Hello I am looking for information on how to replace the ignition switch on a 92 TE 300 4Ematic we have a new switch and would like , step by step instructions on how to remove the stearing column to access the switch. Thanks Jon

The electrical switch, or the lock cylinder (or the steering lock?).
Will the key turn in the ignition?
Gilly

__________________
Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

Thanks for the reply the key to the car was lost. And to make matters worse this is a replacement switch so it is not OE, I am buying the car and trying to help out the mech. that is working on the problem. We found a post on the list that indicated that it was easer to remove the lock tumblers than to replace the entire switch so he is going to try that approach. If you know of any pitt falls to avoid that information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Jon

Order the new lock cylinder by vin number so you don't go through this again. It'll come with 1 key, so I'd order another 1 or 2 keys so you have a few around.
You'll need the steering wheel lock and ignition switch (electrical portion).
Yes you'd want to remove the whole column, once you get the instrument cluster and under-dash panel removed, it'll all be pretty apparent what needs to be done, plus unclamp the inner shaft at the steering gear box. Then you can unclamp the steering lock and remove the clamp, and you'll see a locking pin that holds the steering lock to the steering jacket tube. Then you can gently pry apart the smaller tube the steering lock fits in to, remove the lock and toss the whole works, and start over. It can be tricky to fit the new parts back in, post back when you get that far for more advice. Oh, you'll also need the trim piece that locks in over the lock cylinder. If you can't turn the key you need a few extra parts like this.

Gilly

__________________
Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

You don't even need to order a lock. Like Gilly says supply the dealer with VIN and production date, and they'll make you a key. Hopefully the lock hasn't been changed by some bozo who installed a shop version. While you are talking to the dealer ask for the radio code if it has a stock radio.

Peter

__________________
Auto Zentral Ltd.

My understanding by this is that it's a "shop" or "generic" lock cylinder. Yes, if the key that you lost would both unlock the doors and start the car, you should be able to order just the key by vin. If it was a seperate ignition key, you need to do alot more.
Gilly

__________________
Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

Jon,
Now I'm confused. What do you mean by the replacement switch? Is it the one in the dash or the one you want to install?

Peter

__________________
Auto Zentral Ltd.

This is the story as I understand it The car came from the east coast. The OE lock (ignition switch) had a problem? It was replaced at some point in time, while the car was being stored here in Alaska some kids stole the key to the car and it is lost. The owner bought a lock assymbley from a person on the east coast. We have that part here, I haven't been involved with the car to much ,except for the last few days as I am trying to buy the car and would like to drive it before handing the guy a check. The Mech is in over his head on this car and would like for it to go away soon, so we are looking for a reasonable solution, to this problem.

Myself, I've explained it as best I can, if you have further questions ask away. You'll be better off using these 3 simple terms: 1-Lock cylinder (that's what the key goes in to), 2-Steering wheel lock (That's what everything attaches to; the lock cylinder and the ignition switch, and the 3-ignition switch, which is the electrical part that actually transfers power to the proper wires. Normally everything comes apart with just a little trickery, when the key can't be turned to position 2 (second click) it's stops being easy anymore.
I'm not a big 4Matic fan, cause lots of troubles, you may want to reconsider the purchase.

Gilly

__________________
Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

There is a slight possibility that the lock that was installed was coded to the car. You need a key for the doors anyway, so order a key first to see if it also operates the ignition. I missed the part about 4matic, so since Gilly mentioned it, I go along with his thoughts. The first version 4matic was a nightmare and unreliable. You can't give them away in California. The new 4matics are a whole different animal. If you want something inexpensive and reliable in the snow, I'd recommend a Subaru or Isuzu Trooper.


Peter

__________________
Auto Zentral Ltd.

You could fly me and Peter to Alaska to fix it up. We don't eat much.........

Gilly

__________________
Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

Heard this story before.
The real question is, How much do you DRINK ?

__________________
2007 C 230 Sport.

(In Monty Burns' voice): Quiet, you..........

__________________
Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

I am waiting on information, to be able to answer all your questions because I am a third party in this also. From what I understand The best opption is to replace the tumbler for the ignition that the key turns with the OE coded to the car correct?

No, not really, and you should try to use the easy to understand terminology I posted this morning. It'll be a lot easier to understand if we are all calling things the same name-lock cylinder (key slides in to), Steering wheel lock (locks the steering wheel, also this is what the lock cylinder is housed in), ignition switch (the electrical part).

IF the key that started the car also unlocks the doors, then you just need a key, if you are unsure it wouldn't be the worst idea in the world to just order a key.

IF this really is a "generic" or shall we say "non-matching" lock cylinder, then you are pretty much dicked. You need to order a lock cylinder, steering wheel lock, and ignition switch and replace it all, this is where you almost need to remove the upper steering column jacket tube to disassemble it, at least this always seemed like the easiest option, if not the speediest. The new lock cylinder will include 1 new key, but again if you're not 100% sure about the current lock cylinder being generic (door key and ignition key were 2 different keys) then I'd order just 1 key to see if it will turn in the ignition. If it won't you can order the new lock cylinder by VIN (so it'll match the door key), then you'd have 2 keys for the car (the one you ordered and the one that came with the lock cylinder).
Gilly

__________________
Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)