Every now and then my wifes HHR will get stuck in park. Go and start up the car, push down the brake and grab the gearselector and push down the button and NOTHING! Normally takes a couple minutes of pressing the brake over and over again, and trying to move the lever until finally it will just~~~ Normally shift down to drive or reverse?

Anybody else experience this problem? And what was the fix....

Like i said, its random and there is no "common situation" that caused it. It could be on the driveway at a level surface, on an incline, in the parking lot of a store... Anywhere?

 

Well it sounds like you have a problem with the Shift Lock Solenoid. This can either be with the solenoid, the wiring harness to the solenoid, or the Body Control Module(BCM). I've checked the service manual and these are the main fault modes. This is one of those things that a dealer would probably be the best place to go with it. They'll have the scan tool to pull any codes set in the BCM and they can also cycle the solenoid to confirm if it has failed or whether there is a short to ground in the harness. Hope this helps.

 

The car only has 10,000 miles on it, so hopefully it will be covered? If its not, ill have to fix it myself as i do EVERYTHING else we own.

 

a 2009, yes you still have full bumper to bumper warranty.. & 5yr /100K powertrain.

 

Alright, ill see if we can take it over there. Only problem is, i know how dealerships work (i used to work at one) and have been a mechanic for a while and the EVER so typical issue always arises:::
You go in, and the problem wont recreate. Then they send you on your way saying that they fixed it by changing your wiper blades and then it happens as soon as you get home!

 

You left out a key point..... they didn't actually change the wiper blades.

 

That is the 'fly in the ointment' if they can't re-create the problem..

 

Well cturbo there are some like that, but not all of them. We have some fantastic dealers in my area and then a couple who should be shut down. Maybe some other folks here can recommend one in your area that has given them nothing but smiles. Always feel free to ask questions here and to vent, chances are that somebody will be able to say "been there/done that". Keep us posted with how you make out with the repairs.

 

I sure will guys... Thanks.

 

I'm having the same problem with my 2009 2.2

Cold weather seems to exacerbate the issue.

I will have dealer look at it and report back. Actually, I am approaching 50,000 so maybe I'll let them change the ATF and have a whack at the problem at the same time. I normally avoid all dealerships (car and motorcycle) at all costs, but this might be a good call in this instance. Thoughts?