Can't remove ignition key---sometimes

[Blue Demon]

This week my 2012 LTZ started having problems removing the ignition key. It would turn on the car and move through all settings except Off. It would not go past the On position. The car was straight and level, steel wheel free, everything normal except key removal. I used the procedure on page 9-15 of the owner manual; I used a flat blade screwdriver and after several attempts the key finally was able to be removed.

This has happened several times sandwiched between two trips where the key removal was normal. I have an appointment with the dealer next Monday morning to have it looked at.

Anyone else have this problem? I used the search feature but didn't see any other posts.

 

[littleturbo]

It's a known problem for majority of gm cars. Most common cause is to many key on the key ring in the ignition switch to resolve this I made a detachable key ring for my key. So all my key has is my toolbox key and a dinky key chain

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[Blue Demon]

It can't be that, all I have is a house key on mine.

 

[littleturbo]

Ok that eliminated that. But in general the ignition swith es in chevrolet Pontiac Saturn and Buick cars all most all have issues with the release of the key. Or even to start the car. Saturn, cobalt, and hhr are some of the worst offenders

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[Blue Demon]

I'm just guessing that it is an electronic glitz with the solenoid or whatever it is that is not releasing the mechanism all the time.

 

[laborsmith]

I have not experienced this with the Sonic but have with previous Chevys. Worst offender: Cobalt SS/SC. Other than the dealer tag I carry nothing on my car key rings. I would open door, use left leg to slightly rock the vehicle and the key would come out.

Laborsmith

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

This week my 2012 LTZ started having problems removing the ignition key. It would turn on the car and move through all settings except Off. It would not go past the On position. The car was straight and level, steel wheel free, everything normal except key removal. I used the procedure on page 9-15 of the owner manual; I used a flat blade screwdriver and after several attempts the key finally was able to be removed.

This has happened several times sandwiched between two trips where the key removal was normal. I have an appointment with the dealer next Monday morning to have it looked at.

Anyone else have this problem? I used the search feature but didn't see any other posts.

Hey there,

Very sorry for this, and we would be happy to assist you further if necessary. We look forward to your updates next week after your appointment. Please do not hesitate to send us a private message along with your VIN, current mileage, contact information and the dealership you have been working with.

Patsy G
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[wingnut]

I too have a 2012 LTZ and just had it in because I couldn't get the key into the ignition. Perhaps you have a similar problem in reverse of mine. They replaced the lock cylinder and everything is fine for now.

 

[wbjones]

This week my 2012 LTZ started having problems removing the ignition key. It would turn on the car and move through all settings except Off. It would not go past the On position. The car was straight and level, steel wheel free, everything normal except key removal. I used the procedure on page 9-15 of the owner manual; I used a flat blade screwdriver and after several attempts the key finally was able to be removed.

This has happened several times sandwiched between two trips where the key removal was normal. I have an appointment with the dealer next Monday morning to have it looked at.

Anyone else have this problem? I used the search feature but didn't see any other posts.

you do realize that this problem won't manifest itself while at the dealer, don't you ? LOL

 

[rsSteve]

I too was having this issue. It hasn't happened in the past month and would only happen about once a week or so. If it gets worse i may take to dealer, but its not really doing it often enough for them to see, so i am afraid i would waste both of our time if i took it in. But yeah this is a little annoying when it does happen.

As a side note, anyone else having issues with the buttons on the remote? Some days it is really hard to lock my doors from the remote. I have to hit the button about 10 times for it to activate sometimes. (unlocking seems to be a little better then locking)

 

[Blue Demon]

I took it into the dealer this morning. The technician said it is a faulty shifter that is not fully going into Park all the time. They ordered a new shifter and it should be received within a few days. I will post the results of the fix afterwards.

 

[Blue Demon]

Today the dealer replaced the shifter assembly, hopefully that fixed the problem. And yes, it had been working normally the past week or so, go figure!!