My ignition key is stuck in the ignition lock
Start with the shifter. a common problem is the shifter is not making connection with the switch to tell the car its in park. jar ( hit) the shifter some and see if this doesnt let the key release. if this doesnt work then on plastic covering under the ignition switch is a small opening with a plastic cover. Remove the cover, feel with your finger until you find the release button for the key. The key will then come out.
My 06 HHR has the same problem, ive takin it to the dealership various times and they say it is not a problem but u know what, i went to the parts department asked to see the shifter and it's is different from the original so this has to mean only one thing? that they are aware this pin on the shifter slides to one side and fails to make contact with the release mechanism, im gonna sue these ******** i have proof they are lying. may the best car win, don't you just hate it when GM makes does stupid commercials? they just want to make you feel patriotic,. **** them buy a totota or a Honda they will last u trouble free for years.
Remove little plastic slot under steering wheel and push button inside while turning key it works but you have to do it everytime u remove key but it don't cost nothing
My 2008 hhr remotes both stop working when I had to recharge my battery want can I do.
SOURCE: Key stuck in ignition
This is a VERY common problem and there is a campaign though I am not sure it ever made it to full recall. The ultimate answer is to have the ignition switch replaced. In the meantime, you'll need to be able to get that key out. On the bottom side of the steering column there is a one inch square rubber plug that you pry out. You can then use your pointer finger to push the switch in. This will release the lock and let you turn your key to the off position and remove. You may want to leave this plug out as you'll be doing this a lot until it is repaired.
SOURCE: key stuck in 2009 chevy hhr ignition help please
You may want to try pushing fordward harder into the park position while turning the key to the off position. The locking cable may need adjustment. If this does not work, try turning the collar just behind the keyswitch counter clockwise while trying to remove the key.Thanks, Dana
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my key is also stuck and now my battery is dead, what do i do to so the batterey doesn't die?
Had the same problem, it actually happened at the service department of my local chevy dealership. they replaced the gear shift assembly, the whole thing, because the button on the front of the gear shift was not responding to being in park.
That is the best answer I have heard. My key has gotten stuck several times, but the shop tells you to bring the car in & then when you get there it isn't doing the same thing & they look at you like you are crazy. There should be a recall on this, since it seems so many owners are having the same problem with it. Mine is a 2007.
Thanks for the help. :)
Same Problem...
I am having the same problem. Is there a way to get GM to do a recall on this, I spoke with the local dealership and they said it is a common problem. They see it a whole lot
I just bought my 2006 Chevy HHR, I test drove it and loved the car. I made it home and couldn't get the key out. It was stuck and i knew this would run my battery down. They need to do a recall on this!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i have a 2006 hhr and the button on the gear shift got stuck in, causing the key to become stuck in the ignition, killing the battery. now that i have been jumped and awaiting the dealership to open i attempted to drive the car and the battery warning is on and the reduced engine power light is on and i can not go over 20 miles per hour. i have read many posts on many sites and this is cleary an issue with the line. if this is happening to someone else, be patient, it looks as if it can be fixed rather quickly. remember NOT TO LOCK THE DOORS! your remote will not work, onstar will not work, and the battery is in the trunk so you wont be able to open the hatch to even jump it. good luck to those who are having this problem
I have the very same problem. Bought my HHR in 2006 and the key started locking in the switch. It would always finally unlock and I had no time to take it in. Finally I HAD take it to the dealer. At first they acted like I was a nut. Then they said they had fixed it. That was 9 months ago and no problem until today. The key would not come out. Had to use the opening under the steering wheel. Also my warranty is up. They should do a recall and fix this for free. It is clearly a default of the car.
This has just happened to us for the first time on our 2006 HHR, yet to figure out how to get it out.
Sitting in the 2006 HHr now my husband is trying to get key out. Battery died had to re charge.
MrRodneyLong Thank You so much. I am out of town and my wife's HHR did this. ...shifter button stuck in. She has to leave for nursing school clinicals at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow and we did not know how she was going to make it, especially if she would have had a dead battery. I instructed her what to do, and despite getting a little grease on her finger, she was able to get the key out and turn the ignition off. The button is still "in" on the shifter but the car is turned off and she should be alright for now. She'll just have to push the button to get the key out every time until we can take the car to the "Stealership". Has anyone had luck diagnosing and replacing the solenoid that causes this problem? Thank you very much, again.
I own a 2006 HHR, and my key keeps getting stuck in the ignition, battery has ran down etc, I have taken the cover off of the little opening located by the ignition switch, but wasn't able to locate a button, any suggestions?
Key stuck in the ignition, same problem as everybody else. Chevy needs to fix this problem. Its clearly a defect.
My gear shift button won't pop out, which causes the key to be stuck in the ignition. Not really a problem because I can still lock the car, but I'd rather not have my key just hanging out in the ignition. How do I get that button to pop out?
I am taking in my '06 HHR to the dealership tomorrow. Twice in this past week I've parked my car and not been able to take the key out of the ignition. I also have issues with the brake pedal and steering wheel shaking when I'm applying the brakes. Like many other HHR owners, my warranty just expired and now I have to foot the cost of the repairs. They really should do a recall on this, as it clearly seems to be a common problem.
I had the same problem before and they replaced all of the shifter. It seems a solenoid goes bad, but you can't just buy the solenoid itself, you have to replace the whole shifter. The part runs about $240. I replaced it while it was under warranty a little over a year ago and I have to replace it again soon. I am going to the dealership tomorrow. I will probably have to pay for it, but I am definitely going to write a complaint letter to GM after wards.
I too have a key that is stuck in my ignition (2006 hhr) and also 2000 outside of warranty. my dealership service peeps were jerks when i called to ask about a solution.
i have now procurred an extended warranty and will bet it fixed when that kicks in. but until then have been jumping it.
my son's 2006 cobalt has the same issue - but luckily still in warranty!
I had the same problem. the dealership told me some little thingy broke and that it just happens...$330 later, my car works.
Our key was stuck in the ignition and we took the car to a dealer and was told we needed to replace something in the shifter. Now after leaving the key in overnight, the battery is dead. I love this car but you think with so many people having the same problem, They company would issue a recall.
Was in a small accident and the key got stuck in the ignition and the lock cylinder shift interlock solenoid is stuck open
I can't shut it off and the key is stuck in the ignition
starting problems loss of ignition
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