THE PROBLEM: I could not turn my key to lock position and remove the key. I had to pry off a small cover under the steering column and locate a plunger type button push in to turn key and remove. This was not an intermittent problem so had to get it fixed immediately.

THE FIX: They had to replace the shifter assembly as it was not aligning properly so the key could not turn to the lock position. This happened a month after my warrantly expired. I was fortunate though the dealership replaced the assembly on a "good will warranty".

 

isnt that covered under a recall? i seen something like that on YC

 

Not that I am aware of - but none the less it didn't cost me a cent. Is there site we can go to and input a VIN number to check on recalls?

 

Recall Date:
MAR 06, 2009

Model Affected:
2009 CHEVROLET COBALT

Summary:
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 276,729 MY 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE, CHEVROLET COBALT, HHR, MALIBU, TRAVERSE, GMC ACADIA, PONTIAC G5, G6 AND SATURN AURA AND OUTLOOK PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT POSITION SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT", AND FMVSS 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION". ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP MAY NOT BE FULLY ENGAGED. IF THE CLIP IS NOT FULLY ENGAGED, THE SHIFT LEVER AND THE ACTUAL POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT MATCH. WITH THIS CONDITION, THE DRIVE COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER TO "PARK" AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN "PARK".


Consequence:
THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER THE DRIVER HAS EXITED THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP IS FULLY ENGAGED. IN THE EVENT THAT THE CLIP DOES NOT ENGAGE, THE SHIFT CABLE WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR AT GM Owners Center - GM.

Potential Units Affected:
276729

Notes:
GENERAL MOTORS CORP. 09041

oh yours is an 06 lol mine is an 09 and mine falls into the recall. but i fixed mine myself when i put the short shifter in

 

this works on my 2.2 so...under steering wheel there is a whole. stick your finger in the whole and locate a spring, push the spring up or down cant remember its the manual release for the key. should send it out

 

Mine did it once. You have to turn the steering wheel a little to unlock it. It will take some muscle but you can do it.

 

it just happend to me today. my key won't release from the steering column, now I'm gonna have to take the negative battery out for it to be inspected by the dealer. talked to my advisor and he said its a common problem. I can't located the release button.