QuestionQUESTION: Doug- I have an '05 Saturn Vue with an interesting problem. When I start the vehicle and go to turn it off, the key gets almost to the lock position and it binds up. I have to turn it slightly back towards the run position to free it up and then it will go back to the lock position. It only does this when I turn the key all the way to the start position...if I only turn it to the on position it will freely rotate back to the lock position. Any ideas?
saturn lock cyl
ANSWER: Hi Eric:
You are beginning to experience a bad ignition lock cylinder. Ultimately (within the next month or so) it will fail altogether leaving you stranded. I would suggest you replace the ignition lock cylinder now while it still turns. Once it freezes altogether, it will have to be drilled (more money) in order to replace it. Right now you are looking at about $100 cost...later @ $300.
The lock needs to come from Saturn and will be built to fit your existing key. I would also suggest getting a new key to go with it so both items are new an neither is worn.
I hope this helps you
Doug
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Doug. I have my new lock and have it coded and ready to go. I can't figure out how to remove the old lock though. It looks like there is a pin that needs to be depressed on the old lock to remove it but I cant find the access hole nor the correct position for the lock to be in to depress it. I don't need to drill through the housing to access the pin do I?
Answer
saturn lock housing
Hi Eric:
Yup...you need to drill the housing to get access to the locking spring loaded release on the old one. I will need to drill a 3/16 hole in the housing where I have indicated. You can gain access to this portion of the housing by carefully removing the shift interlock cable. I believe it's held on with a tie strap & 2 clips. Try not to break the clips when you remove it, but don;t worry if you do. Let it hang and then drill through the housing. Once you break through the housing, turn the key to the ACC position (1st click) & you will be able to push the release and the lock will slide out. sometimes they need a little encouragement to come out (snug fit).
I always look at the new lock cylinder to get a good idea of what I am trying to depress and the exact position when it's installed. You can line it up outside the housing & see just how far and in what position the release bar is in relative to the key position
Once you get the old one out, simply slide the new one in until it locks in place. the snap the interlock cable back onto the housing & you're good to go
I hope this helps
Good Luck
Doug
