Anyone know of a local locksmith? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Adriel · #1 06-07-2015, 02:56 AM

The switch in the '85 is jamming when first unlocking. It isn't the steering lock, as wiggling the steering wheel does nothing but wiggling the switch does. The one in the '79 am parting works great. So, need to rekey the '79 to match the '85. Tempted to do it, but first thought to ask if anyone knows of one no more than 2 hours from Mesa, Az..

Thank y'all in advance!

vstech · #2 06-07-2015, 09:11 AM

If both keys turn, you can just pull the cylinders and replace them. Much easier... But it could be the steering lock... They go bad, needing entire lock change...

Left Coast · #3 06-07-2015, 10:52 AM

The cylinder from the '79, if the steering lock is original, is not compatible with the '85 steering lock. A full set of working locks from a '79 is probably worth some money, though, as replacement ignition cylinders for the early steering locks are NLA.

Adriel · #4 06-07-2015, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

If both keys turn, you can just pull the cylinders and replace them. Much easier... But it could be the steering lock... They go bad, needing entire lock change...

John, thank you for the help!

How do you mean turn?

I put the key in, steering not locked. The key does not turn unless vigorous wiggling of the key.

If it was the steering lock, how would that be since unlocked and the key will not turn?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Left Coast

The cylinder from the '79, if the steering lock is original, is not compatible with the '85 steering lock. A full set of working locks from a '79 is probably worth some money, though, as replacement ignition cylinders for the early steering locks are NLA.

Thank you so very much for the help!

How do I tell?

You mean door locks including the hatch, plus the ignition as a set only? How much? You just might have saved me doing something stupid, so very glad for that.

Well then, the easiest solution would just pay the $300 and go new tumblers and new key.

Any way to check the steering lock for a potential problem? I rather check it now and order everything if needed. Really don't have the money, but I have friends if needed, though brought up not to ask for help, so hard.

Left Coast · #5 06-07-2015, 05:20 PM

I have no idea how much those parts might be worth, but they are rare enough that you could probably clear enough to cover the cost of a proper replacement for your '85. The difference is the lock cylinder itself, which is a smaller diameter in the early version. You can tell at a glance as the cylinder face is smaller, the security cover has a slightly smaller diameter, and the chrome bezel is slightly thicker.

I've read in various places that the early version was updated on '81 and later models. I've also read that the update occurred mid year on the '79's. Not sure which is correct. I have an early '79 with the older version.

Adriel · #6 06-07-2015, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Left Coast

I have no idea how much those parts might be worth, but they are rare enough that you could probably clear enough to cover the cost of a proper replacement for your '85. The difference is the lock cylinder itself, which is a smaller diameter in the early version. You can tell at a glance as the cylinder face is smaller, the security cover has a slightly smaller diameter, and the chrome bezel is slightly thicker.

I've read in various places that the early version was updated on '81 and later models. I've also read that the update occurred mid year on the '79's. Not sure which is correct. I have an early '79 with the older version.

Thank you so very much for the help!

Okay, good to know.

Not seeing a difference in cylinder face, but the black surround is different and the trim is thicker.

Hmmm, wonder if the EPC show the VIN change.

Maxbumpo · #7 06-08-2015, 08:33 AM

Please pull that ignition tumbler ASAP! It is trying to tell you gracefully that you have a major problem somewhere in the ignition lock or steering lock or ignition switch, and that can be easily and relatively inexpensively fixed IF and ONLY IF you can get the ignition tumbler out while the key is still turning and you can used the factory service manual procedure.

Once the key stops turning, be prepared to spend some serious money and time (like $500 and up) to fix it.

t walgamuth · #8 06-08-2015, 10:08 AM

The steering lock can also be cut off and disabled if its causing trouble.

Adriel · #9 06-08-2015, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maxbumpo

Please pull that ignition tumbler ASAP! It is trying to tell you gracefully that you have a major problem somewhere in the ignition lock or steering lock or ignition switch, and that can be easily and relatively inexpensively fixed IF and ONLY IF you can get the ignition tumbler out while the key is still turning and you can used the factory service manual procedure.

Once the key stops turning, be prepared to spend some serious money and time (like $500 and up) to fix it.

Max, thank you so very much for the help!

Well, with the tumbler out, can the wagen be driven?

Got a lot of errands and an appointment and the Volkswagen is no were near drivable. Friend has no vehicle either so no other to get a ride or borrow.

Adriel · #10 06-08-2015, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

The steering lock can also be cut off and disabled if its causing trouble.

So far, so good. I rather have the lock in case someone does enter. Know it is hard, as have locked the keys out...

Maxbumpo · #11 06-08-2015, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adriel

Well, with the tumbler out, can the wagen be driven?

Yes! You will need a regular screwdriver to turn the exposed ignition switch, no key required.

You may also need to figure out how to keep the steering lock from engaging, perhaps by removing it? Hopefully someone else will chime in here, as I've only ever removed and replaced tumblers, but I know of others who have removed them and driven the car for a bit with no tumbler, just using a screwdriver to start and stop the car.

Adriel · #12 06-08-2015, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maxbumpo

Yes! You will need a regular screwdriver to turn the exposed ignition switch, no key required.

You may also need to figure out how to keep the steering lock from engaging, perhaps by removing it? Hopefully someone else will chime in here, as I've only ever removed and replaced tumblers, but I know of others who have removed them and driven the car for a bit with no tumbler, just using a screwdriver to start and stop the car.

Okay, looks like something that get me in trouble. Another reason not to get pulled over.

Well, hopefully someone well. Dog really needs food: been out for two meals.

Adriel · #13 06-08-2015, 02:37 PM

Thought should update, especially since have more information.

Got the tumblers out. The trick is getting the cover unscrewed. Then, a pick makes it easy to unpin and pull out the tumblers.

The steering does not lock in number one and nothing is on, right? Plan is just to be really careful when using the screwdriver.

Thanks again y'all for the help!

Diesel911 · #14 06-08-2015, 09:59 PM

When I had the Issue it was the inside of the Steering Colum Lock that broke in 2 Places. But, it had the sypmptoms of the typical Lock Tumbler issue.

The new Steering Colum Lock Assembly is actually a good buy because it comes with a new Vacuum Shutoff Switch and also a new Ignition Switch.

While My Ignition Switch was still working one of the Contact Points was burned and it was working on the actual Arm that the burned off Contact Point was supposed to be on.

I cleand the Lock Tumbler in a small Harbor Freight Jewelry Ultrasonic cleaning Tank.

I had no issues since.

I bought the Steering Colum Lock from the Mercedes dealer. Cast into the Housing is Neiman. Made in France. The Ignition Switch that came with it had made in W Germany on it.

One of the Internet Sellers advertises the OEM Steering Colum/Ignition Lock Housing as made by Valeo/Neiman. So Apparently that is true.
If I had bought a Valeo Housing I might have saved a little.

I believe I have some pics of the broken parts:
My steering Colum Lock thread
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/333785-steering-colum-lock-ignition-lock-housing-causes-ignition-switch-failure.html

Adriel · #15 06-08-2015, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel911

When I had the Issue it was the inside of the Steering Colum Lock that broke in 2 Places. But, it had the sypmptoms of the typical Lock Tumbler issue.

The new Steering Colum Lock Assembly is actually a good buy because it comes with a new Vacuum Shutoff Switch and also a new Ignition Switch.

While My Ignition Switch was still working one of the Contact Points was burned and it was working on the actual Arm that the burned off Contact Point was supposed to be on.

I cleand the Lock Tumbler in a small Harbor Freight Jewelry Ultrasonic cleaning Tank.

I had no issues since.

I bought the Steering Colum Lock from the Mercedes dealer. Cast into the Housing is Neiman. Made in France. The Ignition Switch that came with it had made in W Germany on it.

One of the Internet Sellers advertises the OEM Steering Colum/Ignition Lock Housing as made by Valeo/Neiman. So Apparently that is true.
If I had bought a Valeo Housing I might have saved a little.

I believe I have some pics of the broken parts:
My steering Colum Lock thread
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/333785-steering-colum-lock-ignition-lock-housing-causes-ignition-switch-failure.html

Thank you so very much for the reply!

I got the tumbler out, and sill had the same symptoms. When I took it apart, pin out, something else came out. Now really jammed.

Well, trouble is I already bought a non-coded tumbler... Coming in tomorrow to the Center.