Went out to take a picture of the new 3rd brake light graphic I installed yesterday afternoon once it was a little darker..... Started the car.... decided I did not need it running... shut off the motor... turned the key to the on position... everything went dead..... no power... none..... key was stuck in the ignition.

Popped the little plate off the bottom of the steering column and released the key.

I cant pop open the rear hatch to get at the battery to check it, but is there a master fuse that may have blown doing the above sequence? Where would it be.

Have I scrambled the brain?

Cheerless
Doc

 

Your owner's manual has a procedure for manually opening the liftgate.

 

My major concern is not the gate, but the dead electrical system.

 

I should have read your post more closely. Sorry.

 

No problem.... just hoping to get this taken care of without paying an arm and a leg.

Seems like from what I've been reading this is a known and common issue but no recall has been issued. It is showing up on a few legal sites as well.

This appears to be pretty much a "too bad so sad" attitude from GM... not a good thing.

 

Here's a nice "How To" on opening the hatch with a dead electrical system, its a PITA for sure, but doable.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...ght=open+hatch

But the unfortunate correlation between the key sticking and the vehicle power going MIA is too much of a coincidence. Having the ignition lock cylinder replaced is about a $300 job at your Chevy dealer, but once its fixed, its fixed.

As to a recall for the problem, people need to file formal complaints with NHTSA, its easy to do with an online form at their site. If enough reports are received, NHTSA will initiate an investigation and maybe call for a voluntary recall on GM's part, but this can take years I'm afraid.

Here's the proper section of the NHTSA site for complaint filing....

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

 

Mike

Thanks.
Read the Hatch How too... not too bad from what I read. Looks like I call Service and get her towed in.

I just hate having to go that route.

Cheers
Doc

 

I know what you mean, its nice to handle the problem yourself if you can, but sometimes you've got to call on the professionals.

 

Looks like around 400 if it's just the Ignition switch

Tow: Insurance covered
Diagnostics: 99
Replacing the cylinder 289 and change out the door.

UGH... My hair even hurts.

 

Went to clear out The Express last night so it could be towed to the dealer this morning....
just had to try and start it... started right up..... drove her to the dealer and dropper her off last night for early bird service this morning.

Anyone have any idea what might be going on here?

Cheers
Doc