technutt1994

2004 Ml350. Looking for info to remove the cover over the tumbler. Turns a little but stops. Doesn't appear to have a visible indent area where you can turn and remove. No area for a special tool. Seems like it could just pull and pop off. Want to make sure so i dont damage anything. Thanks.

Maj. Dundee

You already damaged it. Why do you want to remove the lock cylinder?

technutt1994

The vehicle still starts but the tumbler is very stiff in turning. I only grabbed the cover to see if it move or turn but didn't go any further, thanks for any advice in removal.

Maj. Dundee

Here are the instructions. You can substitute a thin hose clamp instead of the suggested tool.

technutt1994

Ok, thanks Major.

Maj. Dundee

Hopefully, the dent you made in the cap will not prevent it from turning.

technutt1994

You can't really tell from the picture but the flat surface is actually original and not damaged. The marks you see is where I put my pliers and pulled very lightly to see if it would move. I'm still hoping that's a good thing. I'm going to try the clamp method when it cools off here in Maryland. From your description it seems like the tool or clamp applies even pressure around the cover and tumbler that allows it to turn, release and both the cover and tumbler comes out at the same time. If so, both are re-installed the same way after alignment, sound close?

Maj. Dundee

Yes.

technutt1994

I finally had chance to tackle this job. I used the clamp method that worked perfectly. Weird thing happened, the new key from MB would not start the vehicle. It would crank over, die out immediately and would give a start error on the instrument cluster. The old key fob worked perfectly and started right up. Thanks Major Dundee for all your help!

Maj. Dundee

Did you order the new key according to your vin#?

technutt1994

Yes. Works for the door fine, but that's it.

Maj. Dundee

When you turn the key does it go all the way to the start position and when you release it does it spring back?

Try installing the old lock and see what happens.

technutt1994

Yes it does with new MB key. With the new tumbler installed and it working fine I think I'll leave it as unless it starts having issues. I'll hold on to the old tumbler. Just didn't understand why the new key didn't work. Thanks. They may have not coded it correct I guess.

Maj. Dundee

I'm confused or you are making me so. Does the truck start or not?

Maj. Dundee

Please UPDATE YOUR PROFILE in USER CP.

technutt1994

Sorry, it does start and run fine. Only with old key, not the new from the dealership.

Maj. Dundee

I understand that and that is why I suggested reinstalling the old lock. That way you will know if it was and installation problem or a key that is not recognized.

technutt1994

Understood, thanks Major. Haven't checked yet but are you knowledgeable on the SL550? Will be getting one hopefully in a couple months.

Maj. Dundee

No I'm not on the SL. That would be a different forum.

technutt1994

Again, thanks for your help.