190E URGENT!!Please help with Ignition lock!!!! - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#16 01-30-2003, 05:19 PM

Hello Norman,

I gave up on trying to start the car and had it towed to my house. Over the next couple of days I plan to try to remove the tumbler, I've read that it's a very difficult job. I also received additional motivation from my brother in law who had a similar experience on his 190e, said he had to pay $700 which is a figure I hope I won't have to pay.

Thanks for asking, I'm gonna start searching thru the archives for as much info as I can get on removing the tumbler, right now I'm gonna try the paper clip trick (sticking them in the two little holes) but I'm a little confused as it seems the old posts say if you can't get the key out of the 0 position, you won't be able to do this. Is this true?

Thanks for asking.

haasman · #17 01-30-2003, 06:49 PM

vanakin

I just read about another tip .... you want to see if you can insert something thin and narrow along side or the top or bottom of the key. Ideally metal and hard, something that won't snap or break, like a long needle. The idea being to *gently* nudge the lock element that is stuck.

NormanB · #18 01-31-2003, 02:15 PM

Hi Vanakin

First of all I have not worked on 190 so not familiar but I would be surprised if MB developed a tumbler just for the 190, nevertheless, health warning applies.

You will have seen the procedure for removing the tumbler as posted on the forum using the probes/wire into the two small holes in the switch surround - BUT this only applies if you can get the key round to position 1 - so you must persevere.

Come on Vanakin - you can do it and we are all rootin' for you!

Good Luck

#19 02-01-2003, 02:10 AM

I'm gonna spend my weekend doing this, I haven't touched it yet. What happens if I can't get it to Position 1.

Thanks for the support

NormanB · #20 02-01-2003, 04:08 PM

Hi Vanakin

If you cannot get the tumbler to position 1 then you are in the.... 'your 99/2000 models'

Keep on trying!

psfred · #21 02-01-2003, 09:43 PM

Here's the scoop:

You have allowed the tumbler to get so worn it won't turn. There are several avenues to take here, some easy some, well, you know.....

First, if you don't have to drive the car on Monday, is to get to a dealer or good independent shop and order a new key. I'm assuming you have the laser cut key like my 87 300D, not one of the fancy new electronic ones. Get a new tumbler as well -- the key is a bout $20, the tumbler about $60).

Also, if you have a spare key, try it. If you have a brass aftermarket, it's shot, get rid of it as soon as you have the ignition problem solved.

If you do manage to get the key turned, leave it in position 1. Get a wire hook (you can bend a small hood on the end of a heavy unfolded paper clip), pry out the plastic surrounding the lock, then use the wire hook to lift the steel rosette (it has the numbers on it) as far as you can. If you have another key, break the plastic off and pull the rosette completely off if possible (this avoids turning the key back to 0).

If another key works (the new one will work much better than the one you have!), turn the key back to 0, remove the key and rosette, then stick a heavy wire (2mm -- a precision screwdriver works well here). Turn the key back to 1 and pull key and tumbler out of lock.

Put new key in new tumbler, set to position 1, and insert into lock. Turn Key to position 0, remove, put rosette back in place, (it won't go all the way down), turn key to position 1, push rosette down, then turn key to 0. Should work fine.

If you cannot get the key to turn, you will have to grind the rosette out with a dremel tool (and replace it) to get to the latch. Big pain, my mechanic charges 4 hours labor.

Chances are a new or unused key will allow you a couple of rotations, enough to get the tumbler out.

For anyone else reading this, if the tumbler starts hanging, GET A NEW ONE AND A NEW KEY AT ONCE! It's not long after it gets baulky that the tumbler fails completely!

Peter

mikemover · #22 02-02-2003, 12:50 AM

Yes, I learned that lesson the hard way...Try EVERYTHING you can to get that thing to turn, because removing one with the tumbler in the "O" position is NOT fun.

Mike

#23 02-03-2003, 03:56 PM

I couldn't get the key to move out of position 1, ...I feel like I let the mercedesshop forum down..

I'll keep trying but eventually I'll have to get a
professional.

haasman · #24 02-03-2003, 04:07 PM

vanakin

Is your key an older one that is worn?

Maybe a lock pro might help.... I was thinking they have all kinds of little picks and tools. I would suggest doing a phone interview first and see whether they have any experience in doing MBZ locks.

also here is an interesting thread: locks

... and as far as letting us down, you are trying! That's what counts. What you are trying to do is hard, it doesn't always work.
We can all imagine being in the same spot.

Hey, we're rooting for you! Go vanakin Go!

Haasman

NormanB · #25 02-03-2003, 04:09 PM

Hi Vanakin

Sorry to hear the bad news, I really feel for you.

If you were a tadge nearer, I would pop round and have a go myself!

Any forum members near to Vanakin feeling charitable?

NormanB

190dee · #26 02-03-2003, 04:22 PM

Hi vanakin. I was the dud who had a vibrator in my car

No, I'm not that kind of man. lol. Here's a link to my thread on it.Click this.

I hope this helps you and be stubborn. It pays off if you manage to remove it. Take good time, if you loose you temper, take a break and continue after a while...

I know all of you recommends to use lube on the lock but I was told otherwise by another member on the forum and he usually knows what he talks about. But it's your decition...

Good luck!

#27 02-06-2003, 12:59 PM

Well I tried the eh....cough....vibrator...and no luck, thanks for the support, I'll keep trying until I have to take it to a pro, luckily I only drive the car sparingly.

#28 02-06-2003, 01:07 PM

Thanks for the links, I was reading them and started wondering, I don't have the valet key for this car, if I ordered a new one, is it possible that it would let me turn the car to the 1 position so I could remove the tumbler and does anyone know how much it costs to order a valet key.

Thanks

haasman · #29 02-06-2003, 01:14 PM

Defnitely! Worn keys are half the problem. ANYTIME I get a new (used) Benz, I always order a new master, immediately. Someone told me to do this years ago. They said it will help eliminate lock problems. The other tip was to keep the tumblers properly lubed.

Order a new master. The valet is the same key except it won't open the trunk or the glove box.

NormanB · #30 02-06-2003, 01:14 PM

Hi Vanakin

It was good to hear from you and I am sorry the news ain't too good.

But at least you are trying.

I have my doubts if a a valet/or a new key will do the trick but hey it may just be worth a shot.

Best of luck

NormanB