Do NOT attempt this without the emergency brake on ... Another symptom of the automatic shifter mechanism (micro-switch) not signaling that the vehicle is in PARK would be that when the key is out (i.e. car off) you can shift the vehicle out of PARK; this symptom occurs when the shifter mechanism has completely failed; I have seen this on three 2006 HHR automatics.

 

I got the shifter out this morning and found out the stalk where the pin goes through was trashed. I called a dealer and found out he had the shifter. $132.00 plus tax and 1 hour of time and I can say, FIXED!! Thanks everyone for the info needed to fix this without going broke! Now I can concentrate on fixing A/C for the house!!!
Kevin

 

We left our 08 HHRSS setting last night in the service bay at the dealer. The called this morning and said that it was the ignition cylinder. They said they had the part in stock and could be picked up this afternoon. Cost $271. We have officially renamed our car "POS". This car has spent more time at the dealer than all the cars my wife and I have owned since we started driving.