2002 saturn sl2 ignition lock cylinder replacement

Member

Join Date: Sep 2005

Posts: 321

1998 SW2

My ignition lock cylinder has been giving me trouble for a long time. The key stick and grabs going in and out. I've tried lubing it and getting a new key without any noticeable difference.
I'm going to order a new AC Delco cylinder (with key). I'm not concerned about having a different door and ignition key at this point in the vehicles life. I figured it was easier to get a built-up unit with key ready to install vs. the type that you have to match up to your original key.
Any tips on removing and replacing this thing?

Junior Member

Join Date: Mar 2014

Posts: 48

I had to have my 2002 SL1 re-keyed, ignition, doors, and trunk. I took it to the stealership and out the door it cost me $700, but that was mostly because my vehicle had been stolen and the ignition cylinder was damaged and required replacement. I did get two brand new original black plastic Saturn keys out of it though lol.

...
02 Sl1 5-speed, 199k miles, run's great!
98 Sl1 5-speed sold at 145k miles back in 07

Member

Join Date: Sep 2005

Posts: 321

1998 SW2

Yikes...!
New lock cylinder is around $20.00 at the local auto parts store (have to order) and doesn't look to hard to install...

Senior Member

Join Date: Jul 2014

Location: Central Florida

Posts: 1,612

2003 L-Series 3.0L Sedan

A Richpin video...this will guide you through it. IMHO Richpin deserves a medal for his help videos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt8wnj4qHoc

Member

Join Date: Sep 2005

Posts: 321

1998 SW2

Thanks. Looks simple enough...

Member

Join Date: Sep 2005

Posts: 321

1998 SW2

Any recommendations on a decent replacement lock cylinder? I tried to get an AC Delco unit from O'Reilly's but they are having trouble getting it...

Junior Member

Join Date: Jan 2012

Location: Windy City

Posts: 38

1998 SW2

Have you tried cleaning the cylinder? Richpin has a video on that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iLPpXVElU0

...
1998 SW2 5spd 66k mi
1999 C5 hardtop
2007 Magnum SRT8

Member

Join Date: Sep 2005

Posts: 321

1998 SW2

I thought about trying to clean it but I decided that if I'm going to go to the trouble of removing the lock cylinder, I'll just replace it. They don't cost that much.

Master Member

Join Date: May 2004

Location: Long Island, NY

Posts: 2,113

RockAuto for '98 SW2: AIRTEX / WELLS 4H1111 ca$39+ship

item doesn't include key , so will need visit to locksmith...

Strongly suggest liberal application of good grease prior initial use.

Maybe also check the steering wheel interlock as source of friction --
-- perhaps something binding there more than 'normal' ... .

Senior Member

Join Date: Jul 2014

Location: Central Florida

Posts: 1,612

2003 L-Series 3.0L Sedan

My son's L300 we just bought began sticking on the ignition lock. One look at the key told us how worn everything was. I priced out online and at the dealerships for an uncoded lock. There was little difference in price. An uncoded lock then has to be coded and I wanted the code to be the same as the door locks to avoid have multiple keys. I priced the dealer price against a locksmith charge (and not every locksmith does ignition locks) and again there was little difference in cost.
I took it to the dealers to be sorted. I left it to the dealer to remove the lock from the vehicle and I paid for that privilege. The new key was an eye watering $37.00 from the dealer, so I had another cut at a locksmith for $7.00 and the expensive one will sit as the spare. The dealer also gave me the keycode for the car as well.
Unless you have time on your hands, I would get the new lock from the dealers, have them code it and refit it yourself.
On a final note DO NOT stick grease in the lock. Use powdered graphite.

Master Member

Join Date: Dec 2006

Location: Houston

Posts: 4,091

2002 SL2

Quote:

Originally Posted by floridasl22002

The new key was an eye watering $37.00 from the dealer, so I had another cut at a locksmith for $7.00 and the expensive one will sit as the spare.

Quote:

Originally Posted by floridasl22002

On a final note DO NOT stick grease in the lock. Use powdered graphite.

...
2002 SL2 Manual - new in November, 2001
As of 09/30/17: 223,751 Miles - SOLD
New owner report of 08/08/19: 234,408 Miles

2013 Mazda 3 HB - new in October 2012
As of 11/12/20: 78,895 Miles

Senior Member

Join Date: Jul 2014

Location: Central Florida

Posts: 1,612

2003 L-Series 3.0L Sedan

One thing we have found on my sons S series is the cheapo door lock switches. As you know they are 'rocker switches which are positioned vertically. After a while they will lose their ability to stand up straight and gravity takes over making them 'chatter'. This is a common fault on these switches. You can still buy them at about $30+ they aren't too much of a hit. We have replaced both my son's as they were both chattering.
Out of curiosity I dismantled the switch to find out what causes the chattering.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered that instead of a spring to create the 'rock' Saturn in their desire to save nickels chose to use a piece of foam to act as the rocker. Over time this piece of foam gets flatted and lose it's springiness and hence causes the switches to make electrical contact and chatter. So if you have chattering switches and want to save a nickel in the same way that Saturn did, just replace the foam with a new piece. It should cost all of a nickel!!

Member

Join Date: Sep 2005

Posts: 321

1998 SW2

Well, I struck-out trying to get a replacement lock cylinder (with key). O'Reillys, AutoZone and Advance don't carry it and can't get it despite the fact that two of these stores show the lock cylinder available and in-stock in their stores...

Member

Join Date: Nov 2013

Location: West Allis, WI

Posts: 88

1999 SL

I replaced the lock cylinder in my 99 SL with LC13590 from Advance Auto. Their parts finder at the time indicated it was not a match but fortunately some comments referenced the SL so I gave it a try. It installed easily once my 7/32 nut driver arrived from Amazon. Still working fine, been well over a year now. It comes with a key so you'll end up with two keys (one for the door, one for the ignition).

Thought this might help. Good luck...

Member

Join Date: Sep 2005

Posts: 321

1998 SW2

I just found some on ebay for a 98 SW2. Not sure what is so different about the year 1998 vs other years and SW2 vs the others but I don't want to take a chance and rip the old one out only to find I bought the wrong year part number.

Member

Join Date: Sep 2005

Posts: 321

1998 SW2

Incidentally, all of these parts are always listed as for "Base model". My SW2 isn't a "Base model". Does this make any difference?

Senior Member

Join Date: Jul 2014

Location: Central Florida

Posts: 1,612

2003 L-Series 3.0L Sedan

IMHO just bite the bullet and contact the GM dealer. You can still get the locks and they are not as expensive as you might think from the main dealer.

Member

Join Date: Sep 2005

Posts: 321

1998 SW2

The last time I went to a GM dealer after a part, I was given a dirty look and informed that they "Do not support that line of vehicle" as if it never existed...

Senior Member

Join Date: Jul 2014

Location: Central Florida

Posts: 1,612

2003 L-Series 3.0L Sedan

Quote:

Originally Posted by SW2 Driver

The last time I went to a GM dealer after a part, I was given a dirty look and informed that they "Do not support that line of vehicle" as if it never existed...

You get no marks in all walks of life, so jsu pick another person or dealer.

Super Member

Join Date: Jan 2006

Location: NYC

Posts: 45,781

2003 L-Series 3.0L Sedan

SW2 Driver, did you try comparing the stock numbers from the ebay part against GM part numbers? One site that has excellent online parts drawings, http://parts.nalleygmc.com/ among the many with some searching. Perhaps GMpartsonline? A "professional" might use friendlier phrases like "we're sorry but we no longer support a discontinued line..." or something to the effect without giving you any clues to where to go. Perhaps those that are professional will at least suggest trying another dealer (true professionalism) or going online or using an 800 number to redirect you............

The age of friendly business discourse seems to disappear when all it takes is a little effort to promote conversations without making a customer feel awkward. Its obvious the person you spoke to wasn't as polished as he may think when handling the simplest questions.