Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Ignition Switch/steering Lock All sections

Steering Wheel & Steering Column: Other Saturn ION I

Lock System Does Not Unlock

StepActionYesNo
DEFINITION: The lock system does not allow the key to rotate out of the OFF position.
1Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections?Go to Step 2Go to Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation
2Verify that the lock system does not unlock. Does the lock system operate normally?System OKGo to Step 3
3Inspect for an incorrect, worn, or damaged key. Is the key incorrect, worn, or damaged?Go to Step 7Go to Step 4
4Inspect for a faulty lock cylinder. Is the lock cylinder damaged?Go to Step 8Go to Step 5
5Inspect the ignition switch assembly for damage. Is the ignition switch assembly damaged?Go to Step 10Go to Step 6
6Inspect the lock module assembly for looseness or binding. Is the lock module assembly loose or binding?Go to Step 9Go to Step 11
7Replace the key. Refer to Key and Lock Cylinder Coding in General Information. Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 11
8Replace the lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 11
9Tighten or replace the lock module assembly mounting bolts. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 11
10Replace the ignition switch. Refer to Ignition Switch Replacement . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 11
11Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 3

Lock System Does Not Unlock

Lock System Does Not Lock

StepActionYesNo
DEFINITION: The lock system will not allow the key to be turned to the OFF lock position.
1Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections?Go to Step 2Go to Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation
2Verify that the lock system does not lock. Does the ignition lock cylinder solenoid operate normally?System OKGo to Step 3
3Verify the operation of the ignition lock cylinder solenoid. Is the ignition lock cylinder solenoid and linkage operation smooth when manually operated?Go to Step 4Go to Step 11
4Verify the electrical operation of the ignition lock cylinder solenoid. Refer to Ignition Can/Cannot Be Turned Off with Transmission in Any Gear . Does the ignition lock cylinder solenoid operate normally?Go to Step 7Go to Step 5
5Inspect the lock cylinder solenoid plunger. Does the plunger exhibit scratches or signs of wear?Go to Step 11Go to Step 6
6Inspect the ignition lock cylinder solenoid spring. Is the solenoid spring assembled and operating normally?Go to Step 7Go to Step 9
7Inspect for a faulty lock cylinder or release button. Is the lock cylinder or release button damaged?Go to Step 10Go to Step 8
8Inspect the ignition lock cylinder case. Is the case worn or damaged?Go to Step 11Go to Step 12
9Replace the Ignition Lock Cylinder Solenoid and spring. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 12
10Replace the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 12
11Replace the ignition lock cylinder case housing. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 12
12Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 2

Lock System Does Not Lock

Lock System Sticks in Start

StepActionYesNo
1Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections?Go to Step 2Go to Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation
2Verify that the lock system sticks in the START position. Does the lock system operate normally?System OKGo to Step 3
3Inspect the lock module assembly for looseness. Is the lock module assembly loose?Go to Step 6Go to Step 4
4Inspect the lock cylinder for damage. Is the lock cylinder damaged?Go to Step 7Go to Step 5
5Inspect the ignition switch for damage. Is the ignition switch damaged?Go to Step 8Go to Step 3
6Replace the lock module assembly mounting bolts. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 9
7Replace the lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 9
8Replace the ignition switch. Refer to Ignition Switch Replacement . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 9
9Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 3

Lock System Sticks in Start

Key Cannot Be Removed in the Off Lock Position

StepActionYesNo
1Did you review the Ignition Lock System Description and perform the necessary inspections?Go to Step 2Go to Symptoms - Steering Wheel and Column
2Verify that the key cannot be removed from the lock cylinder in the OFF position. Does the lock system operate normally?System OKGo to Step 3
3Inspect for a faulty lock cylinder or release button. Is the lock cylinder or release button damaged?Go to Step 4Go to Step 4
4Replace the lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 5
5Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 3

Key Cannot Be Removed in the Off Lock Position

High Lock Effort

StepActionYesNo
1Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column System Description and perform the necessary inspections?Go to Step 2Go to Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation
2Verify that the lock system has a high lock effort. Does the lock system operate normally?System OKGo to Step 3
3Inspect for an incorrect, worn, or damaged key. Is the key incorrect, worn, or damaged?Go to Step 7Go to Step 4
4Inspect for a faulty lock cylinder. Is the lock cylinder damaged?Go to Step 8Go to Step 5
5Inspect the lock module assembly for damage. Is the lock module assembly damaged?Go to Step 9Go to Step 6
6Inspect the ignition switch assembly for damage. Is the ignition switch assembly damaged?Go to Step 10Go to Step 7
7Replace the key. Refer to Key and Lock Cylinder Coding in General Information. Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 11
8Replace the lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 11
9Tighten or replace the lock module assembly mounting bolts. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 11
10Replace the ignition switch. Refer to Ignition Switch Replacement . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 11
11Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 3

High Lock Effort

Looseness in Steering Column

StepActionYesNo
1Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections?Go to Step 2Go to Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation
2Verify that the steering column is loose. Is the steering column loose?Go to Step 3System OK
3Inspect the steering column mounting brackets for looseness. Are the steering column mounting brackets loose?Go to Step 6Go to Step 4
4Verify that the steering column bracket capsule is not sheared. Is the steering column bracket capsule sheared?Go to Step 7Go to Step 5
5Inspect the intermediate shaft for worn joints or looseness. Is the intermediate joint worn or loose?Go to Step 8Go to Step 9
6NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices. Tighten the mounting bolts to specifications. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 9
7Replace the upper jacket assembly. Refer to Steering Column Jacket Replacement . Did you complete the replacement?Go to Step 9
8Tighten or replace the intermediate shaft as needed. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 9
9Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 3
NOTE
Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

Looseness in Steering Column

Collapse Measurement

A vehicle involved in an accident resulting in sheet metal damage or drivers-side air bag deployment will require an inspection for steering column collapse. If the steering column collapse measurement is greater than 3 mm than the steering column upper jacket must be replaced.

For steering column collapse measurement, use the following procedure

  1. Remove the steering column trim covers. Refer to «Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement»(ref-196954-S01449608982005101000000) .
  2. Inspect the upper steering column mounting capsule nuts for movement (a). If the steering column collapse measurement is greater than 3 mm than the steering column upper jacket must be replaced. Refer to «Steering Column Jacket Replacement»(ref-196954-S11840674682005101000000) .
  3. Install the steering column trim covers. Refer to «Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement»(ref-196954-S01449608982005101000000) .

Vehicle Steering

The steering wheel is the first link between the driver and the vehicle. The steering wheel is fastened to a steering shaft within the column. At the lower end of the column, the intermediate shaft connects the column to the steering gear.

Vehicle Security-Some Vehicle Models

Theft deterrent components are mounted and designed into the steering column. The following components allow the column to be locked in order to minimize theft

  1. The ignition switch
  2. The steering column lock
  3. The ignition cylinder

Driver Convenience

The steering wheel and column may also have driver controls attached for convenience and comfort. The following controls may be mounted on or near the steering wheel or column.

  1. The turn signal switch
  2. The hazard switch
  3. The headlamp dimmer switch
  4. The wiper/washer switch
  5. The horn pad/cruise control switch
  6. The tilt or tilt/telescoping functions

Driver Safety

The energy-absorbing steering column compresses in the event of a front-end collision, which reduces the chance of injury to the driver. The mounting capsules break away from the mounting bracket in the event of an accident.

Ignition Lock Cylinder Control Actuator

If the vehicle is equipped with a floor mounted console gear shifter, it has a ignition lock cylinder control actuator system in the steering column. The ignition lock cylinder control actuator's purpose is to prevent the ignition key from being turned to the OFF position when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle may still be moving. The column ignition lock system consists of a ignition lock cylinder control actuator, and a park position switch that is located in the A/T shift lock control switch. The ignition lock cylinder control actuator contains a pin that is spring loaded out to mechanically prevent the ignition key cylinder from being turned to the lock position when vehicle transmission is not in the Park position. If vehicle power is lost, and/or the transmission is not in the Park position the operator will not be able to turn the ignition key to the lock position and will not be able to remove the ignition key from the column.