How to Remove the Ignition Lock Cylinder on an Old Sagitar?
4 Answers
There are a total of 5 cross-head screws at the bottom; remove them to see inside. The cover is divided into upper and lower parts. The right side of the lower part is fitted over the ignition switch and needs to be detached before it can be removed. This is a hex socket screw, so you'll need a hex screwdriver. The screw holes can be seen above the turn signal lever and the wiper lever, with one on each side. There is a clip on the connector; be sure to detach it first. The lock cylinder cannot be unscrewed or pulled out directly; there's a trick here. Turn the key to the "B" position, and then it can be pulled out.
I've disassembled the ignition lock cylinder of the old Sagitar several times and found it quite straightforward. First, disconnect the negative battery terminal—this step is crucial to avoid triggering the airbag or causing a short circuit. Then, remove the plastic trim panel under the steering wheel using a standard Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the screws, followed by gently prying open the clips with a plastic pry tool. The lock cylinder itself is secured by a small spring clip; pressing it with your finger or a small tool allows you to pull it out. Take your time during disassembly and avoid forcing it, as the plastic parts on older cars are brittle and prone to cracking. I recommend taking photos to remember the sequence—reassembly is just a matter of aligning everything as it was. Regular dust cleaning can prevent sticking, saving you from frequent disassembly. Common household tools are sufficient; no need to buy expensive extras. The whole process takes at most half an hour, but safety comes first—don’t rush and risk damaging parts.
As a beginner, I was quite nervous the first time I disassembled the ignition lock cylinder, but a YouTube video made it easy to learn. First, disconnect the battery and use a wrench to get the job done. When removing the steering wheel cover, use a pry bar carefully to avoid scratching the interior; the screws will pop loose once unscrewed. There's a small clip at the lock cylinder—just press it gently to remove it. During disassembly, I noticed a lot of dust inside, and cleaning it made ignition much smoother. The whole process didn’t cost much, just a few bucks for tools. I recommend starting with simple tasks to gradually build confidence. Now, knowing some car repair skills saves me from always running to the repair shop, spending money, and waiting in line. Remember to test the key's smoothness when reassembling, and don’t rush to finish.
Consider the risks carefully before starting; removing the ignition lock cylinder may damage the anti-theft system. When I did it myself, I disconnected the battery first to prevent accidents. For the old Sagitar, the steering wheel needs to be locked in the center position. Use a socket wrench to carefully remove the screws, and avoid prying too hard to prevent damaging the sensors. After pulling out the lock cylinder, check if the contacts are rusty—clean them with rust remover if needed. I don’t recommend beginners force it; going to a professional shop is safer and more reliable. The key is to maintain a clear sequence and keep parts organized to avoid mixing them up.
