We had our HHR in for an oil change at the dealership that we bought it from in Salem, OR
When we came to pick it up they told us that the key was stuck in the ignition and the had to remove a cap on the column and hit a release button to remove the key. We really had not had this problem before so I asked if they would fix it for no $$ since I figured it was their fault. But they said no, that sometimes that happens to the HHR and the part needs to be replaced.... at our cost...We didn't think that we should have to pay, but they weren't going to budge. Instead they showed us how to remove the keys by putting our finger into a hole in the steering column and hitting a release button...which is a major pain in the a$$.
In order to get the key out I had to remove the cover at the bottom of the steering column. reach up into the column and find the release button. That is how I get the key out of my car now.
Was able to remove key by depressing a relay on the steering column threw an access hole underneath. Due to an electrical problem the ignition key could not be removed. There are three electronic switched in the shifter assembly. One was bad and they replaced the whole assembly instead of the switch. Plus they charged me for disposal of the shifter assembly that is sitting in a box in my house. So much for 5 year 100k warranty. The car will be owned 5 years in October
My key would not come out of in the ignition. After several “shifts†in and out of park, my key was finally released. I called the Chevy dealer in Savannah, GA, where I live and have had my car maintained many times, and was told this is a very common problem, of which you (Chevy) are well aware. My car has 57,000 miles on it, so it is out of factory warranty, and Chevrolet dealer wanted $450.00 to fix this problem.
Contacted Chevy after reading on the internet about what a common problem this is and how at Chevy's discretion, the repair can be made even without a the factory warranty. So far, all I am getting from them is how they totally understand my frustration, and they wanted me to be aware that there is a recall on the glove box cover. SERIOUSLY!!? Not being able to get the key to come out of the ignition seems a little more important than that. I am waiting while the CR "escalates" my case to someone who can make a decision as to what the problem is and what may be done to rectify it. I was told this may take 3-5 days......in the meantime, I can't get the key out, so I have to leave it in the ignition and HOPE/PRAY no one sees it in there and decides to take the car. Well at least they won't have to break the steering column to steal it!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
We had our HHR in for an oil change at the dealership that we bought it from in Salem, OR
When we came to pick it up they told us that the key was stuck in the ignition and the had to remove a cap on the column and hit a release button to remove the key. We really had not had this problem before so I asked if they would fix it for no $$ since I figured it was their fault. But they said no, that sometimes that happens to the HHR and the part needs to be replaced.... at our cost...We didn't think that we should have to pay, but they weren't going to budge. Instead they showed us how to remove the keys by putting our finger into a hole in the steering column and hitting a release button...which is a major pain in the a$$.
- Jean F., Madison, SD, US