So I got some more news. I wrote to GM yesterday looking for a resolution to this problem. Long story short, my HHR's 3/36 ended on 10/13/2010. The day before the shifter assembly broke.

 

and people say this isn't planned........ Man! that bites.

 

Well, GM is trying to work with me. I'll give them that. I keep getting told that they have to diagnose the problem before they'll consider reimbursing me. I plan on dropping off the old shifter assembly to them today, but family flying in may change that.

 

UPDATE: I've been in contact with GM Customer Service since the incident happened. Yesterday, I picked up my check for the full amount of the shifter from the dealer I bought the part from. In fact, the woman I spoke with told me that they would have gladly performed a "courtesy repair" had I brought my HHR in. That makes two dealerships that said they would have done it for free.