Ignition Key Stuck, Engine Running
06-28-2011, 01:12 PM
#12
New Member
Join Date: 06-25-2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 20
My car is in the dealership as I write this for a locked ignition cylinder. The hidden button fix didn't work this time. It did last time, when it locked in the Off position. A late stop at the dealership last night yielded emergency advice: a) pull the fuel pump fuse (kills the supply of fuel to the engine), b) once engine is stopped, disconnect the NEGATIVE cable to the battery. This enabled me to safely park the car in my driveway overnight.
First thing in the morning (after calling off work) was to reinsert the fuse, then climb into the luggage compartment via the back seat (you can't access that compartment without the battery ALREADY connected) to reconnect the battery cable.
After that, it was easy to just start the car up, drive to the dealership, then leave it there for the day so they could fix it. That was at 9:30AM. It is now 2:00PM and I"m still waiting for them to call me with an update. . .
First thing in the morning (after calling off work) was to reinsert the fuse, then climb into the luggage compartment via the back seat (you can't access that compartment without the battery ALREADY connected) to reconnect the battery cable.
After that, it was easy to just start the car up, drive to the dealership, then leave it there for the day so they could fix it. That was at 9:30AM. It is now 2:00PM and I"m still waiting for them to call me with an update. . .
06-28-2011, 01:38 PM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: 10-19-2005
Location: Miami
Posts: 20,687
I do realize that is response is in regards to another that is several months old.........
By your logic, any car w/ keyless ignition would have a design flaw due to the fact that there is an actual key to be able to start the vehicle.
Just because there is a section in the owners manual, does not make it a design flaw. The switch under the column is there as a redundant back up in case of part failure, which is the case w/ the shifter failing.
Just because there is a section in the owners manual, does not make it a design flaw. The switch under the column is there as a redundant back up in case of part failure, which is the case w/ the shifter failing.
06-28-2011, 08:00 PM
#16
Join Date: 12-08-2010
Location: Midwest
Posts: 8
Just went through this same problem over the weekend. I figured it was the ignition lock cylinder because it fell apart when I pulled it from the steering column. Stealer wanted $249 installed but told me it was a pretty easy diy project. They sold me the new cylinder for $85 plus $25 to code it to my existing keys. Only took about 30 mins. to replace. New one is a different design which looks like it will last awhile. I asked if there were any recalls in this issue and was told no but they change alot of them!
06-29-2011, 08:36 PM
#19
Member
Join Date: 12-12-2010
Location: Iowa
Posts: 43
The worst ignition lock cylinders I ever encountered were on the 2000-2004 Ford Focus, to my knowledge they were never recalled. I get calls 2-4 times per week to replace Chrysler ignition locks used from 1998 to present day and no recall. I have never been called out to work on a HHR ignition lock yet.
The GM vehicles with the most ignition lock problems recently are the Buick Rendezvous and Saturn Vue, these locks were made by a company other than Strattec. Strattec locks are generally very reliable. 2-3 GM ignition locks made between 1994 and 2004 show up at the shop every week, most of these are actually key problems (a new key cut to factory specs , not copied, fixes the problem). We still replace the ignition locks on these vehicles due to the fact that enough labor time has already been invested in their removal to justify replacement.
The GM vehicles with the most ignition lock problems recently are the Buick Rendezvous and Saturn Vue, these locks were made by a company other than Strattec. Strattec locks are generally very reliable. 2-3 GM ignition locks made between 1994 and 2004 show up at the shop every week, most of these are actually key problems (a new key cut to factory specs , not copied, fixes the problem). We still replace the ignition locks on these vehicles due to the fact that enough labor time has already been invested in their removal to justify replacement.
06-30-2011, 11:16 AM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: 11-05-2010
Location: Detroit, Michigan USA
Posts: 1,492
Dear Early63,
I have read your post about your situation with your Chevrolet HHR. I understand the frustration that you must have experienced with this situation. However, I am glad to read that your local dealership provided you with the information to be able to fix it yourself.
In the future, don't hesitate to contact me with questions and/or concerns.
Sincerely,
Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service
I have read your post about your situation with your Chevrolet HHR. I understand the frustration that you must have experienced with this situation. However, I am glad to read that your local dealership provided you with the information to be able to fix it yourself.
In the future, don't hesitate to contact me with questions and/or concerns.
Sincerely,
Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service