[cruz413]

I am experiencing the same situation where my key gets stuck and I have to use a screwdriver to release the key. I called Chevy and they swear this is NOT a common problem. When I call local dealers they tell me it will be anywhere from $70-$120 just to look at the car. If the problem turns out to be either the ignition or shifter it will be anywhere from $225-$410 to fix. I see some ppl have turned the wheel or put the car in reverse/drive. Is there any other solutions out there that can fix this without costing me a pretty penny?!

2011 Chevy Cruz

 

[NickD]

I had this same problem with much older GM vehicles with an AT, ignition switch does a bit more than shut off the engine. Also locks the steering wheel and a lever way back from the gear shift indicator that is not properly adjusted would not permit the key to return to the lock position.

The car in fact was my old 92 DeVille with the gear shift lever on the column, but removing the covers on the steering wheel, I could see both the problem and the adjustment. Can only imagine with the gear shift lever on the console, that mechanism is much longer and more complex. Ha, another reason for wanting a manual transmission.

Was not the only problem, key had that resistor chip with two contacts on it that were suppose to make a good electrical contact with two very tiny leaf contacts in the confines of the ignition switch. That was another job to remove that switch so I could bend those leafs so they would make contact. No contact no start.

So there you have it, steering wheel locked, gear shift lever locked, and problems with the anti-thief, but for my protection so nobody would steal my Caddy. But so frustrated with this, if any thieve would still my Caddy, would be doing me a great favor. Then the thief would have all these problems.

Ha, the biggest thief you will run into is at your dealer, only offering half of the the lowest blue book value for a trade-in. But my Caddy was worth a thousand bucks when I purchased that 04 Cavalier, didn't even have to trade if off with that GM loyalty program.

 

[spacedout]

The only time I can't turn my key all the way back on my cruze is if i didn't put the car in park when I shut it down. If your in park I would suspect a problem with the shifter. I would try shifting to reverse and back to park when this happens to see if you can then turn our key back.

 

[NickD]

The only time I can't turn my key all the way back on my cruze is if i didn't put the car in park when I shut it down. If your in park I would suspect a problem with the shifter. I would try shifting to reverse and back to park when this happens to see if you can then turn our key back.

Come to think of this, did work with the Caddy, moving the gear shift lever back and forth a tad in P while trying to turn the key. Used my left hand for the lever, right hand on the key. Until I got around to adjusting it.

 

[jblackburn]

Put the car back into gear and slam it hard into park. There's a cable from the shifter over to the ignition and it likely needs a bit of adjusting.

The button you depress to move the shifter may also stick a little if crud gets in there - you can spray some silicone grease around the edges and work the button a few times to free it up.


Sent from AutoGuide.com App

 

[NickD]

Ha, while I was at it, could have dumped that steering wheel and shifter lock, but didn't, could have paid the price later with some kind of an insurance claim.

82 Chevy P-30 doesn't even have this stuff, so when I take my grandkids camping, make darn sure the parking brakes are on and the wheels are blocked. Very easy for them or anyone to knock this thing out of park. But it didn't come equipped from the factory this way, so its okay.

 

[MzPrice]

Key Stuck 2011 Cruze LT

I have a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LT and my key keeps getting stuck in the ignition. The gear shift has been getting stuck in park off and on as well. I have an appointment for Friday with the dealership. Any suggestions until then?

 

[BrandoFisher117]

See @jblackburn 's post 2 posts ahead of yours.

"Put the car back into gear and slam it hard into park. There's a cable from the shifter over to the ignition and it likely needs a bit of adjusting.

The button you depress to move the shifter may also stick a little if crud gets in there - you can spray some silicone grease around the edges and work the button a few times to free it up."

 

[Blasirl]

Sometimes you need to slightly rotate the steering wheel for some reason, aside from stepping on the brake.

 

[reese3anna]

Do you know if I will have to pay to have this repaired if I am out of my warranty?

 

[Ghost14]

I had my first issue with my Cruze yesterday. The wife took it to work (school, 1.5 miles away)and called me at home from the car saying that she could not get the key out of the ignition. I figured she didn't have it in Park and told her to try a few things. Long story short, I took my truck over there and she was right. I could not remove the key because the ignition would only go back to the "Acc" position.

I left her the truck & took the Cruze home and put it in my garage. Nothing I did helped with getting the ignition all the way off and the key out. I did not want to leave it that way too long because the dash lights were staying on. I called Onstar and after answering stupid questions like what color is your Cruze, all they could do was send a tow truck to take it to my local dealer. I told them to forget it and I will drive it there myself.

The dealer was not open yet so I disconnected the negative terminal to the battery and went inside to Google some answers. I discovered that the Cobalt had a similar issue and found a way to remove the key. There is a small hole under the ignition (bottom of steering column) where I was able to insert a small screwdriver. Jiggling it a bit, I was able to turn the ignition off and remove the key.

I dropped it off at my dealer (brought my trusty screwdriver with me) and they were clueless as to the problem since they never saw it on a Cruze before. They did mention a similar problem with the Cobalt.

They gave me an ugly HHR to use while they diagnose & hopefully fix the issue. I'll let everyone know the outcome once it is fixed. It sux having a problem on a 6 week old car.

I had my first issue with my Cruze yesterday. The wife took it to work (school, 1.5 miles away)and called me at home from the car saying that she could not get the key out of the ignition. I figured she didn't have it in Park and told her to try a few things. Long story short, I took my truck over there and she was right. I could not remove the key because the ignition would only go back to the "Acc" position.

I left her the truck & took the Cruze home and put it in my garage. Nothing I did helped with getting the ignition all the way off and the key out. I did not want to leave it that way too long because the dash lights were staying on. I called Onstar and after answering stupid questions like what color is your Cruze, all they could do was send a tow truck to take it to my local dealer. I told them to forget it and I will drive it there myself.

The dealer was not open yet so I disconnected the negative terminal to the battery and went inside to Google some answers. I discovered that the Cobalt had a similar issue and found a way to remove the key. There is a small hole under the ignition (bottom of steering column) where I was able to insert a small screwdriver. Jiggling it a bit, I was able to turn the ignition off and remove the key.

I dropped it off at my dealer (brought my trusty screwdriver with me) and they were clueless as to the problem since they never saw it on a Cruze before. They did mention a similar problem with the Cobalt.

They gave me an ugly HHR to use while they diagnose & hopefully fix the issue. I'll let everyone know the outcome once it is fixed. It sux having a problem on a 6 week old car.

Anyone find a solution to this? I’m also having issues with trunk not opening and brake lights. I checked my fuses and batteries good. I’m at a complete loss.

 

[Ghost14]

Key Stuck 2011 Cruze LT

I have a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LT and my key keeps getting stuck in the ignition. The gear shift has been getting stuck in park off and on as well. I have an appointment for Friday with the dealership. Any suggestions until then?

My 2011 Chevy Cruze LS doing the same thing. Did you get this fixed?