2008 impala won't start or shift out of park, key is difficult to remove from ignition.

Replace either key cyclinder or ignition switch...

This can happen if the battery is low / dead. To solve, connect a set of jumper cables between the battery in the Cobalt and a running car's battery. Shut off the running car. In the Cobalt, make sure all accessories (lights, radio, fan, etc.) are off. Step on the brake, then move the gear shifter fully into the PARK position. Next, either attempt to start the engine, or turn the key to the OFF position and remove it from the ignition.

I hope this helps & good luck!

Gear shift is not totally in the park position - had the same problem with a 2011 Acura TL - a rubber band kept the gear shift lever from totally seating in the park position.

If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the RUN position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake pedal and shift to N
(Neutral). This allows the automatic transmission shift lever to be
moved from the P (Park) position without the brake pedal
depressed.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle's brakelamps are not
operating properly.

Had a similar problem. Solved it two ways first place key in the 3 position move gear to N then start and it will shift easily. Second solution check brake light fuse, it is probably blown replace it and gears will shift OK.

yahoo

The most commonly diagnosed component is the shifter and/or shifter solenoid on your Impala.
GM issued a bulletin on this problem. Contact your dealer, they are aware of the problem and you could be covered under warranty. Below is a copy of the bulletin.

#08-07-30-007A: EI08045 - Key Cannot be Removed from Ignition with Gear Selector in Park, Shifter Cannot be Moved From Park Position (Engineering Information) - (Apr 8, 2008)

Subject: EI08045 -- Key Cannot Be Removed from Ignition with Gear Selector in Park, Shifter Cannot Be Moved From Park Position (Engineering Information)

Models: 2007-2008 Chevrolet Impala
Good luck, i hope this helps.

almost definably. if its just a standard push to make brake switch try shorting out the connector to test the wiring and multimeter the switch.

Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable with an adjustable wrench. Wait a few minutes before starting work to allow any current to dissipate. Set the parking brake.

2 Tilt the steering wheel down to the lowest position. Move the gear shift lever to first gear. Leave the key in the ignition. Remove the lower under dash panel plastic clips and screws with a screwdriver. Lift the lower panel upward and remove the upper clips. Disconnect any electrical connections and remove the lower trim panel from the work area. Move the gear shift lever to the Park position and turn the key off.

3 Remove the bolts from the knee bolster plate with a socket wrench and remove the plate from the work area. Remove the two ignition switch bolts using a socket wrench. Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the ignition switch.

4 Install the new ignition switch using the retaining bolts and tighten with a socket wrench. Connect the electrical connector. Install the knee bolster plate and bolts using a socket wrench. Turn the ignition on and move the gear lever to first gear.

5 Connect any electrical connections to the lower trim panel. Install the lower trim panel using the upper clips. Install the bottom screws with a screwdriver and insert the plastic clips. Shift the gear lever into Park and return the steering wheel to its normal operating position. Connect the negative battery cable with an adjustable wrench and close the hood. Release the parking brake. Start the engine to make sure the new ignition switch is operating properly.

turn key too acc. push brake and try too shift