Key broke off in ignition cannot get it out?

DOLPHINSCOTT

MEMBER
1997 MERCEDES BENZ 280
2.4L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
115,000 MILES

My key broke off in the ignition, I have purchased a new key and ignition, however the ignition cannot be removed without inserting the key and turning to position 1. I have torn the car apart removing the console and dashboard to get to the ignition, but can’t get the ignition out and can’t seem to find an answer to remove the entire housing or another way to remove cylinder and replace it. There was one answer on removing the ignition housing, but they were speaking in very technical term and no way could I follow the procedure. I have been working on the problem for over a week and this is my only vehicle so I can’t get to work or even leave the house without taking a taxi. I am so frustrated at this point. I’m wondering if I have to scrap the car or give up no idea where to turn.

Tuesday, April 11th, 2023 AT 11:13 AM

5 Replies

DRAKO2774

MEMBER
4 POSTS

If you can see the end of the key use a hot glue stick heat the end up and push it in the ignition as hard as you can and hold it for a few sec the try to pull it out the glue should grab the key and remove. It worked for me on many occasions.

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Tuesday, April 11th, 2023 AT 1:03 PM

DOLPHINSCOTT

MEMBER
5 POSTS

I have no got the ignition out but broke the steering lock/ ignition housing in half in the process I gave no idea how to remove the broken part from the column I’ve bought a new steering lock/ ignition housing and ignition and key but at this point I think I just wasted money because short of taking a sledge hammer to the thing I should just have it towed away as scrap, it’s my only car and I’m out if work because I can’t get there I’m at the end of my rope so far there’s no way to fix it at all I called a locksmith the only one in my town and he won’t touch it the closest dealership is 300 miles away and even if I could afford towing it that as far I know I can’t afford what Mercedes’ would charge me any help would sure be appreciated I am completely lost.

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Tuesday, April 18th, 2023 AT 9:57 PM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
14,556 POSTS

Unfortunately, even once you replace the housing and cylinder you will still need to have it towed to a shop or dealer because the security system will no longer recognize the key and will need to be reprogrammed to use the new keys. I'm not sure why you removed all of those parts either, the stock switch uses a special 4 leg wrench that removes the locking nut from the switch and lets you remove it from behind the dash. You then disconnect the wiring and the interlock cable and swap the housings. If you broke the interlock assembly, you should be able to get that piece from a dealership. Mercedes also restricts a lot of their lock information which is why the local locksmith doesn't want to touch it.

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Wednesday, April 19th, 2023 AT 6:41 PM

DOLPHINSCOTT

MEMBER
5 POSTS

I got the new key and ignition as well the steering lick / housing from the dealer who required my vin an proof if ownership to get them for me they have assured me I won’t have to have them reprogrammed and they should work fine, my problem is I gave about 2” it the old luck assembly sticking out if the column and it won’t release any idea how I can get that out? At this point I need to get an ignition in the car and unlock the steering then I your correct I will face to put it in a trailer and tow it to the dealer that’s 280 miles away but without getting the old brine part out I can do nothing and the reason I had to do this was the key broke off in the ignition and I tried for hours using every method available and online and could not get the broken key purecevout if the ignition.

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Thursday, April 20th, 2023 AT 9:56 AM

STEVE W.