Key Not Turning When Starting

[rondoman]

I have noticed in the last week or so about 3 times where I go to start the car and the key won't turn to the start position right away. It takes a little jostling around to make it turn. I have the 1.4T, manual.

Anybody else ever have an issue with this?

 

[GeneralZod]

Clean your key and make sure it is in all the way.

 

[rondoman]

Ok Ill clean it. It should be in all the way since it turns to the accessory position. When I got the key from the dealership it looked like there was some kinda grease in the key cutout. I dont know if this is some kind of lubricant to help it out or not.

 

[laborsmith]

I have experienced this with both Sonics, and the Cobalt SS/SC years ago. When jiggling did not work I would open the door and using my left foot slightly move the car an inch or two. Always worked.

Laborsmith

 

[rondoman]

I have experienced this with both Sonics, and the Cobalt SS/SC years ago. When jiggling did not work I would open the door and using my left foot slightly move the car an inch or two. Always worked.

Laborsmith

Funny you mention that because I had an older GM vehicle that if the key wouldnt turn all the way I would start moving all my weight back and forth in the drivers seat to rock the car a bit and then it would go.

I imagine I looked quite "special" to anyone that may have been watching.

 

[Maddmatts]

I've had this happen a few times too. Wiggling the steering wheel worked to get it unstuck for me.

 

[laborsmith]

When wiggling the wheel I would try the slight movement.

I am thinking it also happened in cars earlier than the Cobalt but not certain.

Laborsmith

 

[Gman77]

I run into the same thing on my Sonic. So far just moving the steering wheel side to side has solved the problem. I remember the same problem on a 76 Camaro, except that steering system actually locked out as an anti-theft deterrent...

 

[Insanika]

I've dealt with this mildly several times. Once it got pretty sticky and I was late getting to a test lol. It may have been us getting a bit anxious in the car and moving it that made it go.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

rodomon,
Are you sure the key isn't bent or damaged? If this continues to happen, you may want to have the ignition cylinder checked by your dealer to make sure everything is functioning correct. Keep us posted.


Vanessa,
GM Customer Service

 

[rondoman]

The key is straight and it doesn't seem like a huge issue especially since others are seeing it too. If it gets worse Ill have it checked out thank you.

 

[Blue hedgehog]

I run into the same thing on my Sonic. So far just moving the steering wheel side to side has solved the problem. I remember the same problem on a 76 Camaro, except that steering system actually locked out as an anti-theft deterrent...

Our sonics also have this anti-theft deterrent.
OP. next time it happens try turning the steering wheel left and right while trying to turn the key to the start position. It may be a little hard turning the wheel depending on how much pressure is on the steering lock. You will notice that one direction the wheel won't move at all, the other direction the wheel feels like its spring loaded turn against the spring load and start the car. To prevent this from happening again.
1. When parking the car straighten the wheels and drive forward or backwards a foot or 2 then shut the car off.
2. Don't turn the steering wheel while the engine is off.

 

[Yosemite Sam]

Our sonics also have this anti-theft deterrent.
OP. next time it happens try turning the steering wheel left and right while trying to turn the key to the start position. It may be a little hard turning the wheel depending on how much pressure is on the steering lock. You will notice that one direction the wheel won't move at all, the other direction the wheel feels like its spring loaded turn against the spring load and start the car. To prevent this from happening again.
1. When parking the car straighten the wheels and drive forward or backwards a foot or 2 then shut the car off.
2. Don't turn the steering wheel while the engine is off.

This! opcorn:

 

[ChrisJ]

Yeah, not sure if this is what is happening to you, but ever since locking columns were invented it was common knowledge (I thought?) to make sure the wheel didn't lock with a lot of pressure against the key. Otherwise its hard, or impossible to turn the key without taking the pressure off, just like releasing the parking brake.