General Motors Offering To Remedy Stuck Key Issue In 2.2 Million Cars
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General Motors is offering to fix certain Chevrolet Cobalts, Saturn Ions, Pontiac G5s and other affected models which may have an ignition switch cylinder that keys can get stuck in, Automotive News reports. This problem affects the same 2.2 million small cars recalled due to an ignition switch which may slip out of position while the car is in motion, disabling the brakes airbags and other crucial systems.
GM said it isn’t issuing a recall for the problem, as it doesn’t pose a safety risk to the customer. The key will only get stuck in the ignition if the car is stationary, which may cause the battery to go flat if it cannot be moved out of the “accessory” position to the “off” position. The problem is reportedly caused by the automatic transmission shifter, which doesn’t transmit an electrical signal to allow the switch to be turned off.
Yesterday GM notified customers of a “special coverage adjustment” that will offer a free fix to any owners whose cars are experiencing the stuck key problem. The automaker estimates the defect affects about 3 or 4 percent of the 2.2 million cars, all of which are automatics. Around 1.4 million of the affected cars have already been repaired under GM’s ignition switch recall.
The stuck key repair could take about 3 hours depending on the model, with GM advising dealers to provide a courtesy car to customers while the necessary fixes are made. Letters will be mailed to the 2.2 million owners next week informing them the warranty for the fix is good for 15 years after the car’s sale, making all affected models eligible for repair.
Models with a key-sticking issue, AN says, include the 2005-2010 Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevy HHR, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2005-2006 Pontiac G4/Pursuit, 2007-2010 Saturn Sky and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion.
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My 08 Chevy Cobalt having the same issue. Car wont turn off key stuck in Acc. Tried everything. Have to pull my fuel pump fuse and disconnect my battery everytime i park so I dont run out of gas or kill the battery.
They say we were supposed to be notified. I wasn’t. Anyone else not notified, besides the moment your key got stuck??? My can has had the key stuck for three days. Disconnecting the battery is a pain in the backside, but the only way to not kill the car. Soooo glad this happened on a long holiday weekend.
The Cruze has a visit tomorrow with a service department. If I am asked to pay one freakin penny, I can assure you that they will be keeping the car, and my lawyer will make sure of it. This is such CRAP!
They say we were supposed to be notified. I wasn’t. Anyone else not notified, besides the moment your key got stuck??? My can has had the key stuck for three days. Disconnecting the battery is a pain in the backside, but the only way to not kill the car. Soooo glad this happened on a long holiday weekend. (insert sarcasm here)
The Cruze has a visit tomorrow with a service department. If I am asked to pay one freakin penny, I can assure you that they will be keeping the car, and my lawyer will make sure of it. This is such CRAP!
I am experiencing the stuck key problem with my 2013 Chevrolet Captiva. I took it to the dealer (Dave White Chevrolet – Sylvania, OH) and they stated that although the problem is in the transmission shift not sending the signal to release the key, it is not covered for that vehicle. The cost is $762.54 to fix it with the possibility that GM MIGHT reimburse us for the repair cost. Unfortunately, I called the GM 800 number and they were closed (although they state that they are opened Mon – Sat 8:00am to 9:00pm) today, Saturday, at noon. This is really bad!!! The dealer has disassembled my vehicle to determine the “problem” and I can’t get it back until Monday. GM should know that this is not the way to build loyal customers!
Hello
I wondered if you got any financial help from GM to fix your vehicle. I posted here about the same problem with my 2014 Captiva. I got ZERO help from GM even though they are well aware of the problem.
2011 Chevrolet Equinox, we purchased for my daughter used. Not long after the vehicle started having this same issue with the key NOT disengaging from the ignition. Upon taking to dealership we are told they will fix however we have to pay for them to fix the problem. WHY? If this is a known GM product vehicle having these same issues is there not a recall on the ignition. Who do we need to contact, report and file formal complaints on the problem with ignitions in the General Motors vehicle’s.
-Same vehicle also has major issues and costly problems with drive train assembly etc.
Apparently even though GM knows they have tons of people who have needed new ignitions installed they will not just do a voluntary recall without being formally mandated to issue a recall and replace parts at there cost.
PLEASE note: I have found out today you can file formal complaints by calling —
1-888-327-4236 Transportation complaints
Once they receive so many complaints on the same parts or issue they will make General Motors Corporation issue a formal recall.
2014 Chev Captiva key stuck in acc position wouldn’t release. Took to the dealer and shifter assembly was replaced. The cost was $580 out of pocket. Now less than 2 months later the key is stuck again. Repair is under warranty but it’s a huge hassle to take it back and I have no idea what the next fix will be. GM is aware of this problem yet there isn’t even a service bulletin on it.
I have a 2014 Chevy captiva and key gets stuck in acc position too. After starting car again I can get it out some times on second or third time.
I don’t know why Chevy opts to do this. Remove the cover around your gear shift (Just Youtube it. It’s pretty easy to remove the covers). On the side of it, there should be a little box with a small button on it. When your vehicle is put into Park, it is supposed to press that button down all the way, and send the signal to your vehicle that your car is in fact in Park and is safe to shut the engine off and remove the key. If this button isn’t being depressed all the way, your key won’t release. This relay box on my ’07 Equinox is only about 3/4 of an inch long, and 1/4 inch wide. It is not very big at all. Mine has a small copper/brass bar on it that is supposed to push the button down. All I did was remove the relay box, and took a small zip tie, and sealed it in the closed position. I have not had a single issue with it since. Mine was located under the “P” position on the left hand side. The repair cost me about 5 cents for the zip tie, and about 20-30 minutes of work. You may also need an Allen key (commonly called a HEX key) to remove the handle on your gear shift to remove the cover. It is located just under the knob you press in to put it into drive/reverse/neutral etc. Take a small flat head screwdriver and slide the ring down where your handle meets the shaft for the gearshift to expose the small set screw. Mine was about a 2.5mm allen key. After the set screw has been removed, just squeeze the handle like you are going to put it into gear, and lift up on it. It should come off right away. Hope this helps 🙂
Add the 2015 terrain to this list too…key won’t come out. What a piece of crap car. The 4 cyclinder engines burns a qt of oil every few 1000 moles, and now the key! Don’t by a Terrain!
I have a 2013 Equinox and can’t get the key out. We had a very cold night and when I tried to start it the battery was dead and the key is stuck. Have a battery charger on it now, hopefully, that will help.
I just starting having problems with the key getting stuck in my 2014 Chevy capita sport. Is there a recall on this issue?
Pulled into my garage last night around 11:00PM. Placed the car in park and went to remove the key. No go. Couldn’t be removed.
I backed the car up and then forward several times. I moved the shifter in and out of park several times. Still couldn’t remove the key. Now the key is in the accessory position. So, while the engine is off the power is on and the key is stuck in the ignition.
Battery dead in AM. Could not be charged or jumped. Folks at dealership tell me that this is not an unusual problem for the Terrain. Really? Add this to the failed transmission( replaced) and excessive oil consumption issue and you have one lousy car. Do not buy a Terrain….ever.
Now I have to have car towed to the dealership for repair. Oh, did I say that it is Memorial Day weekend.
My 2015 Colorado is doing this. You shift to park, shut off the engine and the key will not come out. If you restart the engine and run gear shift through the gears and try again the key may come out. I’m afraid this will not work some time and a tow will be in order.
I’m soooo happy Japanese cars! and to think they have commercials on TV ” buy chevy ” switch to ” chevy ” YEAH! RIGHT!
2017 Chevrolet equinox keys stuck in the ignition
I have an Chevy captiva and the key was getting stuck in lock position so I YouTube what to do and sent to my brother and he was able to fix it. Since then it is working good.
2018 chevy colorado ,Key gets stuck after turning key to the off position, and getting frustrated it does this 8 out of 10 times using the truck. what can i do ? first time buying a chevy. bought it used and have taken it back to the dealership i purchased it from and they could not find anything wrong. is there any recalls out there that I need to check into ?