Ignition Lock Cylinder

[Jim Hutchings]

I have a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am. The key is a little sticky. Have to jiggle the key to get it to turn and start the car. Whats the easiest and cheapest way of replacing the key tumblers?

Can a guy remove the lock cylinder with no key if I go to an auto wreckers as I have never seen any keys in them?

Just need to get this fixed before I can not use it. Not really wanting to spend a fortune on a new lock cylinder.

Topic

[Bill]

It might not be the lock cylinder. If the key is worn out it will act the same way.

[Jim Hutchings]

I went and got a key cut thinking the same thing but with the new cut key I can not even turn the key to start the car. So don’t think its the key. Is there a way to check this.

Thanks

[Bill]

All you can do is to check to see if the new key matches the old one. Perhaps the place didn’t cut it correctly.

[Jim Hutchings]

So I got the newly cut key to work but I still have to play around to get it to turn. Same as the old worn key. What happens if i lube it up with some grease-less silicone to help from not sticking.

[Bill]

You could try to lubricate it but I think the cylinder must be worn out. I thought a new key might do the trick as I have seen it work many times.

[Lorrin Barth]

If the old key is worn to the point where it is hanging the tumblers, cutting a new key from it is not going solve the problem. You just end up with a new key with all the old key’s problems.

[Jim Hutchings]

So will lubing it hurt anything? Where would you guys recommend buying a new lock key cylinder from. Car is not worth spending a whole lot on it.

[Lorrin Barth]

Everyone says it is a big no no to ever put grease or oil in a lock cylinder. Buy a new lock from GM and guess what, it comes with a packet of grease.

[Jim Hutchings]

That’s why I suggested a greaseless silicone. So would you Use the silicone.

[Lorrin Barth]

The best fix is to find that your spouse has the other key and it is like new. But, yeah, try some lube.

[Jim Hutchings]

Where do you guys recommend buying a lock cylinder from. Any suggestions as I live in Alberta.

Thanks

[John Hugon]

When a sticky lock cylinder came in; GM always made us spray some GM super lube into the cylinder, before lock cylinder replacement. I didn’t like it…but this is what GM wanted. That’s an easy lock cylinder to replace…just remove it and clean it up..see attachment…

Attachments:

• IgnitionSwitchLockCylinderReplacement.pdf

[Author]

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