Dorman has a repair kit now--OE-15926820
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dorman-Shift-Park-Release-Linkage-OE-15926820-Fits-Cobalt-HHR-G5-/230814726289?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AHHR&hash=item35bda13891&vxp=mtr

 

Anyone who has had the plastic linkage in the shifter break needs to check this out on Amazon.com. Dorman 924-712 Shifter Release Repair Kit. It costs $14.49 and fixes the problem.

 

So now I wonder... If I buy an entire new shift assembly (or used from a junkyard) but newer than '06, does anyone know:

1. Will it fit and connect the same?
2. Has it been updated by GM so it's the new design that hopefully won't break again?

 

I had the same problem with my '09, had cylinder replaced,which fixed it. About 3 weeks later, got a letter from GM, offering to do the repair, or pay for it it if I had had it done elsewhere. They sent me a check. I'd check with local dealer.
HTH

 

a year old topic but:
had a customer come in who had the problem discussed here and showed me how they wire-tied/zip-tied the micro-switch closed so the shifter never got stuck again/or the key.
granted, the locking rod guide is broken so the shifter can be moved easily in and out of park or any gear at any time without depressing the brake pedal.
safety concern? yes....but no different than a 1965 Mustang which is on the road all the time too.

just sayin

 

I have a 2006 HHR, purchased January of that year. I was commuting to work 80 miles round trip at that time, and ate up all of my warranty period. I have since moved back to Saginaw, Michigan in June of 2007, and could not at that time remove my key from it's igniton. My car was in park as well, and the warranty of course had expired. I wish I had known of this website at that time, but I ended up paying the dealer just over $300.00 to fix the car. As it turned out, they said the problem was not the ignition, but the shifter. So they replaced it, but I had to pay for it. I have not had any problems since that time. I am not a mechanic nor mechanic minded, but like this site for it's informative reviews. And now GM has a recall on the ignition. I am also new to this site.

 

A can of WD40 wouldn't have cost $300. Too bad you didn't find us earlier.

 

I know this thread is really old, and I've not posted for a long time, but I had this :unable to get key out/shifter: issue the other day. Just was notified by dealer here that the shifter will be replaced free of charge, and they will cover the rental car as well. So don't give up hope.

Joel in the Couve
edit to add 06 HHR not original owner.

 

Good to know - thanks for the update, and good luck with the pending fix.

 

WD40 is a dust attraction product and won't solve the problem of poor design/material.

Joel in the Couve