I have an ignition tumbler that won't turn over with the key. It had been giving me trouble for a week. Kicking myself now for not dealing with it then.

I want to by a cylinder ASAP, even if it ends up being something else. I want to start there.

I found two:
1)$31.98 by Febi[/URL]
2) CarParts.com for $6.50

Any thoughts on which one of these or other options? Is the $6.50 price a red-flag?

Any thoughts on Ken's tool-kit for this job? Probably going to get it just because I use his videos so much.

I have read Ken's diagnostic video and his how to un-stick and ignition. Any other suggestions?

I use liquid graphite, it loosens up any old locks well, do not use WD40 or other solvents/oils in key locks ! .

It's not really difficult to change this once you figure it out .

I'm sure there's a good you tube video, I just looked at some older posts here and had at it .

I found a small (red handle) pair of Channel Locks (water pump) pliers to be the prefect tool to unscrew the black retaining ring and a heavy gauge paper clip with the short end unbent to depress the locking pin .

__________________
-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better

Don't buy the cheapest. I have one after getting a full refund. It's a POS that wouldn't even go into steering lock. Quality is super bad.
Bought the Febi for $25 shipped on ebay. The key is fat but that's all disadvantage there is.
Dealer tumbler is $180

I don't know what car you have, I searched for "w124 ignition lock"

Another option is the used key sets with all the tumblers on ebay, if you want to have all your keys still matching. Just lube all the tumblers before install.

But I think a locksmith may be able to open up your tumblers and set them to a key, too.

If you can turn it enough to remove, it may be repairable:

https://www.coolcatcorp.com/Mercedes/Lock190.html

Thanks Mxfrank, this is a great option. I got it turned tonight. Going to go ahead and put a new tumbler in for now so I can drive it but I'll definitely to try this out when I get the chance. I'd love to not have two keys. Thanks!

Some of us have had what appeared to be a issue with the Lock Tumbler turn out to be broken parts inside of the Steering Colum Lock Assembly.

A year and a half after I replaced the Steering Colum Lock the Lock Tumbler fell apart.

I installed a Meyle Tumbler in mine and have been driving with it for a year now. However, that is not a good test because when I installed the new Steering Colum Lock I fixed it so that it does not lock the Steering Colum. That means when I turn the Key I don't have to turn against Steering Colum Lock Plunger Spring.

I was at a locksmith's shop and overheard a conversation where the locksmith was telling someone that hanging a large wad of other keys from your Ignition Switch Key shortens the life of the tumbler. The extra weight is bad for the Tumbler.

My steering Colum Lock thread
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/333785-steering-colum-lock-ignition-lock-housing-causes-ignition-switch-failure.html

__________________
84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I had the reverse ~ I replaced my lock tumbler with a factory new one (matching key) and about a year later the lock proper decided to no longer unlock .

This at over 400,000 miles .

I never hang more then two keys because ye, it ruins the lock very quickly ~ as you're driving along, the swinging ring of keys works the lock back and forth, forth and back, just like turning it off and on 10 times every mile .

I lost track of the lock cylinders I've replaced because of this over the decades on Customers cars .

__________________
-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better

I used a Febi on my 300SDL about a year ago. Works well. I have two keys, I rarely use the old one as I put in a keyless entry thing I got from eBay. Need to get one that includes the pneumatic option. But I do carry the old key, only the passenger door and trunk work with it now but I don't want to be stranded in case the keyless thing stops function.

__________________
Te futueo et caballum tuum

1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

Same here. $10 keyless was the best investment.