ignition problem

[vinnie201]

i tried to start my car tonight and the key wont start the car or even electronics. steering wheel is locked but when i jiggled the key i was able to unlock the steering wheel and turn. i turned jiggled for 2 hours and the damn thing wont even let me turn the radio on. i really want to kick the shit out of it, someone please help before i kick the shit out of it. i read previous post but it mentioned that he couldnt turn the wheel, i can so i hope that makes a big difference......

[jnenad16]

I understand you are upset, but your description wasn't very clear. are you able to turn the key to a start position, or just to accessories position. if it wont go to either or just one position, sounds like the tumbler needs to be changed.

nenad

[DynoXG]

You might just have to replace the cylinder.

[vinnie201]

i can only get a slight turn out of it maybe like a quarter inch, its acting as if the car is not in park. i really cant get to any position just enough to unlock the steering. will i have to buy a new ignition and if so do is it something that i will have to tow to a mechanic? meaning is it a hard job?

[Logic]

ok since you wasn't clear did you try moving the steering wheel? in most cars if the steering wheel is in a lock position sometimes it make the cylinder hard to turn....try grabbing the steering wheel and move it in both positions and wiggle the key at the same time i know the steering wheel will have min movement but hey its worth a try.

[vinnie201]

yea i tried that but no luck, thinking the cylinder is worked. or tumblers wore out , hell of a time to do it too. cylinder is like 50 bucks anyone know anything bout changing one?

[DynoXG]

Ouch vinnie. Check out the bottom of this thread almost like yours...

check this thread out (http://www.club202.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7856&highlight=lock+cylinder)

[jnolte]

sounds like the tumber is gummed up. Gotta drill it out at the dealership. At least you dont have EIS style.

[vinnie201]

dammit this blows

[DynoXG]

I remember I read in a thread somewhere that someone changed theirs. He said it took him a while but managed to do it. It was either in this forum or the benzworld.org forum. Help me try to find it, the author might give you some tips.

[DynoXG]

Ah, here we go. The post is from the benzworld.org forum. If you look towards the bottom you see that n0alpha did it himself and he bought the tumbler for $85. He is one of the moderators for the forum. You should try to contact him and see if he can help you out. Here is the link:

Tumbler (http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w202-c-class/1312996-1994-c280-ignition-tumbler-frozen.html?highlight=ignition+cylinder)

Here's another link that might be of interest. He also did the repair with his cousin:

Another tumbler thread (http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w202-c-class/1303076-ignition-starting-problem.html?highlight=ignition+cylinder)

Good luck Vinnie. I hope everything works out.

[vinnie201]

i appreciate the info, with my luck i would probably mess something else up. i did find somewhat good news. so ge this i called dealership and they wanted 700 labor plus parts plus tow, screw that so i started calling lock smiths and found one that actually does high end car ignitions. 300 and i provide the parts and i dont have to tow. was able to find a tumbler same code as my door locks (VIN matched) for 107 bucks from mercedesshop.com. It still sucks but at least i dont have to drop a g on it. so if anyone has this problem TRY A LOCKSMITH!! The dude says the dealerships pay him 300 when they get stuck tumblers so he would wind up doing the job anyways. a little insight for ya.