Put my 2006 HHR 2.4 with automatic transmission in park yesterday and shut it off... Key turned off far enough to kill engine but radio would still work ect. I popped the cap off the steering wheel column and pushed the plunger over so I could get the key out of the ignition. Per dealer my vin number is not part of any recall ect. How do you know if the ignition switch is the problem or if the shift interlock is the issue ? Is there a simple way to determine which issue is at fault with out paying someone to start throwing parts at it? Thanks

 

99% of the time it's the shifter. When it sticks, try wiggling the shifter handle and make sure the button is popping out when you put it in park.

 

Did the key come out when you pushed down the pin ? If yes it's not the lock cyl. The pin in the shifter is not hitting the mico switch to pule back pin in steering wheel. was the search there is some how to DIY

 

How are things going with your HHR?

If you would like to send me a private message with your VIN, I would like to look into the special coverage information. I can't promise anything, but I would like the chance to research this for you.

Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service

 

I have a 2007 with the same problem if your short on cash all i did was put a rubber band around the plunger part were the button is held in turn back the key and its out and everything works fine