Not your usual sticky ignition question. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

muleears · #1 10-27-2010, 06:18 PM

The key was not turning in my ignition without wiggling and shaking so I thought I'd replace the ignition lock before it broke completely. Did so and it STILL STICKS with a brand NEW ignition lock.

What else can cause the key to not want to turn? Steering wheel lock? Ignition switch? What else is back there and what do I do about it? This is on my '83 SD. Any help is appreciated.

Diesel911 · #2 10-27-2010, 08:34 PM

There is the Tumbler, the Steering Wheel Lock, the actual Ignition Switch.

I do not know if it is possible for the little Vacuum Shutoff Valve on the Steering Lock to cause that issue but it is there also.

There is at least 1 thread within the last 6 months where someone replaced the Tumbler but found out it was the Steering Wheel Lock.

Also I have a dim memory of a member mentioning to remove the Lock Tumbler and rotate the Steering Wheel Lock with something to see if that is what was binding. I believe he said to use a needle nose pliers.

muleears · #3 10-27-2010, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel911

There is the Tumbler, the Steering Wheel Lock, the actual Ignition Switch.

I do not know if it is possible for the little Vacuum Shutoff Valve on the Steering Lock to cause that issue but it is there also.

There is at least 1 thread within the last 6 months where someone replaced the Tumbler but found out it was the Steering Wheel Lock.

Also I have a dim memory of a member mentioning to remove the Lock Tumbler and rotate the Steering Wheel Lock with something to see if that is what was binding. I believe he said to use a needle nose pliers.

I'll search for that thread. Can I remove the steering wheel lock permanently?

charmalu · #4 10-28-2010, 11:31 AM

Is this what you changed?

If so you have the new steering lock and ignition switch, and vacuum shut off valve.

The timbler that the key goes into is another part. If it that which is sticking, go to the dealer and order a new one. will need proof of ownership etc...

Charlie

muleears · #5 10-28-2010, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charmalu

Is this what you changed?

If so you have the new steering lock and ignition switch, and vacuum shut off valve.

The timbler that the key goes into is another part. If it that which is sticking, go to the dealer and order a new one. will need proof of ownership etc...

Charlie

No, I just replaced the tumbler, well actually put the original back as it wasn't the problem. So, what you have pictured is what I need to replace. Looks ominous... I don't believe that is a DIY for my skill level.

Thanks for the help.

vstech · #6 10-28-2010, 12:28 PM

with the tumbler out, it's not much of a job. just a bit more work than the tumbler itself is.

muleears · #7 10-28-2010, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

with the tumbler out, it's not much of a job. just a bit more work than the tumbler itself is.

Is there a thread about it? I haven't found one. Does the dash or column have to come out?

tbomachines · #8 10-28-2010, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muleears

Is there a thread about it? I haven't found one. Does the dash or column have to come out?

You can do it with the dash in, just dropping the column makes it easier (undo the bolts and it will hang 2-3 inches lower). When I did mine I had to do a lot of grinding but it sounds like your steering wheel lock does work, just intermittently.

You'll have to:
- take off the under-dash panel, maybe the vent duct too, just a few screws
- drop the column a couple inches as mentioned
- you SHOULD be able to take the tumbler out and disengage the steering wheel lock detent with a screwdriver or something of the sorts. Then you rotate the whole assembly down, it will hang by the wires in back of the ignition switch. I had to grind mine out with a tungsten carbide grinding tip. I also remember cutting off the back of the ignition switch to get the darn thing out (taped it back together after all was done). They didn't make it easy, thats for sure. There are a couple DIYs floating around, here is my post with more pictures if it is useful: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showpost.php?p=2238655&postcount=21

micalk · #9 10-28-2010, 09:45 PM

If you can get the tumbler out then you should be able to get the steering lock out without any hacking. Once the big honking ring is out you put the tumbler and key back in. There's a button you need to depress when the ignition is in position 1 to remove it from the steering assy. The procedure in the 300D manual is much better than the procedure in the 300SD manual. Better pictures, better step descriptions. But it's definitely a DIY.

charmalu · #10 10-29-2010, 05:38 AM

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showpost.php?p=2514899&postcount=2

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=275879

You Can Do It. Yes, You.
Not that big of a deal. I R&R`ed my whole assembly with a new one. then replaced the tumbler from the dealer.

Pull the cluster. will give you some room with the column dropped. 2 13mm nuts just inside the cluster opening. but can be done with wheel in place.

I did it, and Iam a Bumbling Fumbling idiot

.
Charlie

muleears · #11 10-29-2010, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charmalu

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showpost.php?p=2514899&postcount=2

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=275879

You Can Do It. Yes, You.
Not that big of a deal. I R&R`ed my whole assembly with a new one. then replaced the tumbler from the dealer.

Pull the cluster. will give you some room with the column dropped. 2 13mm nuts just inside the cluster opening. but can be done with wheel in place.

I did it, and Iam a Bumbling Fumbling idiot

.
Charlie

Thanks for the vote of confidence in my ability, but you haven't seen my car

. You make it sound easy... Maybe I'll give it a shot.

Like the tumbler, is this something that could "lock up" (no pun intended) and keep me from starting the car? I guess what I'm saying is can this wait till next payday? I only have to fiddle with it about 1 in 4 starts now. Or should I do it this weekend?

Thanks everyone for your help.

John Schroader · #12 10-29-2010, 08:48 AM

I have had a couple of episodes in this arena and here's what I learned. A few years ago my ignition got a little sticky. Finally reached a point that the key would not turn. Did the vibrator number and got it out and replaced the tumbler with a genuine MB part. All was well until a couple of months ago. One day my key would not turn at all. No slow death, just worked fine and then totally stuck. After much jiggling and wiggling I finally got the key unstuck and surmised that the steering lock must be the problem, since the tumbler was relatively new and supposedly good quality. I read in this forum (somewhere) about the trick of jamming the steering lock in the open position, rather than disassembling the dash / column. A machinist friend of mine fashioned a small keyway, inserted it into the switch in such a way that the steering lock is permanently jammed in the unlock position and I've had trouble free starting since that day. Hope this helps.