How to Change the Lock Cylinder on a 1998 Saturn SE

A functioning lock cylinder is very important to gaining access to the interior of your 1998 Saturn SE or any vehicle. Some cars come equipped with automatic openers that allow the user to unlock the door without the key. Other cars require a key for entry. If the lock cylinder is not working, the automatic opener or the key is useless for entering the vehicle, especially the driver's side. This often leads to the driver reaching over from the passenger side to open the driver's door. Changing the lock cylinder fixes the problem.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the negative cable from the battery post using a socket and ratchet. Wrap the connector of the negative cable with painter's tape to prevent energy from flowing to the vehicle, if the connector comes into contact with the battery.

2

Remove the screw on the panel covering the side mirror components using a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the panel.

3

Loosen the retaining screw inside the panel with a hex-head wrench to release the mirror cable from the panel. Unplug the electrical connector if the vehicle is so equipped.

4

Remove the foam from the mirror housing.

5

Remove the bolts holding the mirror to the vehicle using a socket and ratchet. Carefully remove the mirror.

6

Wrap the blade of a putty knife with painter's tape and carefully pry along the edge of the outer window seal strip. Once the strip is lifted, pull the strip to remove it.

7

Lift the outer door handle and push the pins in with a punch to disengage them. The door handle is equipped with two pins, one on each end. Use a pair of pliers to remove the pins. Once the pins are removed, the handle is released.

8

Remove the screws holding the outer door panel in place using a Torx screwdriver. Grab the front of the panel and pull it away from the door, and then pull the rear to remove the panel. Inspect the tape fillers for damage and replace if necessary.

9

Remove the outer door insulation if it is in place.

10

Disconnect the locking rod from the lock cylinder. Lift the hook of the locking rod from its position on the lock cylinder.

11

Unplug the electrical harness if the vehicle is equipped with power locks. Lift the retainer holding the electrical harness in place.

12

Remove the lock cylinder retainer by lifting it. Remove the lock cylinder and electrical harness.

13

Install the new lock cylinder and electrical harness if necessary. Place the retainers into place to secure the lock cylinder and electrical harness.

14

Reconnect the vehicle's components.