Just got HHR, Key Won’t Turn, other concerns
02-05-2009 | 09:25 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Joined: 02-04-2009
Posts: 6
From: USA
Just got HHR, Key Won’t Turn, other concerns
3 days ago bought for my wife an 08 LS Automatic with 16k miles for $10,500 That day, I had to run several errands, REALLY liking the car, named it HHectoR in honor of its Mexican heritage. Next day, wife drove it to work and went to go to lunch, could not start car because KEY WOULD NOT TURN. Told her: jiggle shifter, jiggle steering wheel, push on brake… nothing helped. Called dealer, they said to do all these same things. Went over to where car was, kept at it, finally got key to move and started. Car was parked on level parking spot, front wheels pointed straight ahead, weather sunny and about 35 degrees F. Problem didn’t return either yesterday or this morning.
I searched this forum last night and found a couple of posts with same intermittent problem, but no SPECIFIC solutions, as far as a part to replace, that I could find. See the post below by “indycarrie”. Also found several posts about a SIMILAR problem, where the car is running but when attempt to shut off, key won’t come out. Most of those posts it appears the car was fixed by replacing the shift linkage.
I would be very grateful to anyone else who could share their experiences/solutions to this particular condition, where sometimes the key will not turn to start the car. I have already read those posts about the condition where the key won’t come out, and I understand what to do and how to get the dealer to fix it. Many of those posters have even provided the part number needed to solve that problem and for that I thank you all.
My concern is that, if I take it to the dealer, or if the problem recurs and I have it towed, it is likely the dealer won’t be able to duplicate the condition when the car is there, because it is just an intermittent problem. If I call the phone number on the little decal on the window for a tow, and the car starts right up when it gets to the dealer, will I then have to pay for the tow and the diagnosis time?
I’m also worried that the dealer may say “we’ll ADJUST the linkage for you,” or “we’ll lube and adjust the key cylinder” or something like that. My experience with GM warranties is that any “adjustments” that do not involve a part replacement are not covered after the first 12,000 miles. What I’m really hoping for is someone who has had this exact same problem I had, and could tell me what part got replaced (to the best of your knowledge) so I’d have something to back me up if I decide to go to the dealer. My gut feeling from 25 years in the parts business is it’s either going to need new shift linkage, shift interlock solenoid if that comes separately, or maybe even a new ignition key cylinder.
I’ve looked at AllData’s list of TSB’s but nothing on this specific problem. 07-07-129-001A is for “Key Stuck in Ignition”
Maybe if this doesn’t happen again real soon I just won’t do anything and hope it goes away! But it has kind of soured me on the ownership of the car. Which is too bad because these little HHR’s have so much personality that I can see why most of you on this forum seem to like them so much. Driving around that first day I was even thinking how the car could win me over to GM after 20 years of Nissans. For now though, HHectoR is going to be my wife’s daily driver, she’s the Chevy person in the family.
I also have a question about tires but this post is getting too long so I’ll try that another time. Thanks for reading and if you can help, Double Thanks! This is a great Forum.
I searched this forum last night and found a couple of posts with same intermittent problem, but no SPECIFIC solutions, as far as a part to replace, that I could find. See the post below by “indycarrie”. Also found several posts about a SIMILAR problem, where the car is running but when attempt to shut off, key won’t come out. Most of those posts it appears the car was fixed by replacing the shift linkage.
I would be very grateful to anyone else who could share their experiences/solutions to this particular condition, where sometimes the key will not turn to start the car. I have already read those posts about the condition where the key won’t come out, and I understand what to do and how to get the dealer to fix it. Many of those posters have even provided the part number needed to solve that problem and for that I thank you all.
My concern is that, if I take it to the dealer, or if the problem recurs and I have it towed, it is likely the dealer won’t be able to duplicate the condition when the car is there, because it is just an intermittent problem. If I call the phone number on the little decal on the window for a tow, and the car starts right up when it gets to the dealer, will I then have to pay for the tow and the diagnosis time?
I’m also worried that the dealer may say “we’ll ADJUST the linkage for you,” or “we’ll lube and adjust the key cylinder” or something like that. My experience with GM warranties is that any “adjustments” that do not involve a part replacement are not covered after the first 12,000 miles. What I’m really hoping for is someone who has had this exact same problem I had, and could tell me what part got replaced (to the best of your knowledge) so I’d have something to back me up if I decide to go to the dealer. My gut feeling from 25 years in the parts business is it’s either going to need new shift linkage, shift interlock solenoid if that comes separately, or maybe even a new ignition key cylinder.
I’ve looked at AllData’s list of TSB’s but nothing on this specific problem. 07-07-129-001A is for “Key Stuck in Ignition”
Maybe if this doesn’t happen again real soon I just won’t do anything and hope it goes away! But it has kind of soured me on the ownership of the car. Which is too bad because these little HHR’s have so much personality that I can see why most of you on this forum seem to like them so much. Driving around that first day I was even thinking how the car could win me over to GM after 20 years of Nissans. For now though, HHectoR is going to be my wife’s daily driver, she’s the Chevy person in the family.
I also have a question about tires but this post is getting too long so I’ll try that another time. Thanks for reading and if you can help, Double Thanks! This is a great Forum.
02-05-2009 | 09:40 AM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: 06-02-2006
Posts: 1,533
From: Break Away Republic of SoCal
Welcome to the site!
I have an 06, which had to have linkage replaced for the same problem - my problem was not intermitten, but covered under warranty (since I bought it new) I'm not sure if the later models are less prone to this problem. But it sure sounds like you might be having the same problem. I don't know if this is covered by the powertrain warranty
I have an 06, which had to have linkage replaced for the same problem - my problem was not intermitten, but covered under warranty (since I bought it new) I'm not sure if the later models are less prone to this problem. But it sure sounds like you might be having the same problem. I don't know if this is covered by the powertrain warranty
02-05-2009 | 05:33 PM
#7
Platinum Member
Joined: 05-09-2006
Posts: 6,805
From: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
If it happens again, call the dealership and have THEM send the tow truck. When the tow driver gets there make sure he witnesses the key will not turn.
Should be covered under warranty.....as others have mentioned.
Should be covered under warranty.....as others have mentioned.
02-05-2009 | 09:14 PM
#9
Senior Member
Joined: 04-19-2006
Posts: 254
From: North Tonawanda, NY
Key Will Not Turn
I have an 06 and WAS having this problem ?? Talked with ChevyMgr, he suggested to lube the key switch.
After twice a day for three days of spraying WD 40 in the switch I have not had the problem ??
Before this I would go thru both 10 minute prestarts with the dash heat blowing on the key switch all the time trying to turn a key. Yes I would switch back and fourth between the two key's. I have on several ocations spent an hour trying to get the key to turn & start the HHR. Good thing I'm retired.
It was 6* here this morning, I did not use the remote and when I sat down the key turned the first time. Also wanted to mention that during the warmer summer months I never had a problem. This is not the first winter for this happing, I have had the car back to two dealers in the past and I would get the same answer "we can not duplacate the problem" Now I'm well out of warranty I find an answer.
After twice a day for three days of spraying WD 40 in the switch I have not had the problem ??
Before this I would go thru both 10 minute prestarts with the dash heat blowing on the key switch all the time trying to turn a key. Yes I would switch back and fourth between the two key's. I have on several ocations spent an hour trying to get the key to turn & start the HHR. Good thing I'm retired.
It was 6* here this morning, I did not use the remote and when I sat down the key turned the first time. Also wanted to mention that during the warmer summer months I never had a problem. This is not the first winter for this happing, I have had the car back to two dealers in the past and I would get the same answer "we can not duplacate the problem" Now I'm well out of warranty I find an answer.
02-05-2009 | 09:42 PM
#10
Senior Member
Joined: 11-27-2007
Posts: 1,115
From: Austin, Texas
Bulletin No.: 07-07-129-001A
Date: February 11, 2008
ENGINEERING INFORMATION
Subject: EI07280 - Key Cannot be Removed from Ignition with Transaxle Selector in Park, Shifter Cannot Be Moved From Park Position (Diagnose Using SI)
Models:
2007-2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Built After 10/01/06
2007-2008 Chevrolet HHR Built After 10/01/06
with Automatic Transmission
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to end the need for feedback from dealer technicians. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 07-07-129-001 (Section 07 - Transmission/Transaxle).
Some customers may comment on either of the following conditions:
the key cannot be removed from the ignition.
the transmission gear selector (shifter) cannot be moved out of the PARK position.
The results from the initial Engineering Information bulletin have indicated that the majority of the shifter assembly replacements are due to liquid spills which may cause the BTSI to become inoperative. Technicians should continue to diagnose concerns using information found in SI.
A series of incremental engineering changes are being reviewed for possible future enhancements to the shifter assembly to prevent damage from occurring due to liquid spills.
Date: February 11, 2008
ENGINEERING INFORMATION
Subject: EI07280 - Key Cannot be Removed from Ignition with Transaxle Selector in Park, Shifter Cannot Be Moved From Park Position (Diagnose Using SI)
Models:
2007-2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Built After 10/01/06
2007-2008 Chevrolet HHR Built After 10/01/06
with Automatic Transmission
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to end the need for feedback from dealer technicians. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 07-07-129-001 (Section 07 - Transmission/Transaxle).
Some customers may comment on either of the following conditions:
the key cannot be removed from the ignition.
the transmission gear selector (shifter) cannot be moved out of the PARK position.
The results from the initial Engineering Information bulletin have indicated that the majority of the shifter assembly replacements are due to liquid spills which may cause the BTSI to become inoperative. Technicians should continue to diagnose concerns using information found in SI.
A series of incremental engineering changes are being reviewed for possible future enhancements to the shifter assembly to prevent damage from occurring due to liquid spills.