How to Repair / Fix Stuck Ignition Key - Mercedes (worn tumbler replacement)

This video shows how to fix the problem when your Mercedes key is stuck and won't turn in the ignition. The video is specific to the W202 chassis (C-Series 1994-1997, C220, C280, etc), but a similar approach to the repair can be applied to other (older) Mercedes vehicles with mechanical locks.

[martinmcintosh]

Excellent! This video was exactly what I needed to solve this problem!
Getting the key to turn to 'position one' was the primary challenge... wiggling, twisting, tugging, turning...
When that finally happened, your video made all the rest become very simple. Thanks!

[nbanba]

My key wouldn't turn at all and the steering wheel was locked. I tried nearly two hours wiggling/vibrating the key, brute force with pliers, hammer, not putting the key all the way in. I was about to quit, when I thought this is the last try. I turned the key very vigorously back and forth clockwise and anticlockwise with pliers and turning the wheel at the same time. The bloody key turned and I can't even describe the feeling I had. Thanks to this video and mr bpetertube I saved at least 400€.

[ramesjm]

An absolute fantastic video. I now know why you cut away while trying to get the damn key to position 1!!! LOL. Here were my steps to fill in that gap:
1. Couple small squirts of liquid wrench. Push the key in and out about a 100 times. Violently try to turn shake and turn about a 100 times. Nothing.
2. Vacuum out key hole with straw. Violently try to turn shake and turn about a 100 times. Nothing.
3. Carb cleaner squirted in. Push the key in and out about a 100 times. Violently try to turn shake and turn about a 100 times. Nothing.
4. Put valet key in and shoved orbital sander on end and side while trying to turn. Nothing.
5. Walk away mad.
6. Walk back and violently try to turn shake and turn about a 100 times. Moved to position 1!!!
7. Ordered new tumbler.
8. Put band-aids on my knuckles

[bishrobert]

Thank you for posting this video. Your analysis of the tumbler was very helpful for thoroughly understanding the problem. No other video out there is as clear as this one. Wife will now be able to drive her 2001 SLK again.

[mek]

If you want to avoid draining your battery, use a flat head screwdriver to return the switch to position zero once the mechanism is removed and put it back to position one before you reinstall. In my case, it revealed the problem was with the steering wheel lock mechanism and not the tumbler assembly. Helpful video, thanks for sharing!

[jeevansingh]

This man is only the one man on youtube i called him troubleshooter one man nd all other stuff is garbage 🗑 really appreciate bro

[makhosinomawa]

First of all thank you for the nicely explained video easy to follow and understand. On my W202 1996 the key didn't turn on the, I saw your comments on not turning it off again if you manage to turn it now I'm needing to order and replace it cold.. as it eventually broke, half the key is stuck in the actual tumbler. I will have to jimmy it with a screwdriver and hammer I guess. Thanks again. Cheers from South African.

[EndofUSA]

Thanks for your very clear and helpful video instructional!!! Awesome. Compared to others that only waste your time watching!!

[paulvanderweegen]

Great information, Knowing how the barrel all locks together allowed me the chance to get the key to turn once and then dismantle it. Thank you

[firdausravindar]

Thanks for posting this valuable video for old Mercedes owners.😊

[gadm]

Thank you very much sir. i have watched your video carefully and i did it my self. Very clear indeed. Now it is very easy to me to replace it my self. Thanks

[btuasonmd]

You emphasized clearly, the details,
Just awesome.!
Thanks so much.

[bishrobert]

Just a little follow-up: I successfully removed the old ignition tumbler, but noted that it didn't look worn, and the pins (or wafers, as they are also called) were aligned just fine with the cylinder. I installed the new tumbler, which I had to purchase from the local M-B dealer. (You have to bring your title and ID for them to order the part. New tumbler, cover and extra key set me back $180) Being a little skeptical given the condition of my original tumbler, I did not install the cover and tried the ignition. It worked, but the next time I tried it, it was stuck again! As it turned out, installing a new tumbler did nothing! Replacing the steering lock housing is the next logical step, and getting to it was more than I am in the mood for, since that involves removing the steering wheel and the complications that come with it. So I fiddled with the key for half an hour, got the car started, and had the local M-B dealer take a look, and they agreed that I need a new steering lock housing. However, since they (against my clear warning) turned the car off, they say that they need to replace the steering lock and tumbler. All for a mere $1690. If anyone is in my situation, find a certified M-B mechanic and steer clear of the dealers.At least the independent mechanic will listen to you and not lock up your steering wheel and charge you to drill out the tumbler.

[youtoobe]

Excellent video. The tumble makes perfect sense now!

[jennyt.]

You are totally awesome! I have not seen such a great video tutorial and you gave me hope to try this myself.
Thank you!!!!

[gamure]

Hey
Just wanna say thank you for the video. It was very helpful getting the tumbler out of my Old MB this morning.
Peace

[cfagil]

Very detailed video with the aim to help other Youtubers. Many thanks. I have a E280 1996 (W210)which just developed the infamous jammed steering lock problem. First I could not turn the key but after a few tries, I could turn the key and even start the car. However, the steering lock still remained in lock position. I wonder if your technique can be used to start my "unlocking the steering lock" project?

[lulink]

I would like to point out that disconnecting the battery with the ignition turned on can damage the engine control module. The correct sequence should be:
1. Disconnect the battery
2. Turn the Key to position 1
3. Remove tumbler
Do NOT turn the lock without the tumbler installed as it could damage the assembly!
If you need to replace the complete module, do this as well:
4. Disconnect the plug from the ignition switch
5. Unscrew and remove the ignition switch from the lock assembly
6. Unscrew the clamp that fastens the lock assembly to the steering column
7. Push the pin on the lock assembly and pull it out of the steering column. You may need to rotate and move it around to get it out

For automatic transmission cars only:
If you buy a lock assembly at Mercedes, it comes without the plastic cam that unlocks the shifter. You need to get these parts from you old lock assembly and put it in the new one, otherwise you are unable to take the transmission out of the parking position.

Please be careful, I will not be responsible for anything you do.

[Lightfoot]

Thank you so much for this video, it helped me out a great deal....thank you!

[nicholasclinger]

I'm having difficulty removing tumbler cover with key in the #1 position??
Your video is very Well done 👍
I'm just not tweaking the cover right???