I have read through the previous thread about problems with ignitions not turning, but it looks like the forum deviated into the key not being able to be released. For three years, I have been having the issue with my 2006 HHR with the key not turning periodically when I go to start my ignition. The dealership has replaced the ignition column and the automatic gearshift amongst other things to no avail and I have had it in 5 times now.

Has anyone who has had a problem with the key not turning and found a solution? Please do not post if you can't get the key out because I need to get answers for this particular problem. The dealership is out of ideas and I have had to sit in my car for sometimes 10 minutes before the key would turn to start the engine.

Thanks!!

 

When you say ignition column, do you mean ignition cylinder or steering column?

 

You might want to look into the park/neutral position switch that's on the trans case.Or the BTSI solenoid on the shifter may be at fault.For that,the shifter assembly will have to be changed as the BTSI solenoid isn't serviced separately.

 

I run into this once in a while, it's usually the steering wheel is "loaded" for lack of a better term. What I mean is that the wheel is trying to turn. If you try wiggling the wheel back and forth (try to turn left then right) with one hand while trying to turn the key with the other, it may solve your issue?
Let us know if this works.

 

I stick the key in and it will not turn for anything to start the engine. It is as if the steering wheel is locked, but I have tried to wiggle the wheel and it freely moves, so that is not the problem.

Regarding the park/neutral position, when I took it to the dealership, they replaced the entire shifter and it is very stiff now, so I don't think it is an issue with it not fully being in park.

Thanks for the suggestions. It seems to happen when it is cold out.

 

This may indicate that the tumblers are sticking due to the lubricant inside the lock cylinder thickening in cold temperatures. I would go to a parts store and by some liquid spray lubricant designed for ignition switchs.

 

I hate to be a naysayer for every suggestion you all give, but the dealership has also tried lubricant twice as well

Thanks for the suggestions, though.

 

Indycarrie, I've had this same problem for the last three winters now. This winter it ha been getting worse than in the past. I took Chevymgr's advise on spraying a lube in the key switch, it used to take me up to an HOUR to get the key to turn and start the motor.

But since I have been using WD 40 the past week in the morning I only have to play with the key once or twice before it turns. I to have noticed the problem is only when it is cold outside. All last summer I had no problem.

Now that I have started using the WD 40 daily the time laps has gotten much shorter fo the key to turn. OH, it is still the orginal key switch.

Once again a big Thank You to Chevymgr for the super idea.
Blackhhr06

 

might want to try using a blow dryer (NOT A HEAT GUN) -- get your key nice and warm and stick it in the ignition-- let it sit for a bit then try it - all greases and oils get "thick" in cold weather so applying heat shoot loosen things up :)-- you can also use the blow dryer on the ignition switch itself since its made of metal, just be carefull of the plastic surrounding the lock

just a bit of advice-- worked on my 92 eldo and 97 seville

 

I got my car back from the dealership and have not had any problems for the past week. They did something with the key to where it is very tight going in and tight coming out, but now it starts no problem.