ignition problem

[Braincrank]

Good morning all !
Actually for me it's just morning , not a good one !
Just wanted to head out and when I put the key in the ignition and turned it there was no resistance , the key turned all the way , all the lights came on but the car didn't start.
I turned the key back and took it out but the dashboard lights stayed on ....
I put the key back in, still no resistance at all .....
I then disconnected the battery and now I'm trying to get to the root of that issue .
Seems to me that the barrel is busted .
What do you think ?

 

[grober]

Mercedes-Benz W124 Ignition Tumbler Replacement | 1986-1995 E-Class | Pelican Parts DIY Maintenance Article

Sounds as if there's something up with the ignition switch / wiring ---the electrical bit not the steering lock. First thing would be to try remove the ignition tumbler [ YOU NEED THE KEY TO MECHANICALLY OPERATE FOR THIS] -- if it jams you will have to drill out the steering lock assembly.

 

[Braincrank]

The key goes in ok and turns .
I replaced the barrel a few years back therefore I luckily still have the wire tool I made to get the barrel out .
I'm hoping it's only the barrel that needs replacing. I can't think of what could go wrong with the steering lock unit ... (being hopeful )

 

[Braincrank]

I guess that's the gamble with aftermarket bits ....

 

[grober]

Well that's good news-looks perhaps as if the electrical [ignition] switch has gone awol.
https://youtu.be/ZcaqhwXG9Ek

[YOUTUBE HD]ZcaqhwXG9Ek[/YOUTUBE HD]

 

[optimusprime]

Dont play with anything till you first check the blade fuse .Its located on the spring turret

 

[Braincrank]

It seems that the ignition/ steering lock housing is busted. Got another switch and barrel but key won't turn properly and either way . Can't turn it all the way clockwise to the point where it should kick back and can't turn it all the way anticlockwise to get the key out .
Am now looking for another housing .....

 

[Braincrank]

All fixed and sorted !

 

[optimusprime]

Brain great job done . ENJOY IT