today when i parked my car and when I got back in it was very difficultto get the key in the ignition switch.


after much jigling I got it in. than the tumbler would not turn after jerking the wheel to the left the key turned.

I stopped and got some lubricant sparayed the tumbler key and wheel. sometimes it goes in no problem and sometimes it won't turn. until I jerk the wheel left again.

Do i need a new tumblar or is it the key and tumblar? any thoughts or help would be greatly appreciated

 

We have almost every conceivable key issue for your series,the tumbler may be loose in the unit and solutions abound as well as some good trouble shootin and removal tips.
ohlord

 

Is this a new problem.
It is often necessary on "older" cars to take the preload of the steering column locking pin.
You refer to "jerking" the wheel to the left (anticlockwise?)
I expect that you will find the same effect if you just turn the wheel slightly in the same direction as you have "jerked", as you insert the key.
On the other hand if you are familiar with this "removing preload" procedure and the issue has just started up it may well be the lock barrel tumblers are giving signs of wear/sticking.

 

change cylinder before its stuck for ever....

 

I agree with Jimi. If you wait too long, you will have to spend ~$750 at a dealer, as I had to, to get the tumbler drilled out and replaced.

 

Thanks still sticks and sometimes locks! But I am able to turn if I go counter clock I guess the question is
change tumbler or is ti the locking pin? If I could ever get a manual have been waiting for four weeks for the
bible fi nnaly yesterday I cancelled my order any better siters for a good manual 89 300e wagon

 

I'm just leaving a key in the ignition and locking the doors with my spare. I live in a low crime area, but I've been doing this for over two years. 1988 300TE