Help!!! My ignition switch on my '88 300TE is frozen. Of course, I have the added thrill of breaking the key off in there. The keys were pretty worn (just bought car a week ago) and a little sticky. I only found one of the two keys actually turned the ignition. Well, needless to say, it got stickier and the key stuck in the ignition. I was able to remove the key and tried graphite and losen the tumblers. Obvious, without success. I'm sure I have to buy a new ignition switch, but how do you get the old one off? Short of a drill, sledge, shotgun, pistol, M-1 Tank, any suggestions?

Changing the tumbler has been discuss many times, the process can be found by doing a search. The process only works if the tumbler will turn, if the key is broke off inside and you cannot turn the tumbler then the tumbler will have to be drilled out.

How much of the old key is in the tumbler? Might there be enough that you could manipulate the switch and get it to turn? If so you might then be able to use the procedure you find during your serach. You can get the proper ignition tumbler and keys through the dealer, all you need is the VIN and proof of ownership - these keys will be the same as the ones when the car was built.

Hope you can get it to turn.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.