My ignition lock cylinder wont turn on my 2002 saturn sl2 how do I remove the cylinder without drilling

wiggle steering wheel up and down sometimes the steering lock tab jams and wont permit key to turn ====if key worn down will not let ignition cylinder turn other is bad ignition cylinder

Be sure and watch the first video. Make sure you understand the mechanics of what you are trying to do, first. The first video link is on a Ford. Its not easy to do, but it can be cheap. Just don't slip up and drill too deep. Fortunately you will have the new cylinder to use as a guage for how deep too drill.
Now what I have done is determine where the pins are that actually lock the lock, and just drill those out. Then you can take a large screwdriver and turn the cylinder. Once turned, you can press the button they are talking about in the video and it will release the cylinder. Then just insert the new one in the same position.
How to change out your ignition lock cylinder when you don't have the key.
Watch the second video to see how to replace the cylinder when you can get the old one to turn.
How To Install Replace Worn Out Sticking Ignition Key lock Cylinder Ford...

You need to turn key to ON position and stick pin or paper clip in hole on side to release it so you can pull it out.

Section 11-04B: Steering Column, Ranger/Explorer 1994 Ranger and Explorer Vehicles Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder (Without Key) NOTE: The following procedure applies to vehicles where the lock cylinder is inoperative and the lock cylinder cannot be rotated due to a lost or broken ignition key and the key number not known or the lock cylinder cap is damaged and/or broken to the extent that the lock cylinder cannot be rotated.
Removal

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable . For tilt columns, tilt to the full up position. Remove the steering wheel , steering column locking lever (3B661) , and steering column trim shrouds as described in this section. NOTE: When drilling out the retaining pin, take care not to damage the cast housing.
   

1. Punch the lock cylinder retaining pin with a ***** punch (1/8 inch maximum outside diameter). Using a 3.17mm (1/8-inch) diameter drill, drill out the retaining pin going no deeper than 12.7mm (1/2 inch).

1. Place a chisel at the base of the ignition lock cylinder cap. Using a hammer, strike the chisel with sharp blows to break the cap away from the lock cylinder.

1. Using a 9.8mm (3/8-inch) diameter drill, drill down the middle of the ignition lock key slot approximately 45mm (1-3/4 inch) until the ignition lock key slot breaks loose from the steering column cover casting. Remove the ignition lock key slot and the drill shavings from the base of the cover cast housing.

1. Remove the lock cylinder drive gear, bearing retainer and actuator from the casting as described in this section. Thoroughly clean the components in an acceptable cleaning solution. Carefully inspect all components for any damage resulting from the drill operation. If any of the components show signs of damage, they must be replaced. Clean the casting with compressed air to remove any drill shavings or foreign particles and carefully inspect it for damage. If the casting is damaged, replace it with a new one.

Installation

1. Lubricate the lock cylinder with grease.

1. Reinstall the lock cylinder drive gear, bearing retainer and actuator. Lubricate with grease before installing.

1. Turn the lock cylinder to the ON position and depress the lock cylinder housing retaining pin.

1. Insert the lock cylinder into the lock cylinder housing making sure that the tab at the end of the cylinder aligns with the slot in the steering gear (3504) .

1. Turn the key to the OFF position. This action will permit the retaining pin to extend into the lock cylinder housing hole.

1. Using the ignition key, rotate the ignition switch lock cylinder to make sure to correct mechanical operation in all positions.

1. Connect ignition key warning switch terminal and wire .

1. Install the upper and lower steering column shrouds as described in this section.

1. Install the steering wheel as described in this section. NOTE: When the battery is disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the powertrain control module relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles or more to relearn the strategy.
   

1. Connect the battery ground cable .

1. Check for proper start in PARK or NEUTRAL. Also check to make certain that the start circuit cannot be actuated in the DRIVE and REVERSE positions

go to www.youtube.com and search for "saturn" "lock cylinder" "ignition" I know there is at least one video showing someone removing the lock cylinder. you can watch it and do the same if you wish.

You will most likely need to replace the ignition lock cylinder.

Functional Lock Cylinder

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the upper and lower steering column covers.
3. Turn the ignition lock to the accessory position.
4. Insert a 0.125 (3.17mm) wire pin or small drift punch in the hole at the top of the cylinder housing and depress the retaining pin while pulling out the lock cylinder To Install:
   
5. Turn the new lock cylinder to accessory position and while pressing the retaining pin in, insert the lock cylinder into the housing.
6. Turn the key to the OFF position the release the retaining pin.
7. Try the lock cylinder operation in all positions.
8. Reinstall the steering column covers.
9. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

Non-Functional Lock Cylinder

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the upper and lower steering column covers.
3. Insert a 0.125 (3.17mm) drill bit in the hole at the top of the cylinder housing and drill out the retaining pin. NOTE: Be careful not to drill into the lock cylinder housing.
   
4. Pull out the lock cylinder.
5. Clean out all the metal shavings and check the tube for damage. If damaged, the housing must be replaced. To Install:
   
6. Turn the new lock cylinder to accessory position and while pressing the retaining pin in, insert the lock cylinder into the housing.
7. Turn the key to the OFF position the release the retaining pin.
8. Try the lock cylinder operation in all positions.
9. Reinstall the steering column covers.
10. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

Remove the three screws and remove the lower column cover





Releasing the lock cylinder retaining pin

autozone.com has a free repair guide, see below

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1990-94 Cabriolet,1990-93 Fox, 1990-92 Golf and Jetta

Fig. Lock cylinder drill point.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the steering wheel, then remove the steering column covers.
3. Remove the turn signal and wiper switches.
4. Disconnect the ignition switch wiring.
5. On some models, the hole in the lock body for removing the ignition lock cylinder was not drilled by Volkswagen. To make the hole, use the following measurements in conjunction with the illustrations. Drill the hole where "a" and "b" intersect on the lock body. The hole should be drilled 0.19 inch (3mm) deep
6. Remove the lock cylinder by pushing a small drill bit or piece of wire into the hole and pulling the cylinder out. It might be easier to insert the ignition key, turn it to the right a little and pull on it.

To install:

1. Insert the lock cylinder into the housing with the key in the cylinder.
2. While gently turning the key side-to-side, press the cylinder in to the stop. It should click into place.
3. Temporarily fit the steering wheel onto the splines, then make sure the column locks and unlocks smoothly.
4. Install the switches, column covers, wiring and the steering wheel.
5. Connect the battery cable.

1995-99 Cabrio, 1993-99 Golf and Jetta

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Center the steering wheel.
3. Remove the air bag.
4. Remove the steering column switches.
5. If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, detach the shift lock cable from the lock cylinder housing.
6. Remove the adapter sleeve from the steering column.
7. Remove the spring and horn contact ring from the steering column assembly.
8. Detach the sheer bolt.
9. Insert the ignition key and unlock the cylinder, then detach the wiring connectors.
10. Once all wiring has been detached, slide the housing off the steering column.
11. Mark and drill the lock cylinder as shown and described in the above procedure.
12. Compress the stop spring and pull the lock cylinder out of the steering column housing.
13. Put the new lock cylinder into the steering lock housing.
14. Insert the key into the lock cylinder.
15. While you gently turn the key, insert the lock cylinder fully into the housing.
16. The rest of the installation procedure is the reverse of removal.

NOTE Always use a new shear pin when installing the lock cylinder.

Unfortunately this model of saturn is known for this problem. Try tapping the head of the key lightly with a small hammer and then while shaking the wheel back and forth try to turn the key. The only known permanent fix is key cylinder repalacement.

Put some pressure on the steering wheel in one direction or the other this may take the pressure off the cylinder itself and allow you to do what is needed...hope this works.

if the ignition wont turn at all it is probably the ignition cylinder itself, try wiggleing the steering wheel while turning the key, if this doesnt help you will need to replace the lock cylinder

the brushes and magnets in the ingnition cyl. are worn and have to replace entire switch.