I have a 2008 HHR Panel, and have experienced being locked out of the car twice now as well as not being able to turn the key to start. Fortunately I have always lucked out and got it to work after sometimes a few days.

I have possibly had one occurrence of the key getting stuck in the ignition but that may just be me thinking that after reading about it happening to so many others.

last summer I had the problem where the ignition would not turn, after reading the manual front to back and several blogs. I ran out and purchased a new battery for $100 at NAPA put it in and the key turn right away allowing the car to start. What is with the batteries in this car could my battery already not be strong enough to be causing this next problem.

The Key fobs (2) don't work because they both have broken like so many others when trying to replace the batteries...I have soldered them twice already, so lately I have just been using the key like the good old days.

Well today after work I went to unlock the door to get in and the key will not turn to unlock, so I got a ride home. I need to find a fix for tomorrow, anyone have any suggestion. the recall for the ignition problem says it is for 2006-2007 anyone have this issue with the 2008?

 

Have the door locks ever been lubed? If not, give it a go - even WD40 will work if it is the lock cylinder.

 

Or graphite lock lubricant, it won't form gummy deposits over time like WD-40 can do, just head to your auto parts store or hardware store and they'll have it.

 

Or maybe a badly worn key is causing problems.

 

I have had 2 keys wear out, and I only use them in the ignition.

So, did this thread start a question, or just a rag?

 

I like to use silicon spray to lubricate the locks.

 

The problem with using graphite lock lubricant on modern vehicles is that graphite is conductive. I like to use Blaster Silicone dry lube on modern automotive locks since it's non-conductive.

 

good suggestion, not sure about the solution without seeing the car or trying the key in the mentioned locks, could be worn tumblers in the locks also, as for the key FOB's e-bay or the dealership

 

did your door lock knob stay down when you tried to unlock? Sometimes when I lock the doors with the rocker switch on the door, the silver knob (or whatever you call it) will stick and stay down. The only way I could get it to unlock was to call a locksmith who forced his way thru the door weather stripping and moving the rocker switch with a special tool. It has never happened when using the fob.

My fob quit and I thought it was battery connections, soldered them, still didn't work. Finally bought new case from Auto zone, now they work.

I'm having problems turning the key in the ignition switch. Apparently there is sort of a recall, my Chevy dealer said make an appointment and they'd fix it free.

 

Excellent point, and I'll pick up some of that lube. Graphite lube has never given me trouble, but why chance it.