Ignition Lock Cylinder is Hard to Turn or Binds (Clean and Lubricate Ignition Lock Cylinder/Housing)

This bulletin is being revised to add a procedure and additional step for lock cylinder lubrication. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 06-02-35-016 (Section 02 -- Steering Wheel and Column).

Some customers may comment that the ignition lock cylinder intermittently sticks or binds.

A lack of lubrication may cause adjoining metal surfaces to wear, resulting in a significant amount of powder (black in color) to form in the ignition cylinder housing.

Remove the ignition lock cylinder, clean the cylinder/housing and lubricate the cylinder with white lithium grease using the procedure below:

Removal and Cleaning Procedure for 2005-2006 Equinox, 2006 Torrent and all Saturn VUE Models

Important: The vehicle must be in PARK prior to ignition cylinder removal.

1. Remove the battery cover and disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the steering column ignition trim bezel and trim covers.
3. Insert the key into the ignition cylinder and rotate to the RUN position.





4. At a downward angle, insert a small diameter Allen Wrench or pick tool through the hole on the side of the ignition module assembly. Then depress and push up on the ignition cylinder locking retainer to release the cylinder.
5. With the retainer released, rotate the ignition cylinder back one position to the ACC position.
6. Slide out the ignition cylinder from the ignition housing.



7. If having difficulty sliding out the ignition cylinder, it may be necessary to remove the park lock cable assembly from the ignition module by disengaging the retaining tabs holding the park lock assembly to the ignition housing.
8. Wet a shop cloth with GM Brake Cleaner, P/N 12378392 (in Canada, 88901247), or equivalent. Wipe out the cylinder housing and clean the outside of the ignition lock cylinder.

Installation Procedure

Important:  The actuator blade in the ignition module must be in the ACC position in order to install the lock cylinder. If the actuator blade rotated when cleaning the ignition cylinder, then reposition the actuator blade to the ACC position by using needle nose pliers.

Important : Lubricate the tail end and the outside case area of the ignition lock cylinder with white lithium spray grease.

1. Lubricate the tail end and the outside case area of the ignition lock cylinder with white lithium spray grease. This spray grease may be purchased locally.
2. Install the ignition lock cylinder with the key inserted into the ignition housing.
3. Rotate the lock cylinder into the housing and verify proper rotation.
4. If the park lock cable assembly was disconnected, then reinstall the park lock assembly retaining tabs to the ignition module housing.
5. Install the steering column trim covers and ignition trim bezel.
6. Connect the negative battery cable and install the battery cover.

Removal and Cleaning Procedure for 2007 Equinox or Torrent

1. Remove the battery cover and disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the steering column ignition trim bezel and trim covers.
3. Turn the ignition lock cylinder to the RUN position.




Important : There are two retainers on the ignition lock cylinder. Depress both retainers to remove the lock cylinder from the housing.

4. Depress the first retainer through the lock housing access hole (2) with a small Allen Wrench or thin pick tool. The lock cylinder will back out slightly.
5. Depress the second retainer through the lock housing access hole (1). The ignition lock cylinder will back out slightly again.
6. Pull the ignition lock cylinder out enough to locate the second retainer to the lock housing access hole (2).
7. Depress the retainer through the access hole (2) a second time. The ignition cylinder should release from the housing. If not, the ignition cylinder may need to be moved in and out several times to locate the retainer correctly in the hole.
8. Remove the ignition lock cylinder from the lock housing.
9. Wet a shop cloth with GM Brake Cleaner, P/N 12378392 (in Canada, 88901247), or equivalent. Wipe out the cylinder housing and clean the outside of the ignition lock cylinder.

Installation Procedure for 2007 Equinox or Torrent

Important: Lubricate the tail end and the outside case area of the ignition lock cylinder with white lithium spray grease.

1. Lubricate the tail end and the outside case area of the ignition lock cylinder with white lithium spray grease. This spray grease may be purchased locally.
2. Position the ignition lock cylinder to the RUN position with key installed. Insert the ignition lock cylinder into the lock housing.
3. Rotate the ignition lock cylinder in the housing and verify proper rotation.
4. Install the steering column ignition trim covers and trim bezel.
5. Connect the negative battery cable and install the battery cover.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: