dtinker

No need to replace anything. Take the pin and spring out and put the unit back in. I was one of the first to do it that way in August of '09 - I have had absolutely no problems and my steering wheel still locks. As Blaiseshimmer pointed out if you leave it and have to drill it, it is a much bigger job and then I am not sure if your wheel will still lock or not. Do it before it gets hotter outside as that seems to increase the frequency of the problem.

 

The parts which are removed are metal. A spring and an odd shaped pin. I did the fix a couple months back, and have had no problems. I do have to be sure the key is rotated all the way to the left as that position in my car is not perfectly vertical but about 10 degrees beyond.

 

I followed the pictures/instructions and got the job done in about 2 hours. I am old and slow, but my ignition key now works as it should. What is the purpose of the pin that is removed? My wheel still locks without the pin.

 

It is my understanding that the parts that are taken out are part of a redundant steering wheel lock mechanism. (I asked the same question and that's the answer I got).

 

Okay I am experiencing the sticky ignition problem. i have read all the posts I can find. When my key sticks the power is completely gone. The car is dead, the displays go off and nothing until the kay turns and power comes back. I am going to try the Sticky Fix. Or is this another problem?

 

It sounds like the correct diagnosis. I need to do this fix too. No problems yet,but don't want any. I'm in Houston, don't know where you are located, but I would bet there is a member close by that would be glad to assist you. If you are around Houston let me know, glad to help. I still can't drive for awhile ( End of August).

 

Thanks rekcah for the excellent pdf file. Been having problems since I got my car started off every once and a while but lately it was more common than not. Very easy fix thanks to your pics and instructions. Took about an hour and a half of my time and most importantly no cash coming out of my pocket. I owe you a six pack.

 

There are ignition switch housings available on ebay to fix stuck ignition keys.

 

do you have the EBAY link? I assume you use your old key/tumbler assy.

 

Look for it under ebay motors "Crossfire ignition switch housing". You use your own keys and key cylinder and you have to use the stearing lock sensor from the old housing but other than that, it's good to go.

 

Sorry, it's actually under crossfire ignition housing not crossfire ignition switch housing.

 

For $300 - $400 I'd get it fixed myself.
crossfire ignition housing -arctic -helmet -corvette -corvettes -chevy -equalization -boots -camaro -marine -vett | eBay

 

Yea, I heard $1200 to $1500 at the dealership and the housing is on back order till who knows when.

 

I think I'll do the drill bit trick, $300-400 is a little high compared to nothing since I have the drill and bit. Time is the only thing to invest, plus get motivated to do it. Good to know it can be bought, it beats $1200 all to heck.

 

Sounds good. The problem stems in the steering lock area of the ignition switch housing. On ebay, you get a brand new switch housing with a warranty. All you have to do is replace the old one with the new one. I put mine in in just over an hour. Now my wife is happy and I'm happy. Retail on the housing up here is $440. It's a clean fix with a warranty. You do have to be careful to have the key position at 1 so the steering doesn't lock up permenantly. I happen to have gotten the factory service manuals as part of our purchacing agreement when we bought the car.

 

I would like to say welcome to the forum bg007 but it seems strange that your first post is that there is an ignition housing on ebay for sale and you post it in the thread that tells you how to fix your own for free...... Maybe I am missing something but doesn't sound like much of a deal to anyone but the ebay seller.
And as stated before if you want to waste your money you can buy them cheaper new from Mercedes # 202 460 09 04 steering lock housing.

 

Thanks for the info on the ignition fix. My wifes key switch locked but luckily the car was in the driveway... The instuctions were dead on! The only problem I had was drilling out the pin because it spun with the drill bit. GRRRRRRRR... Other than that it was an easy fix. Thanks again!

 

After reading these responses.....


I am SO GLAD that I didn't need to drill that DAMN PIN out!

 

Thanks to the fantastic set of instructions, another successful fix. Unfortunately my key would not turn at all so after 30 minutes of fighting to drill it, sitting in a bank parking lot, I gave it another decent tap with a center punch, tried the key again and it turned. I went though the rest of the steps and everything went fine. Thanks again.

 

I have a 2004 with 60k and the key had been sticking the last a couple of weeks. I had to giggle the steering wheel to be able to turn the key at all. I followed the instructions herein and viola; no more problem! It took 1/2 an hour to remove the switch and pin, but an hour to put it back together as it was difficult to get the screw holes to line up without being able to see into the holes!

Anyway, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You saved me much time and money. If you are ever in Chico, CA, I will buy you dinner!

Thanks again.