Assembling and Coding Ignition Lock Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder uses 7 of the 10 cut positions, 1 through 7. The tumbler positions are staggered from side to side, 4 on one side and 3 on the other.

Fig 1: Ignition Lock Cylinder & Components
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IMPORTANT: The ignition lock cylinder tumblers (8) are not self retaining and must be held in place if the key is not fully inserted into the lock cylinder.
1. Hold the cylinder (7) so that the side with 4 tumbler spring wells is facing up.
2. Insert tumbler springs (4) into the 5 spring wells.
3. The first tumbler to be loaded will be the 1st key cut position the first number in the key code. Install the first tumbler (8) in the slot nearest the front of the lock cylinder, this is the side into which the key would be inserted.
4. Install the 3 remaining tumblers on this side of the lock cylinder, key cut positions 3, 5, and 7.
5. Inspect for correct loading of the tumblers (8) by inserting the key into cylinder (7). The tumblers (8) should be flush with the outside diameter of the cylinder (7).
6. Turn the cylinder (7) so that the side with the 3 tumbler spring wells is facing up. Remove the key.
7. Insert the tumbler springs (4) into the 3 spring wells.
8. Install the tumbler (8) for the key cut position 2 into the slot nearest to the front of the lock cylinder.
9. Install the 2 remaining tumblers, key cut positions 4 and 6 on this side of the lock cylinder.
10. Inspect for correct loading of the tumblers (8) by inserting the key into cylinder (7). The tumblers (8) should be flush with the outside diameter of the cylinder (7).
11. Lightly lubricate the tumbler (8) surfaces using the provided lubrication.
12. With the key inserted into the housing, rotate the cylinder (7) so that the side with the 4 tumblers is facing up.
CAUTION: Wear safety glasses in order to avoid eye damage.
IMPORTANT: The retaining pin spring (3) and retaining pin (2) are not self retaining and must be held in place until the cylinder (7) is assembled into the case assembly (1).
13. Insert one retaining pin spring (3) and one retaining pin (2) into the hole located behind the 4 tumblers (8).
14. Align the retaining lug on the cylinder (7) with the groove that extends the full length of the case assembly (1).
15. With the retaining pin (2) full depressed, install the cylinder (7) into the case (1) until the retaining pin (2) enters the case assembly (1).
16. Fully insert the cylinder (7), then rotate the cylinder (7) counter clockwise until the retaining pin snaps into place limiting the rotation.
17. Remove the key and install the illumination ring (6) onto the case assembly (1).
18. Install the theft deterrent module (5) over the illumination ring (6).