While parking my HHR yesterday, the automatic shift button was depressed / stuck in. I sprayed it with some WD-40 but still cannot get it unstuck. Seems like the key stuck in ignition is a common problem, but the shifter button being stuck isn't so common. I found this:

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/problems-service-repairs-42/auto-shifter-button-stuck-14009/

But, it doesn't seem to address the fix.

I was also able to cobble up some other research:

Put vehicle in park, key would not come out of ignition after turning vehicle off. Still would re-start so found a dealer and dropped off vehicle. Per dealer sheet at pick-up - 19373 shifter rod fell off verified ignition key doesn't come out of ignition cylinder. Noticed shifter button stuck in/depressed. Remove power window switch panel, shifter cover panel. Disconnect shifter cable, remove shifter, found shifter rod fell off. Shifter b/o. ****** r&r shifter, install shifter cable, shifter cover panel, power window switch panel, road test vehicle, check shifter operation, shifter working normally. Turn vehicle off, easily able to remove key out of ignition.



2006 chevy hhr. Gear shift control pin falls out of plastic retainment piece resulting in gear shift button sticking in the inward position and the key remaining locked in steering column. Due to a defect in manufacturing, the plastic cracks around the pin retainment hole. The control pin then becomes loose, thus resulting in the control pin either moving out of it's intended position and jamming the gear selector, or falling out completely and allowing the gear selector to move in any gear at any time, weather the car is running or shut off. Once control pin moves out of position or falls out, the micro switch cannot be activated to release the key from the ignition, thus resulting in a dead Battery very dangerous. The dealerships are aware of this problem but insist there is no t.S.B. Or recall. They could easily replace the plastic retainment part with the newer version used in later models, but claim they can't get it. There remedy is to replace the entire shifter assembly at a cost of $150.00 plus labor. The newer retainment part can't cost more than 15 dollars,(narrow piece of plastic ~ the size of a pencil with a small hole in it). This part goes from the top of the shifter to the bottom of the gear selector and holds the control pin in position, which in turn, activates the micro switch to release the keys. With the amount of occurrences listed online since 2006. This, without a doubt, should be a recall.


https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-tutorial-library-21/08-shifter-change-09-a-18071/

http://www.dormanproducts.com/digita.../924712_IS.PDF

http://www.amazon.com/Dorman-924-712...DateDescending

http://chevy*********.forumotion.com...ter-change-out

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?p=703277

Not sure whether the Doorman fix kit will work. Thinking about maybe buying a used 2009 shifter.

So, should I start digging in, or should I take it to the shop? Shop wants $100 to "diagnose" the issue and tell me whether it's something that's subject to recall / covered by warranty. It's a 2006 HHR with slightly ~115,000 miles on it, so I doubt that it would be covered under warranty.

 

Welcome to the site, the 2009 shifter is a nice update!

 

Thanks!

Apparently the part number keeps changing (see https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/general-hhr-4/2009-auto-shifter-assembly-43627/ ). Not sure what the new part number is. Any ideas?

 

You will need to call one of the suppliers and check with them.

 

25995461 shows no longer available on the Nalley site
25860318 OE parts HQ shows out of stock.
25860318 is the old # and it supersedes to part # 25995462 and the Tonkin site shows no longer available
Looks like a search thru E-bay or Amazon might be in order. I just did a quick search and nothing shows on either site at this time

 

There used to be a repair kit from the "HELP" collection, basically a new semi-rigid piece of nylon about 4 inches long to replace the pin from the button to the mechanism.

I do remember somebody posting a fix with pics some time ago. Might be in the tutorial library. I found it! https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/problems-service-repairs-42/shifter-repair-40183/ and https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...shifter+broken

 

Here you go. Hope this helps. Worked for me.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dorman-924-712-Shift-Park-Release-Link-/191008337971?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AHHR&hash=item2c78fbf033&vxp=mtr

 

crateenginedepot.com sells the newer style shifter assembly for auto with the leather boot

link:
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/Coba...84-P51256.aspx

 

dealership quoted me 380 + tax lol
i was like yeeaaa no!
i <3 crate!

 

ChevyMGR - do you have a diagram showing how to remove/replace the whole assembly ?