Ignition switch cylinder went ka-put!
Senior Member
Joined: 06-26-2006
Posts: 1,876
From: San Bernardino, California
I'm certain that what they replaced was the tumbler not the switch. A bad switch would still allow the key to turn and it's replacement wouldn't require "re-keying" (technically; that would be "re-pinning" or "re-wafering").
Senior Member
Joined: 11-05-2010
Posts: 1,492
From: Detroit, Michigan USA
RalphHightower,
If the vehicle is outside warranty then a TSB repair wouldn't be covered. It would be paid for by the customer. A TSB does not guarantee coverage, but does provide information to the mechanic on ways to fix the issue.
Sincerely,
Evan, Chevrolet Customer Service
If the vehicle is outside warranty then a TSB repair wouldn't be covered. It would be paid for by the customer. A TSB does not guarantee coverage, but does provide information to the mechanic on ways to fix the issue.
Sincerely,
Evan, Chevrolet Customer Service
Evan,
Yes, the dealer fixed the problem by replacing the key cylinder. It was not related to the shift linkage and the switch detecting PARK.
I called "Sam's Garage", a nationwide radio show about car, truck repairs, etc., and Sam Memmolo said there is a Technical Service Bulletin that addresses the problem that I experienced.
#09-02-35-005C published February 7, 2011
What happens when TSB related issues happen outside of the warranty period? This happened at 54,225 miles.
Thanks,
Ralph
Yes, the dealer fixed the problem by replacing the key cylinder. It was not related to the shift linkage and the switch detecting PARK.
I called "Sam's Garage", a nationwide radio show about car, truck repairs, etc., and Sam Memmolo said there is a Technical Service Bulletin that addresses the problem that I experienced.
#09-02-35-005C published February 7, 2011
What happens when TSB related issues happen outside of the warranty period? This happened at 54,225 miles.
Thanks,
Ralph
New Member
Joined: 07-21-2011
Posts: 13
From: Murfreesboro
I have replaced 3 out of 6 2009 HHR's cylinder locks if it locks in the lock position it easy to fix. Just remove the plastic covers look toward where the end of the cylinder would be and you will see two small holes one of these will release the cylinder and you can slide it out and take to your local dealer parts counter and he will sale you a cylinder and set it up to your key. My cost and been about $75.00. Simply slide in back in and replace the covers. Now if it locks in the on position, you will have to drill it out, to the point that you can turn it back to the on position, then release it thru the small hole, then go to your dealer and get another one. Either case your are looking at about $75 to 85 dollars.
Jim
Jim
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,483
From: Fredericksburg,VA
I did have a problem with starting the car, had to jiggle the key, but in my case it turned out that the key was worn out. I just went to my complimentary second key. I do put the key in/out 20-40 times a day, so I was not too surprised, but happy it wasn't the cylinder.
Platinum Member
Joined: 05-09-2006
Posts: 6,805
From: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
This happened to me on January 1st, 2012. What a great way to start off the new year. I had stopped at Walgreens to drop a roll of film that I shot of the sunrise over Columbia, SC from the Lake Murray Dam.
In the parking lot, I could not turn the engine off or remove the key, so I drove home. Once there, the key was still trapped. I called OnStar and they contacted Customer Assistance and called for a tow.
My 2009 HHR was towed on a flatbed to the dealership with the engine still running; the HHR had 54,225 miles on it. Of all the cars that I've owned with the age and mileage, I have never had a key trapped in the ignition switch!
A new key cylinder costs me $250.
In the parking lot, I could not turn the engine off or remove the key, so I drove home. Once there, the key was still trapped. I called OnStar and they contacted Customer Assistance and called for a tow.
My 2009 HHR was towed on a flatbed to the dealership with the engine still running; the HHR had 54,225 miles on it. Of all the cars that I've owned with the age and mileage, I have never had a key trapped in the ignition switch!
A new key cylinder costs me $250.
