Key gets stuck in the ignition

Asked by vhart Sep 02, 2013 at 09:50 PM about the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2006 chevy cobalt ss 2.4l.  I am  having intermittent  key getting stuck in the accessory position in the ignition.  If I drive it an then park it again or jiggle the shifter it will eventually turn to the off position.

22 Answers

199,615

I would go ahead and replace the lock cylinder. They are not that expensive and most are not to hard to replace. Would do it before key gets hung in there forever.

12 people found this helpful.
525

you should change the ignition switch for sure.

7 people found this helpful.

I have a 2007 with the same problem and let me tell you is not the ignition switch. So where to start the problem is your shifter. So what happens is when you press the knob on the shifter a rod In the assembly shifts to the side and it gets stuck and its un able to send the signal to disengage the key. Ok the problem is the shifter but mean while if it gets stuck again there is a key release switch under the steering wheel with a screw driver remove a small cover like a quarter size then with your finger press that white switch and it will release the key. I paid $60 for a shifter at a auto junk yard. It's not hard to replace the shifter. Good luck any question feel free to send me a message

69 people found this helpful.
280

Dason27...how do I know if its the shifter or the ignition? I have a 2007 cobalt. Problems with getting key to turn to off from accessory and still problems getting key out. How do you know which to replace?

28 people found this helpful.
630

The problem lies in your shifter assembly. There is a metal bar that hits an actuator that tells your car that it is in park. The metal bar slips out of place and needs to be adjusted. I just fixed this problem on my 07 HHR. You don't have to spend a dime. It takes about an hour and a half onto fix.

24 people found this helpful.
630

Lauradv1 this is the most common problem area for the information you gave. Try this, I guarantee it will work.

26 people found this helpful.
630

Danson21 you are spot on right. Get a shifter assembly from a junk yard or even eBay has them, replace it and bam it's fixed. A new assembly from a GM dealership runs around 200 bucks. Very easy to install, just takes a little patience

4 people found this helpful.
270

There is actually a recall on the gear shift assembly from GM for Cobalt models 2005 to 2010. I paid to have mine replaced only to get a letter from GM regarding this same issue. Call the Chevrolet recall number at 1-800-222-1020 and they may reimburse you for any out of pocket expenses.

27 people found this helpful.
60

My daughter has a 2006 cobalt with key sticking in the ACC position. Called GM and as of Dec 11th they are replacing the shifter for no charge if this is the cause.

6 people found this helpful.
90

for model 2007 there is still the recall, expires in 2022, in the gear shift assembly from GM for Cobalt models 2005 to 2010. Call the Chevrolet recall number at 1-800-222-1020 and they may reimburse you for any out of pocket expenses if you already paid, but if you don't call them, very nice and service customer service, will arrange the towing company and the dealer appointment so they can fix your car.

9 people found this helpful.
80

Most common problem is a dead battery. Under the steering wheel is a hole in the hole is a little white button, that's the key releases. I just had this problem today.

5 people found this helpful.
80

Most common problem ( for me) is a dead battery. Under the steering wheel is a hole in the hole is a little white button, that's the key releases. I just had this problem today.

3 people found this helpful.
80

i called the recall number and the recording said there is no recall? i have a 07 cobalt? key is getting stuck! guess i'll try the switch on the bottom? then the gear shift next?

7 people found this helpful.
100

Had similar problem fixed. It was an ignition wire in the steering column.

2 people found this helpful.
100

Just called the recall number posted above. While there is not an official recall there is an extended warranty issued by Chevy. Not sure how this works but they set me up with a dealer to take a look at the problem. If it is the shifter they will cover 100%. I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow.

8 people found this helpful.
80

nothing worked, i took it to my mechanic and he took something out, now i have no issues!

1 people found this helpful.
10

I gas that problem today. Battery was stone dead. Charged the battery and works now. About the recall, that was the ignition switch.

1 people found this helpful.
100

I should have posted this earlier. So after I took the car to the dealer, after discussing problem with recall rep, they replaced the shifter at no cost. Again, this is not a recall but a known problem that is covered by manufacturer. Just have to work with the Rep.

2 people found this helpful.
50

there is a special coverage service bulletin #14632 for this problem extends coverage for 15 years after inservice date ...yup google it.

5 people found this helpful.
10

My 2006 cobalt is doing same thing the key get stuck ignition and I don’t know what else need to do and try everything.

1 people found this helpful.
10

NEW SHIFTER AT DEALER IS @ $98.00 FOR THE PART. THERE IS A MICRO SWITCH THAT GOES BAD OR THE PIN FALLS OFF AND CAUSES THAT ISSUE.

1 people found this helpful.
200

Sounds like all of the above is true depending on vehicle. i would like to know what Crystals mechanic removed from her car?

2 people found this helpful.

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