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

This bulletin is being revised to update the model years and information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 06-02-35-016A (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.

Important: If this subject vehicle was already lubricated, replace the ignition lock cylinder and case housing. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement and Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement in SI.

Remove the ignition lock cylinder, clean the ignition lock cylinder, case housing and lubricate the cylinder with GM Super Lube® using the procedure below.

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 ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement in SI.
3. Wet a shop cloth with GM Brake Cleaner, P/N 12378392 (in Canada, 88901247), or equivalent. Then wipe out the cylinder housing and clean the outside of the ignition lock cylinder.




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

4. Lubricate the tail end and the outside case area of the ignition lock cylinder with GM Super Lube® P/N 12346241 for U.S. (10953474 in Canada).
5. Install the ignition lock cylinder with the key inserted into the ignition housing. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement in SI.
6. Connect the negative battery cable and install the battery cover.
7. Verify that the customer's condition is fixed.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: