190E Key Lock Tumbler - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

prevost3000 · #1 04-04-2006, 02:23 PM

Hi. I know there are huge unending forum threads about Key problems. I however did not find enough information to satisfy me and I would like to start another thread that could perhaps turn into this DIY article:

W201 Ignition Key Lock Replacement

Ive got an 89 190E 2.6L gas/auto. It is at a shop and they cant work on it because the ignition key wont turn!

I begged the shop guy to fool with it and spray some dry powder graphite in there and get it out of the 0 position. I told him that if he did, he must not turn it back there.

I ordered a new Lock & Keyset from Benz today. So I should get it 2-3 days. In the meantime. Please respond and give it to me straight and stupid.

Step by Step. Assume no prior Benz knowlege for the DIY thread. I will take pictures of it when I do the work.

Prevost3000

#2 04-04-2006, 04:54 PM

I was recently worried that my ignition tumbler was wearing out-getting harder and harder to turn. However, it was apparently the key itself that was the problem-I tried a new key (you get 2 for every lock you replace, I did my driver side a year or so ago) and it worked like a charm.

Makes sense really-if any two surfaces rub together, make the one that is easier to replace out of a lesser material so it wears out instead of the other, more expensive one.

cheers,
dan r.

prevost3000 · #3 04-04-2006, 08:31 PM

Dan R:

I only have 1 key.

The key portion is twisted slightly like someone was really cranking on it (The key used to work fine, but now is Inoperable.) I have to replace the lock and it is currently on order. Should be here Friday 4-7-2006.

Does anyone know how to R&R the tumbler portion? Another post mentioned it was a 5 minute job.

Prevost3000

James L · #4 04-05-2006, 10:35 AM

i hope your vin coded ignition key/tumbler works better than mine did($92 at the dealer! )did mine last weekend and the 1 and only key that came with it does not work on the trunk or the front doors (these locks have not been changed), the origional keys do not work on the new tumbler, my dealer is ordering me another vin-key ($24) to see if the tumbler was cut wrong (this is done somewhere in Texas). hell i would have been better off with the $32 generic from fastlane. will keep you posted.

James L · #5 04-05-2006, 02:28 PM

get key to the 1 position (second 0), then use a heavy duty style paper clip (cut tip at 45 degree angle) in hole, push in to release nub,(practice this with new key and tumbler) unscrew cover counter clockwise while keeping paper clip in until it all screws out. to install, take new key out, put cover over new tumbler, put key back in, insert tumbler and cover, noting notches and 2 lugs on end of tumbler, turn to 1 postion insert paper clip again and screw cover on, my cover could not get really tight as it should because i did not have the correct turning tool to get that extra 1/8 inch turn, had to back off a revolution untill notch engaged, bent nose pliers did not help. but it works just a little loose cover.

prevost3000 · #6 04-05-2006, 05:10 PM

I cannot get the Key to Turn at all!

I fooled around yanking the steering wheel around. Popping it in and out of Park. Rolling the car back and forth. Spraying Dry powder graphite in the hole. Tried the NEW key and the OLD key 1000s of times, flipping the key over and over. lubing the key with graphite, spraying the dry graphite in the hole. Made quite a mess doing this. Finally in desperation, I blew it out with compressed air, relubed it. Nothing. Sprayed brake cleaner in the hole and tried it. Nothing. Blew all that out. Sprayed WD40 in the hole. Nothing. Blew it out. Relubed with graphite. Nothing. I give up!

I want this to work. I have never driven this car or any like it. I bought it at auction, had an engine shop put a used 2.6 in it with low mileage and good compression. I tried to pick it up from the engine shop with many hopes gloriously high from reading about this fine automobile. Then I cant get the key to turn! I have $3600 invested in this heap of steal.

I need some help and some ideas. Come on.

Prevost3000

Jim Anderson · #7 04-05-2006, 05:14 PM

will help. Find a tool that vibrates, like an orbital sander, and add vibration to the combination of things to try.

TX76513 · #8 04-05-2006, 05:17 PM

Prevost - Check you Private Mail

Links with Pics

haasman · #9 04-06-2006, 04:23 AM

Liquid spray graphite (graphite suspended) really works well for short-term lock problems. I say short-term because the graphite won't last. The proper Mercedes type door lock lube is much more long-lasting. The liquid spray graphite just gets into and all over everything. The can comes with the typical little red snorkle to insert into the lock's key opening.

The liquid spray graphite is typically found in hardware stores in small spray cans where lock stuff is sold.

Several squirts, letting it sit has worked for me with several key/lock/tumbler nightmares.

The "key" (sorry couldn't resist) is to get the little pins in the lockset to move. The vibration suggestion is known to help. Gentle rocking of the wheel but most especially gradually, gently and persistently moving the key is your best bet.

The alternative is lowering the under dash and drilling the lockmount etc. You don't want to know.

BTW, the fresh key use is something I do. I have little lock problems because with each car I buy, I replace the key with a new one and use the old one as an emergency backup.

Haasman

mbdoc · #10 04-06-2006, 08:06 AM

IN most cases the complete steering lock must be CUT out od the steering jacket...happens a lot on older cars...

TRY compressed air instead of the lube...

prevost3000 · #11 04-06-2006, 01:09 PM

Here is where I stand:

I still cannot get the lock to turn to #1. Tried vibrating from front, sander on back of key, sander on 6 inch extension on face of lock, sander on 6 inch extension from underneath of lock. Nothing. I even tried White Lithium Grease Paste, and squirted it and it turned black with the graphite. Still Nothing.

I took off the underdash area, steering wheel, instrument cluster (i just pulled off speedo cable and pulled it out and to the side, out of the way) I pulled off the cover on the steering column. Its all the way down to the metal flange and splined shaft.

I thought perhaps I could drill the lock face and make myself a small 2mm hole that I could insert a paperclip,bobbypin,etc... but that metal has been formed of the gods. (lowercase g) Its awesome!

There is a problem: At braingears, I read that the electrical connector wont come of unless #1 and also the small spring loaded detent near the steering column wont release until #1 also.

I need to know what to cut and where? Any Takers?

So indeed Mercedes Benz are THIEF-proof.

But they are also OWNER-PROOF!!

I just want to drive my car

PS - I am taking photos of the whole process, but I need to finish.............

prevost3000 · #12 04-11-2006, 05:55 PM

Alright. Pure Joy now...........

I got it all done for $300 and about 7 hours of tinkering.

I ripped off the steering wheel, cluster, drilled the lockin pin that hold the switch in with a cordless drill, used an orbital sander to rattle all three bolts loose that hold the electric switch portion onto the mechanical portion. Bought a complete new assembly from MB here in Dallas. I had them build the thing, right there in the parts department. I took it home, threw it in and built the dash up, drove it around a bit, and i am happy again. But what a painful experience. Its not right that so many people have had to do that to such a fine automobile.

I will make a DIY article with pictures and all soon.....I need some time.....

Later
Prevost3000

haasman · #13 04-12-2006, 04:19 AM

Good job. Wow, what a nightmare.

Glad you are now enjoying the fruits of your labor.

Haasman