bjzman100

I have read other threads about the tumbler going out. This might be the case in my situation, but I am curious about why the car does not see that I have inserted the key. I have the door open, the key in, and no chime/alarm telling me to take the key out. I have the standard blade key, and the car battery is fully charged. Is this normal when the tumbler goes out or is this another issue? One note to add: I installed a aftermarket radio 2 days ago. Could this some how triggered some anti-theft feature that would lock the ignition down? Just trying to cover all bases.

Thanks for any help anyone can provide.

TheBenzManE55

does the car still start?

my bad i didnt see that you said the key wont turn, try rocking the steering wheel back and forth while your trying to turn the key

if this doesnt work then your screwed because you need the key to turn to replace the tumbler and if not then its almost impossible to replace, it took me 13 hours once to replace a bad tumbler on a 107body

bjzman100

I tried rocking the steering wheel forever..no luck. Could it be something other than the tumbler?

TheBenzManE55

nope sorry buddy try another key and if the other key works take it directly to the dealer and have them order/replace your tumbler

bjzman100

if you don't mind me asking...How did you replace the tumbler when it was locked? I just hate taking my car to the dealer. Did you take the whole key/ignition assembly out. I don't care how long it takes..I just need to save money. I can get the parts from the MB dealer.

TheBenzManE55

yeah on a 210 you have to remove the cluster, lower panel, loosen the steering column and just figure out how to remove the whole thing at once, once youve done that you can reinstall the electronic portion of the ignition/ complete housing and tumbler, you will have to take it to a dealer youll never be able to do it on your own unless you have years of experience.. or find an independant dealer like my shop...

TheBenzManE55

get it to turn one more time and drive it straight to the dealer to have them remove the tumbler, dont turn it back off with out them removing it first, then you can just start the car with a flathead screwdriver until your tumbler comes in

bjzman100

Yeh I am trying to get it to turn. So what do you think a shop would charge for a job like this?

Wow..I looked up your car...nice work..how much power to the ground does it put out?

CNCdirtbag

Have you tried to use a spare key? I had problems with my car not recognizing the key and not unlocking the column. I thought like you that it may be the EIS (electronic ignition system) in the dash where you insert the key, But after speaking to the owner of a local indie shop i ordered a new key (i didn't have a spare) and the problem hasn't been back one time. The owner of the shop (a MB only shop) told me that 9 times out of 10 the EIS isn't the issue.
i'm not saying to go buy a new key for $300 just yet,but i wanted to give some input on what helped fix my situation. My local indie was very nice about just speaking to me and taking a quick look at my car with out charging me a penny,maybe you can get lucky and find someone as helpful as i did.

bjzman100

I do not have a spare. Did your key open the doors but would not turn the ignition? My key is just a standard blade key which will open the doors/trunk but will not work in the ignition.

TheBenzManE55

hey dirtbag he has a 96 completely different system big guy

CNCdirtbag

thanks for pointing that out BenzMan,i didn't even realize that he had an earlier model 210 then i do,i should have read his info more closely...