E-Klasse

My ignition switch on my 86 190E just broke. It skipped a turn and would not go far enough to engage the starter. When I truned it back to the off position, the accessories stay on like it is in the on position and I can't turn it back far enough to turn it off. The key still puls out and I don't want to keep turning it just in case it gets stuck. So far I think I can pull the lock assembly out if some one can tell me how. What parts do you think I will need to replace or will I have to special order a new key switch from the dealer?

Thanks

Karl

The shaft in the steering lock broke. You will need a new steering lock and the electrical portion on the back. The electrical part is what broke your steering lock. Too much friction.
You can save and reuse the tumbler, collar, and key buzzer switch.

E-Klasse

Thanks, How easy is it to get at? How much of the dash will I need to take apart?

mctwin2kman

Check out http://www.190revolution.net/forum they have detailed instructions on there on how to remove everything and replace what is needed.

Karl

I went to that 190 link....only found a Nov 2nd post on removing a jammed ignition tumbler. That guy removed WAY too much stuff and butchered his steering column!

Yes, if the tumbler will not turn, then you need to drill... but not like he did. If the tumbler turns, then it all comes apart easily.

You only need to drop the lower dash panel and remove the steering wheel and turn signal switch assembly [do NOT disconnect it] to get a straight shot to the release pin.

I replace steering lock assemblies on 190's in 30 minutes start to finish if the key turns. If the key does not, it takes an hour to and hour and a half.

mctwin2kman

That guy could not turn his anymore so he needed to drill. If it still turns it is quite easy and if you search you should find a link to the easy way on that site. Very informative site.

MTI

Not sure you saw this thread, but it is obviously less severe than ripping the dash out.

http://avalanche.realitydns.com/~rev...pic.php?t=6539

E-Klasse

I can get the electrical part of the ignition switch for $28. Is that a good price? Does it just mount on the back of the tumbler. One guy I talked too at the dealership thinks the tumbler is good but the electrical switch part needs to be replaced. He didn't say how easy that would be to replace.

Karl

The tumbler is going to be good, but I guarantee the steering lock shaft is broken. You can use your tumbler over again but you will need to buy a new steering lock and electrical portion.

E-Klasse

My electrical portion and the tumbler were good. The part that is just behind the tumbler that turns the electrical part was twisted off. When I got the switch part off the back, pieces of metal fell out. I pulled the instrument cluster to get at the switch part. Then I dropped the column down and took off the rest of the ignition switch assembly. I got a good one from a salvage yard and they swapped my tumbler in to it for me. Then I just had to reassemble everything. What a pain. It is a good thing that my tumbler still turned or I would have had to drill out the locking pin that hold the assembly in the the column.

Karl

So I take that you used your old electrical part over again?
THAT is what broke the steering lock. Replace it with a NEW
one. TOO much resistance.... it probably had a 126 part number on it.

This is what I originally wrote: "The shaft in the steering lock broke. You will need a new steering lock and the electrical portion on the back. The electrical part is what broke your steering lock. Too much friction.
You can save and reuse the tumbler, collar, and key buzzer switch."

Like I said then, and what you said, the shaft in the steering lock broke.

E-Klasse

The only part I reused was the tumbler. I did not want to go through this again. The new one came with a new switch.

Thanks