Assembling and Coding Ignition Lock Cylinder

The ignition lock assemblies are serviced using one assembly which includes the following.

• Cylinder
• Retainer Bar
• Retainer Spring
• Sidebar Spring
• Security Bar
• Retaining Ring
• Knob
• Sidebar

Fig 1: Assembling & Coding Ignition Lock Cylinder
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
1. Beginning at the front of the ignition cylinder (5) and working toward the tail end of the cylinder, insert the appropriate tumbler (3), according to the key code, into the corresponding tumbler ward (4). For example, using the code #0008 (2,4,4,2,3,2,4,4,4,3) and key cut positions 1-9, tumblers 2,4,4,2,3,2,4,4,4 would be inserted into tumbler slots 1-9, respectively.
2. Seat the tumblers by pushing it past the sidebar with a small flat screwdriver.
3. Place several drops of Mobile SHC 524 synthetic oil, or equivalent, on top of the tumblers for lubrication.
4. Install the tumbler springs (2) into the spring wells in the cylinder where they will sit on top of the tumblers.
5. Install the retainer locator legs into the receptacle slots in the cylinder.
6. While holding the seal plate in position with the thumb, insert the key into the cylinder and watch for the side bar to drop.
IMPORTANT: If the side bar does not drop when the key is inserted into the cylinder, then the cylinder is tumbled wrong and you need to start over. The side bar must be completely flush to the cylinder diameter.
7. Stake the 2 metal areas of the cylinder directly over the seal plate legs with a hammer and a punch. Repeat this stake on the areas of the cylinder directly opposite the first 2 stakes.
8. Carefully place the detent ball (9) on the detent spring (10).
CAUTION: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in Cautions and Notices.
9. Depress the detent ball and spring and insert the cylinder (5) into the cylinder housing (4).
10. Install the lock pawl (3).
11. Install the lock pawl E-clip (2) to retain the lock pawl.
12. Remove the key from the lock cylinder (5).
13. Install the lock cylinder cap (7) by aligning the notch in the cap with the large drain slot in the lock housing (4).

    Press the cap into place with light hand pressure.