Mercedes Benz repair: 190E ignition switch, phillips head screws, electrical portion

Question
QUESTION: My 190E doesn't start when the key is rotated to the start position and after a few attempts to start the dash lights remain illuminated with the key in the Off position. I have disconnected the battery and dropped the panel beneath the dash and will attempt to remove the switch tomorrow. Do you have any technics or advise on how I can accomplish this before starting?

ANSWER:  Ok . Try this Greg.
Remove the knee Bolster. That is the panel that protects the Knees located on the drivers side. I guess that you might want to call it the underpanel. For all intents the purpose is for you to be able to put your head and see the electrical connection behind the ignition (Key switch). Once you have done that. Put the key in the 1st position clockwise and go and remove the electrical plug. Note: Grab the plug with you hand and wiggle it and pull it back. If it is stuck. With the battery disconnected use a small screwdriver and gently pry it loose. Once you have done that. Plug your battery back in. If no lights stay on then go and buy the electrical portion of the ignition switch.  Make sure that your mechanical part is not binding. But I am almost sure that your have a bad electrical portion of the switch.

Let me know what happens If you need further assistance and you may have to wait at times for my response as I am also repairing cars at my facility
Take care
Ralph
Miami Auto Help Inc


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have successfully removed the electrical plug and reconnected the battery. Everything works fine and I have no binding in the mechanical part of the switch. However, due to the limitd space under the dash i am having trouble looking into the backside of the switch. Are there screws holding the electric part inside the metal case or is it pressed together?

Thanks
Greg

ANSWER:  Yes Greg.
There are three Phillips head screws holding it in place. Use a stubby Phillips. you may want to use a small mirror and a flashlight . If You give me the year I will supply you with the part number.
Let Me Know
Ralph
Miami Auto Help Inc

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ralph,

Thanks for your help with this project. I was able to remove the screws with the mirror, flashlight and stubby screw driver. My 190E is a 1985 model (gasoline).

Thanks again,
Greg

Answer
Hey Greg Testing the new unit without reassembling all the way 1st.
Plug it in to the new electrical portion. Remember position 1. Use a flathead screwdriver. You can actually leave everything disconnected and store it away in the trunk and drive the car for a few day and see that the problem is gone.
Remember that even thought you can start the car with a screwdriver. you must turn the key in the mechanical car to release the steering lock mechanism. witch if someone tries to steal the car with the steering locked in the turned position they will not get anywhere.

Let me know
Ralph
Miami Auto Help Inc