I have ZERO handy skills. My car is stuck on the 2nd floor of a parking garage and they couldn't even tow it out bc the wheels were locked. I made a deal with the AAA driver to come back sunday and do this fix for me and id give him 200 bucks

 

Actually, provided the guy is not a fool, you did good. It's an hour job max, once you do one - but your first one can go up to two hours. At $90-100 an hour, you made a reasonable offer - this would run $800 to $1200 at a dealer (based on what people have said who came here AFTER going to a dealer).

Any "handy" person can follow the PDF and do the job.

 

I had the assembly removed and the pin and spring removed. My question is now will this problem occur again, do I need a new assembly.

 

No you have no problem from now on - nothing more to do!!

 

Im hoping someone can help me. I am trying to get the pin out but unfortunately none of the pictures in the instrution will open and the PDF file is gone Where exactly is the hatch that is supposed to open on the assembly? Is it the end u shaped thing. does it slide off, there are no screws or anything

 

Here's the PDF .... Good luck. (This worked well for me a year or two ago.)

 

Here's a video of Paul showing you how to open the hatch and remove the pin and spring.

 

Thanks guys i had the feeling i was screwed last friday when my key would not turn anymore. Steeringwheel was blocked. Lucky i found this forum!

This PDF helped me good! I have taken some photos if some people need more clear pics. Small detail on my 2003 crossifre, there are no 8mm bolts in position 1 & 3 on step 6, they are the same screws as the rest.

 

Welcome to the crowd!

 

Thanks for the PDF, I'll do this fix today.

 

Thanks so much for the step by step photos and tips to disassemble and remove the key cylinder locking pin. I thought when this pin is removed the steering wheel lock is disassembled as well. Fellowed the video, pin popped out, and yes hit me right in the eye(safety goggles) couldn't find the spring. Looked inside just to make sure spring was not still inside. After reinstall started great, no hangups or key jamming or sticking but locking steer wheel still locks? Did i miss understand that both locking (key and steering wheel) will no longer be present? No i did not have to drill out locking pin under the clamp, I decided to do this job before i got stuck somewhere and have to be towed and high cost of fixing.
Rich

 

Everything will works as it should. Steering wheel still locks after the spring and pin removal. No downside to removal.

 

I have to say I belong to a few different forums with my 4X4 and Harley. This is by far the best group of enthusiasts I have had the chance to be associated with. Your support of tips, tricks and technical information is very much appreciated. I will fix my ignition tomorrow and then on to my locking system.
Thanks
ffmdicpete

 

Thank you for your prompt reply. I just wanted to make sure. Again you guys are fantastic thanks for all the help.

 

That spring and pin you removed were the product of German over-engineering. It was a backup
steering wheel locking part that would ultimately lock up the primary steering wheel lock. I
understand that Mercedes was convinced that this part in the ignition was not necessary and
re-engineered the 2006 and later ignitions without the spring and pin.

 

I wonder if they re-engineered it because many were failing and too many customers were pissed. I do not recall any company ever, re-engineering something because it was 'over-engineered'. Once money is spent, they would not redo it unless it is a problem.

 

Good point, Graphite. They were "convinced" to change the ignition by their customers and dealers, not on their own initiative.

 

If it was reengineered any design change was most likely internal or not readily visible. Ala_xfire removed pins/spring from both a new lock assembly and the one in my vehicle. We both examined the mechanism closely and could not identify any mechanical differences. It could be that the change was microscopic i.e., smaller pin or spring with more torsion.

 

How are the fixes going?

And ditto what you say about this car group. None better!

 

Relieved!!! Just Finished version 5, Sticky Key probably a day away from being stuck for good. I used a spare key left in the ignition for a few days until I had time to fix it myself (It takes 35 minutes after you exit the vehicle until you can use a second key to lock the car using FOB, my manual key doesn't work) Risky but as long as it's temporary weigh the options of getting stuck by removing the key or leaving it unlocked for 35 min. The PDF was super! First fix that went without a hitch! Barely cursed and finished under 2 hours! Everything works as it did before the sticky situation. I didn't have to drill anything, just removed the spring and button located under the thin metal tab. Thank You very much for a detailed & updated DIY!!! Huge Relief! 2004 XFire Limited HardTop Owner since 07'