Ignition Key problem

dgmaley · #1 12-03-2005, 12:59 PM

Checking to see if anyone has experienced an intermittant problem
removing the Cobalt ignition key? I suspect it is caused by the
automatic transmission lockout not releasing properly. It's been
intermittant enough that it's been impossible to track down. Any
help would really be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Dave Maley
Cedar Rapids,iowa.

BullDog71ss · #2 12-04-2005, 09:08 PM

Haven't got a clue dude, sorry I can't help on this one. Talk to GM about it.

QuasiMofo · #3 12-04-2005, 09:48 PM

Manual trans here, so I have no assistance either.

I do however love the fact that the ignition switch is basically a starter button inside the lock cylinder. I can barely tap the ignition and it goes through the startup function. I get into my wifes Dodge and I can never start the damned thing... always forget to hold the key!

don2 · #4 12-23-2005, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgmaley

Checking to see if anyone has experienced an intermittant problem
removing the Cobalt ignition key? I suspect it is caused by the
automatic transmission lockout not releasing properly. It's been
intermittant enough that it's been impossible to track down. Any
help would really be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Dave Maley
Cedar Rapids,iowa.

Yes, I have been experincing this same problem on my 2005 Cobalt LT sedan with about 12,000 miles. It has been to the dealership 4 times for this in the last 3 weeks or so. It was intermittent on my car too and they only had it happen once at the dealership randomly, they have said they can not get the car to repeat the problem.There was a part replaced on trip two, problem occured almost immediately after leaving dealership and there were adjustments made to the shift lock on trip three, they thought they had the problem figured out, but the fix lasted about a week at most. The problem intensified greatly between trip 3 and 4. The car is now wih the dealer since Tuesday, they believe it is related to the shift lock solenoid, but told me today they are having a problem getting the part which I guess comes as part of an assembly. The dealer has been very helpful so far and have given me a loaner Impala to drive while they have my car, Sounds like it is possible the part may take some time to get, hopefuly this wil be the end of the problem.

dgmaley · #5 12-24-2005, 12:11 PM

Well I have good news. The dealer was willing to work with me and we
were able to solve the problem. This also required a couple of calls
on the dealer tech line. Here's how to see if you have the same probem:
There is a safety ignition circuit involving the brake light switch, transmission park switch, and the shift lever button switch. All three must be in the correct position for the car to start, or the key to be removed. It appears that in my car, the shift lever button switch was very close to the edge of the tolerance. The switch made contact just at the point where the button popped all the way out. Any small amount of dirt in the button would hang the switch up and the key could not be removed. The dealer replaced the button and switch in the shift lever. The original had a chrome plated cover, the replacement was just a black plastic, but has a much smoother action. It is possible to hear the action of the safety system by moving these switches without the engine running. If you can take your hand away from the shift lever with the switch hanging, you've got it. Don't forget to spray a little WD-40 on your ignition key and run it through the mechinism.
Hope you find your intermittant.
Dave....

Quote:

Originally Posted by don2

Yes, I have been experincing this same problem on my 2005 Cobalt LT sedan with about 12,000 miles. It has been to the dealership 4 times for this in the last 3 weeks or so. It was intermittent on my car too and they only had it happen once at the dealership randomly, they have said they can not get the car to repeat the problem.There was a part replaced on trip two, problem occured almost immediately after leaving dealership and there were adjustments made to the shift lock on trip three, they thought they had the problem figured out, but the fix lasted about a week at most. The problem intensified greatly between trip 3 and 4. The car is now wih the dealer since Tuesday, they believe it is related to the shift lock solenoid, but told me today they are having a problem getting the part which I guess comes as part of an assembly. The dealer has been very helpful so far and have given me a loaner Impala to drive while they have my car, Sounds like it is possible the part may take some time to get, hopefuly this wil be the end of the problem.

cobalt1184 · #6 01-13-2006, 06:01 PM

i bought my cobalt in may of 2005.i recently hit the 12000mile mark, and since then , my car has been in the shop for the third time in 3 weeks for my key locking in the ignition. i find that when i jam it into park and shift it around, ill eventually get it out....i was satisfied with my car up until recently, and i heard rumors that the cobalt does not rank very well on consumer reports now. so my car is sitting in the shop yet again, as the wheels of monotony go round and round....no longer satisfied and kind of panicked.

don2 · #7 01-13-2006, 06:44 PM

The dealer seems to have fixed my car, it was losing the ground, they found it in the A/T shift lock solenoid. From my paperwork, it looks like the part # that was replaced is 15244165. I've had it back for abut two weeks and it seems to be fine. My dealer was good about being persistant enough to get this fixed, wish they would have fixed it the first time but they tried to minimize my inconvience as much as possible. I'm still happy with my car. Good luck getting your car fixed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobalt1184

i bought my cobalt in may of 2005.i recently hit the 12000mile mark, and since then , my car has been in the shop for the third time in 3 weeks for my key locking in the ignition. i find that when i jam it into park and shift it around, ill eventually get it out....i was satisfied with my car up until recently, and i heard rumors that the cobalt does not rank very well on consumer reports now. so my car is sitting in the shop yet again, as the wheels of monotony go round and round....no longer satisfied and kind of panicked.

Carmen G · #8 05-18-2007, 07:14 AM

I am also having problems with the ignition. When I park the car the key does not want to come out. I have been resolving the problem by either driving around the block or reversing into another spot and then forward to the original spot and then I can remove the key. I called Chevy and filed a complaint and hopefully everyone else is doing the same thing. If a complaint is not filed we will not get our cars fixed.

Hinshawwrx · #9 05-18-2007, 02:45 PM

Guys who are having this problem take it to the dealer and tell them to search Service Information for the TSB. They have to replace the automatic shifter assembly to fix the problem!

Bdal12 · #10 06-09-2007, 11:53 PM

My key kept getting stuck in the ignition too. I have a 2006 Cobalt. When I took my car in to the dealership, it never got stuck, but they found I had a piece broken somewhere that was keeping my key from being released. They fixed it now it works again!

venus · #11 06-13-2007, 04:58 PM

I also started having this problem on my automatic trans 2005 Cobalt, not my 2006 SS/SC.

In case you need to get the key out in a hurry, there is a small square cover on the underside of the steering column. Take that off, and there is a small white button inside there that you push, and that will allow you to remove the key. I'm taking my car in on Monday to get this fixed.

sufucobalt · #12 03-09-2008, 03:08 PM

I own a 2005 cobalt and the key keeps getting stuck. I have been told that it is a problem with many of the 2005 cobalts. I was told I have to make sure the shifter is in the right spot. Usually I can mess with the shifter (park - reverse - park again) and it will come out. Today the key was stuck for over an hour, when i finally discovered the little button under the steering wheel. When I use the release buttone it comes out, but it still gets stuck the next time. I KNOW it has something to do with the shifter not sitting in the right spot.

krafchs02 · #13 06-15-2010, 10:42 AM

I have a 2006 cobalt, I am having ignition problems aswell...I had my shifter replaced back in 2007 and now in 2010 my key is getting stuck in the ignition and won't come out. I played with the shifter back and forth and the key came out...did anyone find out the problem so it would be a lot easier taking it to the shop...it is not under warranty anymore...

chevymandan · #14 10-09-2011, 08:58 PM

I have an 04 impala and I had the same problem. Takes about 30 min and $0 to fix. Only tool you need is a flat head screw driver.
1. Take off lower panel by drivers side feet for access
2. You will see a cable coming from the back of the ignition. This cable only allows you to start the car when it is in P or N and only allows you to shift out of park when your foot is on the brake. There is a black piece with a white plastic clip on it. Pull this clip out (not off) with the flat head screw driver. This allows you to move the cable in and out for adjustment. When you think you have it, press the clip back in and give it a try. You want to make sure that you can only shift from P when your foot is on the brake and that you can only start the car in P or N. And of course you want to make sure you can get the key in and out. If it does not work try again. It takes a few tries to get it right.

Christine89 · #15 02-23-2012, 07:28 PM

I drive a 2006 Cobalt that I bought used in November of 2008 with 39,000 miles. At around 110,000 miles, the ignition began holding my keys hostage. I called a dealer and they told me it was a problem in the starter. 3 weeks ago, I took it in and it turned out that my entire gear shift needed replaced. I haven't had a problem since. It cost me $385 but so far has been the only repair I've had to pay out of pocket for. I hope this helps!

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