Assembling and Coding Ignition Lock Cylinder
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Saturn Ion Red Line, 2005 Saturn Ion 3, 2005 Saturn Ion 2, and 2005 Saturn Ion 1. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The ignition lock cylinder uses nine of the ten cut positions, 2 through 10. The ignition cylinder tumblers are all located on one side of the cylinder and not self-retaining. A retainer secures the tumblers. It follows the key code with the first tumbler being the first depth of the key code.
- Hold the cylinder (1) so that the side with four tumbler spring wells is facing up.
- The first tumbler (3) to be loaded will be the second key cut position, the second number in the key code. Install the first tumbler in the slot nearest the front of the lock cylinder.
- Install the remaining tumblers following the key code.
- Insert tumbler springs (4) into the spring wells on top of the tumblers.
- Assemble the retainer (5) over springs. Secure by moving cylinder material over edges of the retainer with either a flat head screwdriver or center punch on each of the four corners over the ends of the retainer.
- Check for correct loading of the tumblers by inserting the key into cylinder. The side bar (2) should be flush with the lock cylinder body diameter.
- Lightly lubricate the tumbler surfaces using the provided lubrication.
- Rotate lock to the run position.
- Insert lock in steering column. Ensure both retainers are seated properly.
- Rotate lock to key out position and remove key.