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

Рет қаралды 369,599

Күн бұрын

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.

Пікірлер: 94

@nbanba9856 4 жыл бұрын

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€.

@bishrobert 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@tonyarnold9784 2 жыл бұрын

I have 2003 one and hope I can manage to!

@ramesjm 6 жыл бұрын

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

@bpetertube 6 жыл бұрын

You are correct. It required really a lot of patience. I am glad the video was helpful :).

@MarketingMedic 5 жыл бұрын

OMG - you duplicated my method precisely!!! LOL! #truepainintheass

@WillHart423 4 жыл бұрын

So once you get it to position 1, it just pulls right out?

@MarketingMedic 4 жыл бұрын

@@WillHart423 If you DON'T get it into position 1, on in my case if your mechanic just decides to drill it out, you end up with a monster repair bill. My insurance company just totalled my 1996 C220 because my mechanic hacked up my dash and it costs $2100 to replace and overall nearly $3700 to repair the damages that come with cutting out the ignition switch and housing assembly.

@mixerflaimed5543 4 жыл бұрын

Pam Carpenter can you explain how you went about drilling it out please

@jeevansingh3328 5 жыл бұрын

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

@mek0042 4 жыл бұрын

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!

@agentjf36 2 ай бұрын

Having this problem myself now, and I know it’s the steering wheel lock. What did you do in order to solve that problem????

@mek0042 2 ай бұрын

@@agentjf36 replaced the wheel locking assembly. Transferred the old cylinder to the new assembly and everything worked like new.

@paulvanderweegen7624 6 жыл бұрын

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

@EndofUSA 7 жыл бұрын

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

@youtoobe169 7 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. The tumble makes perfect sense now!

@jennyt.1200 5 жыл бұрын

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

@bajajuicy Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this very detailed video! My new tumbler arrives today, I hope it goes as well as your video.

@gadm7301 6 жыл бұрын

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

@firdausravindar977 Жыл бұрын

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

@gamure 6 жыл бұрын

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

@bpetertube 6 жыл бұрын

You are welcome. I am glad you found the video helpful.

@makhosinomawa7885 Жыл бұрын

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.

@1btuasonmd Жыл бұрын

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

@bpetertube Жыл бұрын

I am glad to hear this video was helpful.

@omnicode 5 жыл бұрын

Just what I was looking for, Good job mate. Good quality.

@billramsey7455 2 жыл бұрын

You did an amazing job on this video. Thanks so much

@Lightfoot40 2 жыл бұрын

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

@bishrobert 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@joewellborn802 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video, thank you!!

@jorgetoledo8217 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, awesome!!!

@alilakaf6814 Жыл бұрын

Hello sir thank you for your great tutorial I have a big problem with the key dosen't turn on 1st position. Pls any adea to fix the problem

@mixerflaimed5543 4 жыл бұрын

So I’m having this same problem. Will start if it shake key really hard. My question let’s say if I can manage to get tumbler out how to take out wafers? Or would it be easier to file them down some how. I can’t get the tumbler out by the way just asking in case I do idk if I don’t have it in right position or the tumbler is stuck. Would really appreciate the help

@tony1savagetv572 5 жыл бұрын

at 9:46 where the white yellowish plastic piece is on the right, what's that mechanism for? What if it was accidentally removed when removing the tumbler? I have a 1994 Mercedes c220 and the ignition locked up and so did the steering wheel, well at the point I was in , what was the worst that could happen, right. well I hammered a flat head screwdriver into the ignition and cranked the vise grips down and started chunking out the tumbler piece by piece well that came off when I got half of the tumbler out.

@maurorinaldi1392 5 ай бұрын

Davvero bravissimo, spiegazione davvero perfetta BRAVO. Ho un dubbio visto che c'è antifurto sulla chiave, tutte immagino, se metto questa chiave poi telecomando, dove metterlo? È chiave che si apre e ha il tasto x chiusura portiere, antifurto Che fare, ho problema che non parte, non da impulso motorino avviamento Non vado MB,mi costerebbe ...CONSIGLI X FAVORE . GRAZIE DA BG ITALIA

@schachat01 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video! What lubrication do you recommend to apply to all the relevant components before inserting the new tumbler?

@bpetertube Жыл бұрын

You will want something dirt and dry resistant. Do not use anything that will attract dust and dirt as you will be worse off when the dirt accumulates. I used graphite powder but it was messy (but I would not add anything if the ignition tumbler already turns well). I would be interested in hearing comments from others about what they use.

@soniavaz9849 5 ай бұрын

Hi there Sir. O have a question o change the tumbler 1 Year ago but now a new I got a new problem I inserto the key and the key turnos no problem but the 3rd Last position when I try to Stratford the engine the key doente turn completar in the 3rd position so nothing happens and I cant start the emgine I Wonder if I buy a new tumbler fix the problem or I have to buy the iginition switch module too

@matthewburns7351 3 жыл бұрын

How does the cover come off with the tumbler? It's not shown in the video. Thanks

@vascovenancio8965 4 ай бұрын

Ive got a diferent issue my key turns first second even 3rd position the last one doesnt tuen corrwctly because it wont turn on the car if i change my tumbler can ijsolve this problem? Like you did in yours

@oldporkchops Жыл бұрын

I'm still unable to rotate my key on my W202 to position 1. What tricks did you do to rotate it to position 1?

@cfagil Жыл бұрын

Very detailed video with the aim to help other KZfaqrs. 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?

@bpetertube Жыл бұрын

I recommend you replace the tumbler as soon as possible. You will save yourself a lot time and potentially money. In my case, I was able to turn the tumbler after a few tries only the first time after the initial problem occurred. The next time it took hours (I am not exaggerating) of attempts to get it turned. The tumbler turns the electrical switch that is integrated that may also be worn out in your case. However, if you get the tumbler replaced now if you need to take it apart one more time to just replace the electric component, your project will not be blocked by the stuck tumbler.

@cfagil Жыл бұрын

@@bpetertube Many thanks. I am not sure if the technique you suggested would work on a W210. Will research into how the tumbler can be taken out from a W210.

@cfagil Жыл бұрын

@@bpetertube I managed to take the tumbler out. Now I understood that Position 1 is the first position when one turns the key closewise in the normal engine starting procedure. The surrounding cylinder was removed by turning it 90 degree anticlockwise. On a W210 (E Class), the cylinder has a flat section to allow a pair of piers to get a grip. The next section of my project is to figure out how to unlock or replace the steering lock unit. I wonder if you know if the steering lock on a W210 is controlled electrically or mechanically? So far from what I can see, the inside of the barrel casing looks very similar to yours in the video. Many Thanks to your video. It does help with my project.

@Giangypd 27 күн бұрын

@@cfagil Hi, have you been able to change tumbler on your W210? I've a similar problem on mine, thanks

@amgjens 6 жыл бұрын

I have no problem turning the key, but when i turn it over to start the engine it doesn't respond immediately. It takes like half a second. Yesterday it didn't respond at all and i had to turn the key back and forth for it to finally crank. What part of the lock is failing?

@jaycorrigal1207 6 жыл бұрын

did you need to swap the waivers and add them too the new tumbler?

@bpetertube 6 жыл бұрын

I replaced the entire tumbler. I ordered it at the Mercedes dealership using the vehicle VIN and the vehicle title.

@romeparrilla8307 5 жыл бұрын

HI PETER,I DO NOW HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM,MY QUESTION IS WHICH POSITION IS # 1,IS IT ON ACCESORIES OR ON POSITION?THANK YOU

@bpetertube 5 жыл бұрын

ROME PARRILLA Position #1 is approximately 90° clockwise. I don’t recall exactly, but I believe that’s the accessories position.

@nicholasclinger1737 3 жыл бұрын

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???

@shil.e30 4 жыл бұрын

Hi I have tried but the key just would not turn into position one, I have only sprayed wd40 but just no luck, any guidance please do let me know.

@mcm730 16 күн бұрын

Our tumbler is locked solid. Will not turn. Is there another way to get it out?

@MrTheDays1 4 жыл бұрын

Can you turn the car on if u happen to drill the tumbler out and stick a screwdriver while I wait for the parts? 3 to 4 days

@bpetertube 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, you should be able to turn the car on with the tumbler removed. If you plan to throw away your old tumbler, you can also remove all of the wafers from it and reinstall it until the replacement tumbler arrives. Please note that with the wafers removed any key will start the car.

@brickwal92tt 5 жыл бұрын

So there is no way to repair the tumbler yourself? Are these like disposable lighters or can these be repaired vs. replaced?

@tonyarnold9784 2 жыл бұрын

i read a guy in a Merc forum saying that he did get his repaired by a locksmith, but not certain how many locksmiths are able to do so

@rodmarques3226 6 жыл бұрын

I was able to get the black tumbler cover off without the key being in the lock at position 1. Dont ask super long story. I did not cut it off or damage it. The question is how do I get the tumbler out. The key will go in but not turn. Thank you

@trylox7359 Жыл бұрын

How did you do it pls

@tukinorakei563 7 жыл бұрын

hi my ignition is stuck and can't rotate at all what method did you use to get it to turn mine is stuck and won't move at all please help

@bpetertube 7 жыл бұрын

Tukino, I tried multiple items that I described in the post below. Adub408 asked the same question. What ultimately worked for me was *gently* tapping on the back of the key with a small hammer while trying to turn the key.

@armindosilva5752 2 жыл бұрын

How so you managed to turn the key? In my case I can't turn my key ti the first position help me please how can I turn to first position

@bpetertube 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Armindo. That is the part that took a very long time and a lot of tries. I mentioned in the video some of the approaches I tried and after a lot of attempts one finally worked. As you can see in the video, the problem is the slight wear causing the wafer to get stuck when turning the tumbler (so some vibration, shaking the key, using spare keys that have less wear, etc are some methods but they will all take a lot of attempts) . Also, see the comments in this comments sections from others about what worked for them.

@Pgtaufeq Жыл бұрын

Do your mercy have immo?

@greatestytcommentator 10 ай бұрын

Just a quick point.... On my c220 with the ir key.. If your battery is completely flat, the ignition key is locked mechanically.. This may save you an hour of your life.

@armindosilva5752 2 жыл бұрын

I try everything to turn the key in first position and nothing happens. I think have to destroy it completely by drilling and or bashing but I don't know how to do it can somebody help me

@hjjjnjkjgh1203 Жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💪💪💪🇱🇾

@user-oi9vl2lr9e 4 жыл бұрын

Как всегда выручили

@sauddaham 2 жыл бұрын

What if my key is lost and I'm trying to change the cylinder...please help

@bpetertube 2 жыл бұрын

You will need to go to the Mercedes dealer and provide the proof of ownership and your ID and potentially other information. They will create a replacement key for you and a replacement cylinder if you need one as well.

@ParthPatel-zy4pg 6 жыл бұрын

how much does mercedes charge to install new tumbler and key?

@bpetertube 6 жыл бұрын

The price for the replacement tumbler is approx $100. The labor depends on if your tumbler is stuck or not. If it is stuck, the total price with labor may be close to $1000. If it is not stuck, it is a 30 minute job.

@oliverg.201 4 жыл бұрын

Very helpful, thank youBut you do not have to buy a new lock, just file down the tumblers that stick out when the key is inserted, what sticks are the ones that stick out when the key is in it, dremel or file them down so they are flush, clean and lube and put back in, works like a charm.All together took me about 45 min. and now I do not have do worry no more to get stranded somewhere.

@limpiditymuzik648 4 жыл бұрын

Do you know if this removal will work for the 1996 W140?

@bpetertube 4 жыл бұрын

Your approach is definitely another option. By filing down the wafers more "other" keys may be able to start your car. I considered it as well and then decided to just buy a replacement tumbler.

@vladimirzahov4677 5 жыл бұрын

what to do if i cant put the key into possition 1???

@bpetertube 5 жыл бұрын

Vladimir, it required a lot of patience. Someone asked the same question a while ago. Here is my reply to that same question and what I tried to finally make it work. It was quite time consuming as I tried multiple items. I tried different spare keys that have not been used much. The idea was that they have less wear and will better compensate for the combined wear of they key and the tumbler wafers The other approach I tried was applying a thin coat of nail polish to the key to build up some of the areas of wear. That did not work either. I tried applying vibration to the back of the key while turning the key, also with no success. What ultimately worked for me was gently tapping on the back of the key with a small hammer while trying to turn the key. I have seen posts online where methods that I described earlier worked for others. In my case it was tapping on the back of the key. All of this took quite a bit of time that would not be economical for the dealer due to their hourly rate. The alternative is unfortunately a lot more involved job. I hope this helps. Good luck.

@vladimirzahov4677 5 жыл бұрын

bpetertube it require a 6mm drill and 20 minutes

@bpetertube 5 жыл бұрын

Vladimir, I am glad you got it fixed. Can you post additional details that others may find helpful (any specifics about how you approached the drilling and what you did to not damage the parts beyond the tumbler) . It is always good to have multiple options to solve the problem.

@alvariho2365 3 жыл бұрын

@@vladimirzahov4677 can you tell me about cause i can't Turn the Key I have 1997 c230

@TerranceDixonSr.-we1qg 11 ай бұрын

96 Mercedes ignition tumbler shroud stuck

@joycelewiscagle 8 ай бұрын

Thank you but my key still will not turn at all

@norbfer97f99 2 жыл бұрын

My key doesnt rotate how i take it of

@bpetertube 2 жыл бұрын

See the comments in this thread for ideas about what others have tried. I described in the video what worked for me. It required a lot of retries to turn the key.

@NORTH_HWD Жыл бұрын

Does the key or anything need to be programmed

@bpetertube Жыл бұрын

For the vehicle shown in the video (model year 1996), the tumbler replacement is a solely mechanical procedure and does not require you to reprogram the key.

@NORTH_HWD Жыл бұрын

@@bpetertube thank you

@makhosinomawa7885 Жыл бұрын

@@bpetertube Hi I stupidly asked the same question and only after sorting the comments I found the answer to the same question. Thanks mate.

@iymind6785 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Sir, good job and good video, I have the same model E320 and 1996 model, it has the same problem, the key can't turn and I can't start the car. Can you send me your direct email or WhatsApp so we can communicate further? I need a new replacement, thanks. Awaiting your response.