My 1986 190 2.3-16v 5speed was having trouble starting from time to time. I had had the tumbler replaced last summer as it locked up. Now it started having trouble starting, turned the key and nothing--wait 5 min, it would start up. Go back and try it in 30 min., would not start up. Wait 5 min., it will start up. Talked to dealer and they said replace the starter switch, they have seem them fail. Ok, in this car it requires pulling instrument cluster, steering wheel, and column to get to the release pin on steering lock. Started putting things back together, had wheels turned to left, and all of a sudden I hear a click, steering lock, I guess. I looked in ignition hole and it appears to have engaged. Pulled instrument cluster, column, again, thinking that I can pull steering lock. Try to push in pin on steering lock it won't budge! also I never got the tumbler in, and can't seem to. Please HELP! Ross

bump

If the tumbler isn't in then just turn the lock and unlock the steering??

The tumbler is installed in the on position and the steering lock must also be in that position.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Thanks for the reply, this is what i have. i'v tried moving the steering wheel and moving i think the lock the u shape thing around the piece that you put the lock into and i cant get it to move for the other peice to go into the steering lock.thanks Ross

I'm not all that clear on what the exact problem is. I assume that you have installed a new switch.
For the switch, steering lock, and key tumbler to all go back together correctly all three components need to be in the 'ON' position.
It's advisable to mark the positions before taking anything apart.
To get the lock to the 'ON" position, assuming that you have aligned the switch and steering lock correctly, simply insert a flat screwdriver into the slot that the tumbler would engage and turn it as you would the key.
I'd go ahead and cycle the lock to all positions and start the car with the screwdriver to ensure that it works BEFORE installing the lock tumbler.
Again, switch needs to return to 'ON' for the tumbler to be reinserted.

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Hi Randy, thanks for your help. that is the problem I have put a screwdriver in the slot and it will not turn, also tried moving the steeringwheel at the same time and it will not turn, the u shape thing is stopping it from turning and I assume it is the steering lock that has engaded,as you can now not turn the steering wheel as it is locked. thanks for the help. Ross

That center shaft has a cam on it that pushes and pulls the steering lock pin. If the shaft won't turn with a screwdriver either you've engaged the switch incorrectly or that mystery part is needed.

You will probably have to get the shaft out through the back (front of car). Hopefully you installed the switch without the security locking tab and can unplug the wires.. You have to remove the switch, it can be done in place with a stubby screwdriver and a 1/4 in. screw bit for that one really hard to reach one. A small mirror and flex light helps.

Once the switch is off, come back to the tumbler side and work the center shaft w/cam with a slotted screwdriver out the other side (where the switch was). Once it is out, you can leverage the end of the steering column locking shaft to the right, away from steering column. At the same time, with your third hand, you can press the locking pin and free the whole lock mechanism.

It's been a while since had mine out, but I believe that your mystery piece (from earlier post) belongs down inside the lock mechanism on the switch side.

Once you get all out and on the bench you'll be able to see how it all works.

The picture contains more detail than you need. I added basics for the archives. They have saved me many hours and $$.

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Thanks Randy, for your reply and help.Got starter switch off from the back.have steering lock , tumbler, gutted pulled lock to right turned wheel as I pulled lock. Is still in lock mode and still cant press in detent on column to slide off. Thanks Ross