Can't get the key out by just turning the key. Had to pop the panel off and manual release the switch... it's going to the dealer monday as they said they couldn't fix it over the weekend

 

rock the steering wheel back and fort. the steering wheel got pressure locked.

 

I think that was/is a popular problem...

 

yeah it happens in any car pretty much if you turn the wheel too much after turning the car off

 

No no no no no...

Certain model Cobalts have been reporting problems with the ignition holding the key in... WITHOUT you turning the wheel after it is off.

As in... you turn the car off and right away... the key is stuck.

 

it has to do with the micropin inside of the ignition not releasing once you turn the key to off

 

oh hm i didnt know this

 

Here is my experience with this problem. This used to happen every single day, it was so annoying, I would have to press the stupid little button every time i wanted to get out of my car. I Redid all the electrical of my car RIGHT and not cheap ghettofied (not saying this is what is going on with ur car BTW, just sharing my experience). I got a yellow top, 3 farad cap, proper fuse taps, and THICK ass wire, I am running 16000W now and haven't had a problem since.

 

I have an idea

put it it Park?

 

right...(sarcastic)

 

mine is doing this also. Is there a TSB (sp) for this? I hate having to press the stupid button. Also sometimes my passlock system will cut my ignition and its so random. Like i'll get up one morning and unlock the car, get in, put the key in the ignition and turn it an...."click"...stupid **** annoys me! I know I have an issue with my ignition but I think the dealer wanted like $500 to fix it! I said F*ck it and jsut lived with it, but im starting to get fed up.

any suggestions?

 

I am having this same problem also. Now I have graduated to the power steering cutting off.

 

is the mighty cobalt having ignition switch problems like the ions did/do?

 

this happened to me as well when i tapped into the ignition/switched wire for my stereo.. not a good idea on my behalf.. cuz thats what kept setting it off thus not wanting to release my key.. now, i just switched it to the fuse box, its a lot easier and hassle free... just my 2cents..

 

In a way, that's not sarcastic. There is a known problem with the balts keeping the keys. The shifter (if it's automatic) has a switch made inside of it that tells your BCM that you have it in park. When it sees this, it will release the key. Sometimes this switch goes bad and you can't get your key out of the cylinder. The whole shifter has to be replaced to fix this.

the pics have been removed to save time. sorry


#06-07-30-004C: Various Concerns with Shifter and/or Ignition Key (Replace Shifter Assembly/Shifter Components or Ignition Lock Cylinder) - (Jun 27, 2006)


Subject: Various Concerns With Shifter and/or Ignition Key (Replace Shifter Assembly/Shifter Components or Ignition Lock Cylinder )


Models: 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt

2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada Only)

2007 Pontiac G5

with Automatic Transmission 4T45-E (RPO MN5)





This bulletin is being revised to add models and model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 06-07-30-004B (Section 07 - Transmission/Transaxle).



Condition
Some customers may comment on any of the following concerns:

• The shifter is hard to move or binds.

• They cannot remove the ignition key.

• It takes high effort to rotate the key.

Cause 1
The shifter button may be sticking in the handle.

Cause 2


The pin that activates the micro-switch may have moved out of position (refer to illustration above). This causes the micro-switch to fail to engage when the vehicle is placed in Park. If this condition is present, the customer will not be able to remove the key from the ignition.





The illustration above shows the switch in a correct position.

Cause 3
Metal flashing left in the cylinder may cause a high effort to rotate the key.

Cause 4
The slider may be binding in the guides. This may cause the shifter to become difficult to operate.

Correction 1
Verify that the shifter button is inoperative by evaluating if the park pawl pin on the shifter assembly moves when activating the button. If the parking pawl does not move when the button is activated, the shifter handle will have to be replaced. Refer to Floor Shifter Control Knob Replacement in SI.

Correction 2
Important: A change has been made to the shifter assembly for service. The replacement shifter assembly will read PRNDIL (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Intermediate and Low).

Verify that the micro switch is out of position. Replace the shifter assembly. Refer to Floor Shifter Control Replacement in SI.

Correction 3
Important: Refer to instruction sheet that is supplied with the lock cylinder kit. BO 47869 is an essential staking tool and must be used for the repair.

Replace the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement in SI.

Correction 4
Replace the slide indicator and guides in the shifter following the procedure below:

Apply the parking brake.
Remove the upper console trim. Refer to Trim Plate Replacement-Console Front in SI.
Remove shifter knob. Refer to Floor Shifter Control Knob Replacement in SI.
Remove the indicator plate. Use a flat-bladed screwdriver to release the locking tabs.
Remove the shifter indicator lens.
Pull up on the indicator and remove it from the assembly.
Remove the two front rails by unsnapping the front and lifting up, and then back, to remove the rails from the shifter assembly.
Install the new guides. Place the hook end into the assembly and push down. It will snap into place.
Install the new slide indicator. With the transmission in neutral, place the slide over the shifter and into the guides. Move the slide indicator down the guides in the front and rear.
Important: Replace the shifter indicator lens if damage is present due to the slider binding or if it becomes damaged during disassembly.

Install the shift indicator lens.
Install the shift indicator plate.
Install the shifter knob. Refer to Floor Shifter Control Knob Replacement in SI.
Install the upper console trim. Refer to Trim Plate Replacement-Console Front in SI.
Parts Information
Part Number Description Qty

15244165 Control Asm, A/Trans 1
15825311 Cylinder Kit 1
22706231 Handle, A/Trans Cont Lvr (Model AL with MN5, TY8, VY7) 1
22706232 Handle, A/Trans Cont Lvr (Model AJ, AK and MN5; Model AL with MN5 [exc VY7])1
22719080 Handle, A/Trans Cont Lvr (Model AL with MN5, VY7 [exc TY8]; Model AM with MN5; Model AL with MN5, R1V) 1
15872229 Slide Indicator 1
15872228 Guide - Rails 2
15872230 Lens 1


Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time

K5225 Control Assembly, Floor Shift - Replace
Use Published Labor Operation Time

E7200 Cylinder, Ignition Lock - R&R or Replace

K5111 Handle, Automatic Transmission Control Lever - Replace

C9744* Shifter Bind - Replace Slide, Guide and Lens
0.3 hr

* This labor operation is for bulletin use only. It will not be published in the Labor Time Guide

 

does gm cover TSBs (sp) even if your out of warranty?

 

My 05' LS does this too. I find, if you start the Cobalt back up, run through the gears, put it back in park, and shut the car off, the key usually comes out then. This has happened a few times to me. Trick always works!
Still... I shouldn't have to do this to get my keys out!

 

I want to know this to cause I am having problems with this and the power steering but I think I am out of my warranty. It is very unfair to have to for something that is a design flaw. Paying for something due to wear and tear is reasonable, but I don't think the key not coming out of the ignition and power steering cutting off after 2 years in thousands of cars fits into that equation classifies as wear and tear.

 

TSB's are for GM Dealerships to diagnose problems easier. GM will not cover TSB's if your out of your warranty.

Campaigns on the other hand, GM will. But most of these things are just TSB's. Technical Service Bulletins.

 

ok jsut to diagnose this a little. does everyone that has this poblem have somehting hoked up to thier accesory line in thier steering coloum?

 

HAppened to me 1.5 yrs ago. Had to wait 1 hr for the tow truck at midnight as my windows were down. He wouldnt bring it to the dealer at night so he dropped it off at my house. I tried to turn the key or take it out again the next day before work an d it didnt work. Tow truck came and it turned for him so he left it at my house as the dealer would of just said "unable to duplicate problem". Been fine ever since.

 

just some usefull info to you guys with this problem. I found that under the panel where the lower air vent is on the passenger side is a 2nd fuse panel. My 2amp fuse for my ignition was blown. Changed it and all went back to normal.

 

the problem i had was the wheel was pressure locked and it wouldnt let me roll the tumbler to start the car. so i jerked the wheel a bit and then it worked.

 

i jerk my wheel at night

 

No. TSB's or Technical Service Bulletins are things that GM uses to help their service tech's solve common problems more quickly. Recalls on the other hand, are covered by GM regardless of warranty status.