Key stuck in the ignition of 2009 SS/TC
New Member
Joined: 04-30-09
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: NC
I also have an '09 and i'm currently on hold with Chevrolet customer service.
I went to my local dealership and attempted to have my power steering recall and stuck ignition key fixed all at once. I brought the customer satisfaction campaign (#10256 [not a full "recall" for those using that term]) to his attention after he failed to pull up anything by my VIN#. After I mentioned the problem and the campaign number he went to the back to consult with his service tech and said he'd tell me later in the day what he could do. He called me back that afternoon to confirm that although I had a 2009 Cobalt my VIN# was not included in the campaign and since I was out of my bumper-to-bumper warranty I would be paying for the repair out of pocket and gave me a ~$230 estimate. Then called me back an hour later to say the tech told him more time was needed than in the original quote so it would be ~$330. I declined the service and he provided me with the campaign documentation and the Chevy customer service number to see if they would reimburse me if I paid for the service upfront.
I spent an hour on the phone with a gentleman from Chevy Customer Service that is obviously not allowed to make logical decisions (including my '09 Cobalt in a campaign that outlines my exact problem directed at '09 Cobalts) by himself. I fail to understand why it is so difficult to warranty problem on a car of a relevant year model with the exact problem the campaign addresses despite my VIN# being excluded. Even if they were releasing it in stages it seems that the cars currently exhibiting the problem would take priority considering it makes the car unusable to anyone not willing or not able to manipulate the ignition switch or pull an ECM fuse and disconnect the battery every time they want to cut the car off. I'm a bit exhausted of this after reading about all the people (even from years not outlined in the campaign) getting their's fixed with no problems.
I went to my local dealership and attempted to have my power steering recall and stuck ignition key fixed all at once. I brought the customer satisfaction campaign (#10256 [not a full "recall" for those using that term]) to his attention after he failed to pull up anything by my VIN#. After I mentioned the problem and the campaign number he went to the back to consult with his service tech and said he'd tell me later in the day what he could do. He called me back that afternoon to confirm that although I had a 2009 Cobalt my VIN# was not included in the campaign and since I was out of my bumper-to-bumper warranty I would be paying for the repair out of pocket and gave me a ~$230 estimate. Then called me back an hour later to say the tech told him more time was needed than in the original quote so it would be ~$330. I declined the service and he provided me with the campaign documentation and the Chevy customer service number to see if they would reimburse me if I paid for the service upfront.
I spent an hour on the phone with a gentleman from Chevy Customer Service that is obviously not allowed to make logical decisions (including my '09 Cobalt in a campaign that outlines my exact problem directed at '09 Cobalts) by himself. I fail to understand why it is so difficult to warranty problem on a car of a relevant year model with the exact problem the campaign addresses despite my VIN# being excluded. Even if they were releasing it in stages it seems that the cars currently exhibiting the problem would take priority considering it makes the car unusable to anyone not willing or not able to manipulate the ignition switch or pull an ECM fuse and disconnect the battery every time they want to cut the car off. I'm a bit exhausted of this after reading about all the people (even from years not outlined in the campaign) getting their's fixed with no problems.
Senior Member
Joined: 02-05-11
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 0
From: DDUUVVAALLL, FL
they told me the same thing but i brought it in anyways cuz she said shed bring it up to her manager and theres a chance itll be replaced for free, or atleast an $83 bill for basically looking at it and telling me what i already know lol.. anyways they ended up replacing it for free..
I got the same **** you got dude. Except the service manager told me she was going to do me a favor and cover it under warranty even though its outside the bumper to bumper... its horse **** I tell you.
Senior Member
Joined: 07-30-10
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 0
From: Detroit, Michigan USA
I also have an '09 and i'm currently on hold with Chevrolet customer service.
I went to my local dealership and attempted to have my power steering recall and stuck ignition key fixed all at once. I brought the customer satisfaction campaign (#10256 [not a full "recall" for those using that term]) to his attention after he failed to pull up anything by my VIN#. After I mentioned the problem and the campaign number he went to the back to consult with his service tech and said he'd tell me later in the day what he could do. He called me back that afternoon to confirm that although I had a 2009 Cobalt my VIN# was not included in the campaign and since I was out of my bumper-to-bumper warranty I would be paying for the repair out of pocket and gave me a ~$230 estimate. Then called me back an hour later to say the tech told him more time was needed than in the original quote so it would be ~$330. I declined the service and he provided me with the campaign documentation and the Chevy customer service number to see if they would reimburse me if I paid for the service upfront.
I spent an hour on the phone with a gentleman from Chevy Customer Service that is obviously not allowed to make logical decisions (including my '09 Cobalt in a campaign that outlines my exact problem directed at '09 Cobalts) by himself. I fail to understand why it is so difficult to warranty problem on a car of a relevant year model with the exact problem the campaign addresses despite my VIN# being excluded. Even if they were releasing it in stages it seems that the cars currently exhibiting the problem would take priority considering it makes the car unusable to anyone not willing or not able to manipulate the ignition switch or pull an ECM fuse and disconnect the battery every time they want to cut the car off. I'm a bit exhausted of this after reading about all the people (even from years not outlined in the campaign) getting their's fixed with no problems.
I went to my local dealership and attempted to have my power steering recall and stuck ignition key fixed all at once. I brought the customer satisfaction campaign (#10256 [not a full "recall" for those using that term]) to his attention after he failed to pull up anything by my VIN#. After I mentioned the problem and the campaign number he went to the back to consult with his service tech and said he'd tell me later in the day what he could do. He called me back that afternoon to confirm that although I had a 2009 Cobalt my VIN# was not included in the campaign and since I was out of my bumper-to-bumper warranty I would be paying for the repair out of pocket and gave me a ~$230 estimate. Then called me back an hour later to say the tech told him more time was needed than in the original quote so it would be ~$330. I declined the service and he provided me with the campaign documentation and the Chevy customer service number to see if they would reimburse me if I paid for the service upfront.
I spent an hour on the phone with a gentleman from Chevy Customer Service that is obviously not allowed to make logical decisions (including my '09 Cobalt in a campaign that outlines my exact problem directed at '09 Cobalts) by himself. I fail to understand why it is so difficult to warranty problem on a car of a relevant year model with the exact problem the campaign addresses despite my VIN# being excluded. Even if they were releasing it in stages it seems that the cars currently exhibiting the problem would take priority considering it makes the car unusable to anyone not willing or not able to manipulate the ignition switch or pull an ECM fuse and disconnect the battery every time they want to cut the car off. I'm a bit exhausted of this after reading about all the people (even from years not outlined in the campaign) getting their's fixed with no problems.
Thanks,
Laura
GM Customer Service
Member
Joined: 08-23-10
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: the north
GM DOES NOT get paid if the work doesnt get done - ie... the recall you talk of
GM DOES get paid if the recall GETS DONE.
90% of you guys dont know the difference between a recall, bulletin or anything else.
(edited out some stuff here bla bla bla)!
Last edited by guitarenvy; Sep 29, 2011 at 09:15 PM.
New Member
Joined: 09-18-11
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: VA
I just encountered this lovely problem. Just a heads up, seems like the easiest go around is to pop the hood and pull the ECM fuse, car shuts off immediately. Then I removed the fob and locked the car. At least I can stop, start, and lock the car quickly before I can take it to the dealership.
Junior Member
Joined: 03-07-09
Posts: 433
Likes: 1
From: Fredericksburg, VA
http://www.eatoninside.com/showthread.php?t=1262 , I had this problem with my previous cobalt and used this to pull the ignition switch. After that the guy at the parts counter was very helpful and we used a hammer and a chisel or a screw driver (cant remember) and knocked down a little of the metal around the tumbler holder and no more issue, worked for another year and even after I was sideswiped and totaled the car
New Member
Joined: 07-27-13
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: albany
Keys stuck
So i went to get out of my car yesterday and she wouldnt shut off had to stall it to shut it off and went online to read this thred here. after feeling around for release and being unsucessful i called my dealer to findout this this issue is not covered under the exteneded warrenty i paid an extra 1200 for. after that call i made another one to GM service because of all the recalls i have been reading about the very rude lady on the phone ran my vin to tell me that there is no recall on my car and there is nothing she can do. so for right now im stuck driving my winter car while my car sits in my garage with a dead battery. anything i can do to get this resolve without selling a kidney?
Banned
Joined: 05-16-13
Posts: 630
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
So i went to get out of my car yesterday and she wouldnt shut off had to stall it to shut it off and went online to read this thred here. after feeling around for release and being unsucessful i called my dealer to findout this this issue is not covered under the exteneded warrenty i paid an extra 1200 for. after that call i made another one to GM service because of all the recalls i have been reading about the very rude lady on the phone ran my vin to tell me that there is no recall on my car and there is nothing she can do. so for right now im stuck driving my winter car while my car sits in my garage with a dead battery. anything i can do to get this resolve without selling a kidney?
same with me, mine was replaced for free. Just some advice- no need to be pulling fuses on a charged electrical system, pull the ebrake, put it in 2nd gear, and let out on clutch.
Mine was replaced for free. But I had to drive it a few days with the problem. If you take apart the steering column there is a ignition plug I believe 6x2 pin and red that if you disconnect cuts power. Key does stay in the ignition but they'd have to know to plug the wire back in and.it's not too easy to see.
Senior Member
Joined: 08-31-10
Posts: 1,043
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From: Cincinnati
it says ALL 09 Cobalts doesnt specify really..
and it says all vehicles in stock should have it done...
i did VIN check mine before i bought it and i dont think it was done... how can i check?
and it says all vehicles in stock should have it done...
i did VIN check mine before i bought it and i dont think it was done... how can i check?
I had this problem a couple months ago. I tried to turn the car off and snapped the key in the ignition. Had it dropped off at the dealership late at night (used Powell's tow hook to get it on a flatbed, the tow driver loved it) and the only call I got was from the service writer at 10am to let me know the ignition and key were replaced free of charge and the shuttle was on it's way to pick me up, 15 miles out of their range. My dealership treats me very well. Why? Because I spend money on routine oil changes and normal maintenence that I could do myself. This creates a "relationship" They know I'll be back to conduct business, they appreciate that and I enjoy the no hassle service. 
New Member
Joined: 11-01-09
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
JUst got mine done ! My car was stuck running. i was lucky the dealership was open but not the service. They got me to pull it in and stall it out. Then they gave me a loaner off the lot a Brand new 13 cruze since regular loaners were gone ! Forbs GM in Kitchener Ontario Canada<--- sorry about the shout out but im sure other dealers would of said sorry we have no loaners and sent me on my way!
Senior Member
Joined: 08-20-10
Posts: 1,052
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From: san antonio TEXAS
its was like pulling teeth from a crocodile @ my dealership to get a loaner. I got "The Smoker" a tan HHR with the 2 tone coffee spill interior.
** I did however find the button that releases the key on auto trans, and pulled the key out of it in D**
** I did however find the button that releases the key on auto trans, and pulled the key out of it in D**
Hello everyone, I know this thread is old but this exact problem just happened to me last night! My key won't turn to the off position so I threw it in first gear n released the clutch. However, the only difference is that somehow I was able to pull my key out by wiggling it back and fourth. I then disconnected the battery and that turned off the power. I brought it into the dealership this morning and they checked my vin # and said it wasn't under the recall. They gave me a quote of anywhere between $500-$1800 for diagnosis and repair depending on what the problem is. This is ridiculous! I declined their generous offer and came back home. Any advice? I was thinking of just buying a new ignition tumbler and replacing it but then I remembered that it came with a chip or whatever with the stock one so I probably wont even be able to start it if I replaced the tumbler. UGH!!!! Can anyone help me out please? Thank you in advance if anyone can.
P.S. I read the campaign on here about GM replacing it but I noticed that it expired on Jan. of 2013. So that renders it useless now. I guess this means that I'm going to have to fork up the money and let those damn bastards at the stealership do their thing and rob me of my hard earned cash huh. sigh.... y did I buy a cheap car for....
Any advice? I was thinking of just buying a new ignition tumbler and replacing it but then I remembered that it came with a chip or whatever with the stock one so I probably wont even be able to start it if I replaced the tumbler. UGH!!!! Can anyone help me out please? Thank you in advance if anyone can. P.S. I read the campaign on here about GM replacing it but I noticed that it expired on Jan. of 2013. So that renders it useless now.
I guess this means that I'm going to have to fork up the money and let those damn bastards at the stealership do their thing and rob me of my hard earned cash huh. sigh.... y did I buy a cheap car for....
Senior Member
Joined: 07-30-10
Posts: 1,027
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From: Detroit, Michigan USA
I am really sorry that you are having this frustrating experience. I sent you a message requesting some information. I am going to see if there is anything that I can do to assist you.
Jackie
Chevrolet Customer Care
Jackie
Chevrolet Customer Care
