so I'm not sure. Took the tumbler out last night and am starting it with a screwdriver 'till I can make the journey to buy another tumbler. When shutting it off after the vibrator cure, I cut the wheels hard and left the key in the 1:00 position. Still had to turn key all the way to OFF and back to full CW to engage the starter, but did so very quickly and gingerly and made maybe 15 to 20 starts this way (this car is my daily driver - gets lots of use). So----- if anyone could advise me as to determine for sure how to isolate my problem (tumbler or steering lock), I would be most appreciative. I was waiting for the dealer to open this morning to fax my info to them. Will wait a spell and see if I can further pinpoint my problem before I start replacing parts. Thanks for the good info and please keep the hints coming.

__________________
John Schroader
bio burnin' 83 300D, '83 300 SD, '79 240D
"I've never met a man who was good at making excuses who was good at anything else" Ben Franklin
"You cannot permanently help a man by doing for him what he could and should do for himself" Abraham Lincoln