1983 300SD stuck steering column lock?

[Travis_k]

I am tired of spending 3 minutes to get the key to turn everytime I try to start the car, and i dont want to get stuck with a $500 towing bill, so I need to figure out how to fix this. About half of the time when I go to start the car the steering wheel wont unlock (or allow the key to turn) until i try for 2-3 minutes to get it to work. I know one solution it to not let the steering wheel lock, but I am too tall for that to be an esay accomplishment when getting out of the car. Any ideas on how to fix it? There are 10 W126s in pretty much any junkyard you visit in this area so extra used parts are not a problem, the less new (expensive) stuff I have to buy the happier I would be though.

[kerry]

Search on ignition tumbler or stuck ignition or ignition lock. Lots of threads on how to fix it. Do it very soon if you want to do it easily. Wait and the job get much more difficult.

[Brian Carlton]

Are you familiar with the procedure to "unload" the locking pawl on the steering column, prior to turning the key?

It's second nature to most of us.............but, totally foreign to those who are new to such a vehicle.

[rhodes2010]

On my 1983 300SD I removed the lock pin entirely and am very glad I did.

This too is pretty well documented. But do it soon,
or you will get stuck as I did, at a gas station, had to be towed 60 miles home.

Drop the lower dash panel. I dropped my steering column a bit for easier access.
Remove the key tumbler,
Unplug electrical from back of switch and remove vacuum shutoff lines.

Remove entire ignition column lock system from steering column.

Remove pin, replace empty ignition holder.

Did I get that right ? The plus side is the ignition turns super easy.

[charmalu]

You may luck out with a used lock assy. I would go with a new one for this situation. this is one part not to cheapen out on.

I replaced the 80 240D lock assy. with a used one from a 80 300TD at PNP. car had the key in it which is unusual. turned smooth as butter.

Did the R&R, replaced the tumbler from the dealer along with 2 new keys.

Now a year or so later, it is starting to hang up again. so this time, it will be a new unit.

Fix it soon, like now.

Charlie

[otto huber]

If I turn the wheel of my 300SD either clockwise or counter clockwise 1/4 of a turn before I shut it down, then the column will not lock and the key turns easily. It's become a habit, and I never have a problem with the key sticking.

[LNGfish]

I never notice mine locking ever. Weird.

[kerry]

Maybe someone removed the locking bolt. Not such a bad idea. How useful is a locked steering wheel on our cars? Most thieves will assume it is locked anyway.

[vstech]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Are you familiar with the procedure to "unload" the locking pawl on the steering column, prior to turning the key?

It's second nature to most of us.............but, totally foreign to those who are new to such a vehicle.

it's good advice, but one failure point on these cars is the locking pawl... stinking things really are a bear to unlock. my 83TD has this problem, and it's really a chore to unlock it when it's stuck. banging the wheel back and fourth seems to get the job done. I've parked the car, and am awaiting time to pull the assembly and repair the problem correctly.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by vstech

it's good advice, but one failure point on these cars is the locking pawl... stinking things really are a bear to unlock. my 83TD has this problem, and it's really a chore to unlock it when it's stuck. banging the wheel back and fourth seems to get the job done. I've parked the car, and am awaiting time to pull the assembly and repair the problem correctly.

I'm going to try the procedure as Otto mentioned above. If the pawl won't engage.........it can't become a problem.


BTW.........are you fired yet...........??

[vstech]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

BTW.........are you fired yet...........??

heh, not just yet...

[charmalu]

Originally Posted by vstech

heh, not just yet...

OH OH< trouble in paradise


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ar-fHMwm_A

Charlie

[Diesel911]

Originally Posted by Travis_k

I am tired of spending 3 minutes to get the key to turn everytime I try to start the car, and i dont want to get stuck with a $500 towing bill, so I need to figure out how to fix this. About half of the time when I go to start the car the steering wheel wont unlock (or allow the key to turn) until i try for 2-3 minutes to get it to work. I know one solution it to not let the steering wheel lock, but I am too tall for that to be an esay accomplishment when getting out of the car. Any ideas on how to fix it? There are 10 W126s in pretty much any junkyard you visit in this area so extra used parts are not a problem, the less new (expensive) stuff I have to buy the happier I would be though.

With these Old Cars that can suddenly become disabled the need to be an AAA Member or and Association with similar benefits so that you can save Money on Towing and Lock Smith services is very great.

[Diesel911]

Originally Posted by otto huber

If I turn the wheel of my 300SD either clockwise or counter clockwise 1/4 of a turn before I shut it down, then the column will not lock and the key turns easily. It's become a habit, and I never have a problem with the key sticking.

That works if you are the only one that Drives the Car!

[otto huber]

Originally Posted by Diesel911

That works if you are the only one that Drives the Car!

Praise be to Jesus that I am the only one who drives that car. My girlfriend owns a mini Cooper and neither one of us feels comfortable driving the other one's car.