pre facelift 210 ignition barrel

[C240Sport97]

metal blade key will not turn at all in mates 210 ignition.

the ignition lock barrel is probably kaput, which apparently is an expensive fix unless you can get it to position 1

we tried and tried and failed to get it to position 1.

can anyone recommend someone in London who can come fix it?

car is not worth much, so want as cheap a fix as possible.

thoughts and suggestions most welcome.

Thanks.

 

[renault12ts]

Metal key does not go into the ignition barrel. Or maybe I've got it wrong and you are talking about a very very early model which did not use a transponder key? Even pre-facelift have transponder keys.

 

[C240Sport97]

Metal key does not go into the ignition barrel. Or maybe I've got it wrong and you are talking about a very very early model which did not use a transponder key? Even pre-facelift have transponder keys.

it's not a DAS key ..

it's the key with a flip open and insert metal blade .. rectangular with rounded edges, and single button to lock and unlock

 

[renault12ts]

I see, very early.

 

[Will]

Are you sure it's not something else that's preventing the key from turning - I'm a bit tired at the moment but thinking of something like the shift interlock thing on the gear selector (ie, it needs to see it in park or neutral).

Although from memory I'm not sure if this prevents the key from turning into any position, or if it just locks the starter out

Will

 

[allias]

I dont know if its electris of mechanical sterring lock. Its worth checking what wear out before buy. I know other Mercs had problems with contact switches under the ignition barrel and that is cheap to fix.

If its just a barrel... it aint expensive as long key still fits it. Buy new ignition barrel and remove sterring lock. Slide your key into barrel and dig it out from lock. Slide your new one and that should do it.

Ignition barrel is something about 40-50 from Merc to VIN number.
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Still suggest looking at this yourself or indy before saying it cant be done or its extremly expensive.

 

[Dec]

Its sounds like a 1995 car, there is a DIY solution for under a fiver here… C180 (94) ignition key won't turn - Mercedes-Benz Owners' Forums


Dec

 

[C240Sport97]

Thanks folks.

Am going to try the nail varnish suggestion ...

 

[C240Sport97]

nail varnish didn't work .. still not moving anywhere near position 1

 

[Dec]

What year is the car, does the lock have holees in lock face like the one pictured in post #10 here… http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/howto/92194-how-replace-w124-ignition-cylinder-barrel.html


Dec

 

[C240Sport97]

What year is the car, does the lock have holees in lock face like the one pictured in post #10 here… http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/howto/92194-how-replace-w124-ignition-cylinder-barrel.html


Dec

it's Sept 96, 210

the lock does not have the holes shown in post 10

 

[Dec]

I presume it is the same lock as a W202, the only suggestions I have is a second coat of nail varnish over the first coat and try again.
If the key cant be turned to position 1, the only alternative is the destruction of the lock, the only other ideas I have heard of apart from jiggling the key in the lock are putting a vibrating tool like a sander, electric tooth brush to the key while trying to turn it.

Heating OR freezing the key blade and putting it into the lock for a few seconds then try turning it is also worth a try.
Is the lock below the same as your friends, it’s a W202

Dec

 

[C240Sport97]

I presume it is the same lock as a W202, the only suggestions I have is a second coat of nail varnish over the first coat and try again.
If the key cant be turned to position 1, the only alternative is the destruction of the lock, the only other ideas I have heard of apart from jiggling the key in the lock are putting a vibrating tool like a sander, electric tooth brush to the key while trying to turn it.

Heating OR freezing the key blade and putting it into the lock for a few seconds then try turning it is also worth a try.
Is the lock below the same as your friends, it’s a W202

Dec

yes, it's the same as the lock in the pic.

trying the 2nd coat of varnish later tonight.

not tried jiggling the key .. will try that also later tonight

thanks for all your suggestions

 

[Dec]

All my suggestions are based on the theory that you have the same problem that I had, namely wear in the lock. Ensure that the key is pushed fully into the lock and that there is no damage to any of the ridges of the key blade, if you have a spare key, try that as well.

Dec

 

[C240Sport97]

got the key to position 1 after we applied 2nd layer of nail vanish

can't get the barrel out .. tried and tried to no avail.

will have to get indy out to do it, but at least key is in position 1:bannana:

thanks Dec:bannana:

 

[Dec]

I take it the collar is free, it should now come out, tricky I know, make sure the key is fully inserted in the lock, that’s important, gently manoeuvre and wiggle but DON’T lose the position 1, be gentle with it, its worth a fresh attempt tomorrow.

Good luck with it.


Dec
Edit; If you could somehow cut the collar out of the way then it would look like the bottom right picture, it really should then come out with assistance of maybe a sharp pointed knife used as a lever.