Problem with 1982 240D key in the ignition:

Have you ever had the problem where the key won't
turn in the ignition? At first, my master key and valet key both
worked
fine. Then the valet key stopped working in the ignition.
Now the master key doesn't always work. It usually breaks
free after a few minutes of jiggling the key back and forth.
Is the vacuum system linked to the ignition switch? If
I
have a vacuum leak would it make the system behave like
this?

I have tried shifting the automatic transmission back and
forth
to be sure that it was in Park. That does not affect
it.

Perhaps the switch that tells the ignition that the car
is in Park needs an adjustment?

I have owned this car for 2 weeks.

Jeff

__________________
- Jeff

1957 W121 190 (history)
1966 W108 250S
1967 W108 250S (parts)
1982 W123 240D (history)
1989 W124 260E

Do you now, or did the prior owner have a lot of keys on the key ring? That promotes a lot of wear on the tumbler, keep it light.

As for your problem, hopefully the key still turns, as it makes for an easier fix. You need to get the ignition tumbler replaced ASAP. If it gets to the point where you cannot turn it at all/ever, then it becomes a big problem and the tumbler will need to be drilled out. There have been several posts over the past couple of years detailing how to DIY, or get it to your Tech soon so it can be fixed.

__________________
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.

OK, I searched the archives and found the subject
has been covered. Thanks anyway.

Jeff

__________________
- Jeff

1957 W121 190 (history)
1966 W108 250S
1967 W108 250S (parts)
1982 W123 240D (history)
1989 W124 260E

thanks Mike, will check out the archives

Jeff

__________________
- Jeff

1957 W121 190 (history)
1966 W108 250S
1967 W108 250S (parts)
1982 W123 240D (history)
1989 W124 260E

Is the "tumbler" the same as item #5 "locking
cylinder" in this photo?



I ordered the "tumbler" from a dealer and am
trying to do my homework before I do the job
when the tumbler (locking cylinder?) arrives.

Also, the page from the manual (scanned and
emailed to me by a friend) talks about removing
the (chrome) collar (around the ignition switch)
"while bending holding plates slightly open".
This collar is the chrome trim piece around where
the key hole is.

Does anyone have a better description of what is
going on in that step?

- Jeff

__________________
- Jeff

1957 W121 190 (history)
1966 W108 250S
1967 W108 250S (parts)
1982 W123 240D (history)
1989 W124 260E

It's just a light weight trim ring and it prys right out. The Haynes manual does a good job of explaining the complete procedure. I would suggest that if you EVER get the key to the number one position again, don't turn it to "OFF" until the new key lock gets there and you remove that "critter". When you do get it in the number one position, remove the negative battery cable till the new key lock is installed. Don't press your luck.

Ernie

I did not see the section in the Haynes manual
the first times I looked. I looked under
"electrical" and "body" but it was under
"steering". Here is the page for future
reference.



- Jeff

For future generations, here are my photos of
the tumbler removed. Also note the 3 tabs on
the chrome collar.



Note the image of the tumbler shaft with the
arrow indicating the "lock"(?) Is the groove
in this tab (lock) an original groove to mate
with the tip of the key? or, is
this groove from wear? I can't imagine that
the groove was made from the tip of the key.
I hope it is not something else I need to
replace. I think I saw a warning about this
piece in one of the earlier threads about the
ignition tumbler, but it would be nice if
someone could look at my specific situation and
comment.



Also, do you know what this toggle switch is
for under the dash to the right of the accelerator
pedal? It does not look original.



- Jeff

The "groove" is actually from 15+ years of having an end of a key turned against a piece of metal and is not there on a brand new one. Go ahead and replace this item - I call it the steering lock mechanism - not sure of the exact name. You are already 1/2 way there.
The toggle switch is NOT original - my GUESS would be either to turn the a/c compressor or aux fans on/off.

__________________
Jim

Here are two images of the steering lock
removed and also the location of the
steering lock pin.




- Jeff