How to Take Out the Key Switch in a 2002 Saturn L300

The 2002 Saturn L300 is equipped with a 3.0-liter V-6 engine, capable of producing 182 horsepower and 190 foot-pounds of torque. The 2002 L300 also has a four-speed automatic transmission. The ignition cylinder on the 2002 L300 is a column-mounted cylinder; it is usually replaced when the cylinder tumblers are bad or when the cylinder does not properly function with the starting system of the car. Replacing the ignition cylinder should take only about an hour.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of the L300 and set the prop rod. Remove the negative battery cable from the battery with an open-end wrench. Tuck the cable to the side of the battery so there is no accidental contact during this project.

2

Sit in the driver's seat of the car or kneel next to the driver's seat. Gently pry the ignition cylinder bezel off the steering column with a flat-head screwdriver. Remove the five mounting screws from the bottom steering column shroud with a ratchet and socket. Remove the upper and lower column shrouds by hand.

3

Insert the ignition key into the ignition cylinder and turn the key to the "Run" position. Turn the key back to the accessories or "II" position on the cylinder. Push the locking button on the side of the ignition cylinder assembly, using a small pick or awl. Slide the ignition cylinder out of the ignition assembly horizontally by hand.

4

Install the new ignition key into the new ignition lock cylinder. Slide the cylinder horizontally into the ignition assembly, by hand, until it clicks and locks into place.

5

Install the upper and lower steering column shrouds by hand. Install and tighten the shroud fasteners into the lower shroud until they are snug. No torque is needed on these bolts; adding torque could crack the steering column shrouds. Install the ignition lock cylinder bezel by hand and push it horizontally inward until it clicks and locks into place.

6

Install the negative battery cable onto the battery and tighten it snug with an open-end wrench.