Ignition switches are standard equipment on most cars, just to the right of the steering column. They start the car with your ignition key. In the 1997 Mercedes-Benz, you can remove and replace your ignition cylinder in just minutes from your driver's seat with no previous experience or equipment.
Insert your car's ignition key into the ignition switch. Insert a straightened-out paperclip into the slot just to the left of the key slot. The paperclip locks the car to prevent it from starting.
Turn the key to the "ACC" position, and be sure to push the paperclip into the slot all the way. The paperclip, pushed all the way in, will unlock the cylinder from its position, allowing you to pull it out.
Pull on both the clip and the key to slide the cylinder out of its slot.
Put the cylinder down and then remove the paperclip before removing the key.
Insert your key into the new cylinder and slide it into the vacant slot. Insert the paperclip into the slot and then turn the key to the "ACC" position to lock the new switch in place.
