Broken Shift Button (Auto)

[evanjo]

So my mother has a 2012 Chevy Sonic that is out of the bumper-to-bumper warranty but the actual button you press in to shift gears on the automatic version of the vehicle shattered and is stuck inside the gear lever itself. The car is still drivable but it's extremely aggravating. She brought it to the dealership and they said that the repair was not covered under the powertrain warranty, which surprised the hell out of me. I called GM and they said it sounds like it should be covered and they escalated it to a regional manager (or something, don't remember the exact title) and that I would be hearing back in the next day or so.

I went ahead and authorized them to do the work because the repair is only like $350, but I am still very surprised that this is not covered under warranty according to the dealership. What do you guys think? The dealership said they'd reimburse me for the work if it turns out to be covered, which would be great, but I have no experience in dealing with a GM warranty.

 

[CheapFuneral]

Generally power tran is engine internal or trans internal.


If I die, bury me in my truck, because it's never been in a hole it can't get out of!

 

[Sneakerfix]

It's not covered under the powertrain warranty. This is something you'll have to pay for

 

[SuperFudd]

Yep. Pay.

I have a theory about those shifter buttons on the automatics.
If you sometimes hear and feel a "snap" as you move the selector, be more careful.
I suspect doing it wrong many times will cause the button to break.

 

[CheapFuneral]

Does the button actually break or is it the cable or the stopper? (I don't have an auto) if it allows u to shift without pushing in the button you should contact gm as it could be considered a safety issue and maybe recalled now or in the future. With their recent issues I'd guess they would take care of it before it hit the news


If I die, bury me in my truck, because it's never been in a hole it can't get out of!

 

[Luv2xlr8]

I had this problem and a few others on here as well, except I was still under warranty and it got replaced for free.

 

[ChrisJ]

Why do you think a shifter part would be covered under the powertrain "transmission and engine" warranty? With that logic I guess every part of the car is covered under it.

This isn't a "GM warranty" this is the same kind of powertrain warranty any manufacturer gives and this is identical to being surprised that a window switch isn't covered under the powertain warranty.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

So my mother has a 2012 Chevy Sonic that is out of the bumper-to-bumper warranty but the actual button you press in to shift gears on the automatic version of the vehicle shattered and is stuck inside the gear lever itself. The car is still drivable but it's extremely aggravating. She brought it to the dealership and they said that the repair was not covered under the powertrain warranty, which surprised the hell out of me. I called GM and they said it sounds like it should be covered and they escalated it to a regional manager (or something, don't remember the exact title) and that I would be hearing back in the next day or so.

I went ahead and authorized them to do the work because the repair is only like $350, but I am still very surprised that this is not covered under warranty according to the dealership. What do you guys think? The dealership said they'd reimburse me for the work if it turns out to be covered, which would be great, but I have no experience in dealing with a GM warranty.

Oh no evanjo!

I'm so sorry your mother's shifter knob has broken in her Sonic! Although we are unable to guarantee cost assistance, we're here for any support with questions or concerns regarding this. It sounds like you've been in contact with the appropriate team; however, if there's anything we can look into please private message us the VIN or case number.


Cheers!

Jonathan A.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[Twiztid_One]

2013 5 Door button broken...

Okay same thing as previous posts...

My button is broken just near the bottom...the button from time to time is now sticking, and finally today it pushed all the way through. the spring for the button came out and off its retaining points and it took some jimmying to get it back in.

Seeing this forum now, I'll be reaching out to Chevy. I bought mine "certified pre-owned" off another car lot so I doubt there will be any coverage for the part.

All it seems to be it the PLASTIC BUTTON (for some unknown reason metal must too expensive I guess) needs replacing...I hope that that doesn't cost more than the button is actually work making, even though I think it will.

From the Chevy folks, any ideas on the actual part price?

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Okay same thing as previous posts...

My button is broken just near the bottom...the button from time to time is now sticking, and finally today it pushed all the way through. the spring for the button came out and off its retaining points and it took some jimmying to get it back in.

Seeing this forum now, I'll be reaching out to Chevy. I bought mine "certified pre-owned" off another car lot so I doubt there will be any coverage for the part.

All it seems to be it the PLASTIC BUTTON (for some unknown reason metal must too expensive I guess) needs replacing...I hope that that doesn't cost more than the button is actually work making, even though I think it will.

From the Chevy folks, any ideas on the actual part price?

Hey there,

We will be on the look out for your private message for further assistance. Unfortunately, we do not have a part price to provide to you, but we can look into a part number for you if need be. Looking forward to your response.

Patsy G
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[Twiztid_One]

Part number request

Hey there,

We will be on the look out for your private message for further assistance. Unfortunately, we do not have a part price to provide to you, but we can look into a part number for you if need be. Looking forward to your response.

Patsy G
Chevrolet Customer Care

:blankface:

Please give me the part number then...

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

:blankface:

Please give me the part number then...

I will need your VIN first. Please feel free to send a private message to me with this, and I will send it to the appropriate team!

Thanks!

Patsy G
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[robramrod]

I just had the transmission turbine shaft recall work done on my 2012 Sonic, I got it back and I've noticed that as long as there is no problem with the engine to brake boost connection and there is good boost pressure all you have to do to get the transmission shift button to pop out in a timely fashion is to pump your brakes with some good force to create enough boost pressure to release the button there is a connection between the brake and the transmission you can hear it move what maybe a cable or the even a hydraulic device within the shift handle. So when you put it in park make sure your foot is on the brake and pump the brake to release the shift button then move the steering wheel from side to side to pull the key out. Connection brake boost, transmission shift handle, brake pedal.

 

[XilliK]

My freaking button rarely ever shifts up when I want it to... kind of annoying

 

[Stu Pidaso]

http://www.sonicownersforum.com/for...-shifter-button-broken-repair.html#post321578

 

[Diana]

My shift button also broke at the base and then popped out.

I see the same problem has happened to lots of others: button breaks at the bottom, doesn't consistently push in (sticks), randomly gets stuck in gear, and in my case, finally popped out completely. Someone helped me put it back in to shift and get home.

Is this problem generating any attention at GM/Chevy support? I read that someone had the dealer fix it for $350, someone else managed to glue it back together, other people are just gingerly shifting (like me). I can't seem to find the part which should be pretty inexpensive. At the rate they are breaking, others (besides me) will be in traffic and won't be able to shift! :sadbanana:

 

[Diana]

P.S. I'd like to know the part number for the shift button since it cracked & fell out of the shifter knob.

 

[Maddmatts]

It sounds like others had to have the shift lever assembly replaced over this. Unless a 3rd party produces/sells them, you won't be able to get just the button.

 

[Stu Pidaso]

P.S. I'd like to know the part number for the shift button since it cracked & fell out of the shifter knob.

Supposedly this is it.

 

[AdorableKaren]

Auto 13' RS mine is broken too. My button seems to have snapped in two but has not completely fallen out, instead there are sharp pieces sticking out.