Ignition Key May Not Rotate in the Ignition Cylinder and/or Steering Wheel May Lock with the Key in Ignition Cylinder in the LOCK Position

After the ignition key has been turned to the ACC, RUN or START position, and rotated back to the LOCK position, the ignition key may not rotate unless it is removed from the ignition cylinder and re-inserted into the ignition cylinder.

Also, the steering wheel may lock with the ignition key still in the ignition cylinder, with the ignition cylinder in the LOCK position. The steering wheel should lock only after the ignition key has been removed from the ignition cylinder.

A loose interface between the key minder actuator in the ignition cylinder and the ignition cylinder housing.

Replace the ignition cylinder unit with a new ignition cylinder unit P/N 21170896. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Coding procedure in the General Information section of the 1997 Revised Body/Repair Service Manual.

Important: To help identify if a 1997 vehicle is equipped with a first or second design lock system, check the key. The new second design lock system has a different shaped key than the key used in the first design lock system, refer to the above illustration.

To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System using the appropriate Electronic Labor Time Guide and Labor Operation Code E7200 -- Ignition Lock Cylinder Replace.