2009 Chevy Cobalt LT - Key Won't Turn

greengoateegal

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I haven't been able to find much of anything to do with my problem online, so hopefully you guys can help me! I apologize for this being a pretty long first post.

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On Saturday, 11/28/2015, I went into my Shearer Chevrolet to get a recall done on my ignition switch, ignition cylinder, and power steering. I drove my car to the dealership no problem and drove it off the lot no problem once they were done. I did notice it was harder to turn the key, but chalked it up to the key and the ignition setup being brand new.

I did not drive my car the rest of Saturday, nor did I drive it Sunday.

I went to turn my car on Monday morning to get the heat started (I live in blustery, frozen Vermont) and found that my key would not budge an inch. I tried everything I could think of: I wiggled the steering wheel left and right without the key in the ignition, I wiggled the steering wheel left and right with the key in the ignition, and I tried wiggling while also turning my key. I was pretty desperate to get into work, so I really attacked this sucker, but no dice. I couldn't get the key to turn no matter what I did, even with my foot on the brake.

Finally (and somewhat stupidly), I thought maybe locking the steering wheel might help, since I knew how to get it unlocked. The problem then became...I couldn't get it unlocked! At all, no matter what I did.

I think it's worth mentioning that every time I turned the key to the right, my car would idiot-beep at me like I'd left the door open while the car was on.

I got a ride into work, but left early so I could get my car back over to Shearer. The day had warmed up some, so I figured I'd try to start my car again. I was immediately able to get the steering wheel unlocked and my car started up. I still brought it over to Shearer, where they told me nothing was wrong and said I should wiggle the steering wheel next time.

:(

I went to start my car this morning and, surprise surprise, could not turn the key! No matter what I did. The car idiot-beeped at me some more, too, but didn't actually turn on.

I asked Shearer if maybe it was a cold issue, and they told me no. I will see if I can start my car when I get home from work today.

Does anyone have any ideas for me? All the parts here are totally brand new...and my car worked just fine before Shearer touched it. I've never had this issue.
 

YelloEye

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Shearer needs to fix the issue they caused. Sounds like they'll need to keep it overnight to diagnose a problem that you're having in the mornings. They should be giving you a free rental for the time they have the car. Run it up the chain at the dealership if they make a stink about it. You can always call GM customer service and explain the situation.

Be calm, courteous, and firm. Yelling and making a scene won't get you want you want. Just keep a very level head and don't raise your voice. If the dealership refuses to fix the issue they caused free of charge with a rental for the inconvenience I would call GM customer service and do the same. You're the victim here.

General Motors | Customer Care | GM.com
 

greengoateegal

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Shearer needs to fix the issue they caused. Sounds like they'll need to keep it overnight to diagnose a problem that you're having in the mornings. They should be giving you a free rental for the time they have the car. Run it up the chain at the dealership if they make a stink about it. You can always call GM customer service and explain the situation.

Be calm, courteous, and firm. Yelling and making a scene won't get you want you want. Just keep a very level head and don't raise your voice. If the dealership refuses to fix the issue they caused free of charge with a rental for the inconvenience I would call GM customer service and do the same. You're the victim here.

General Motors | Customer Care | GM.com

You have no idea how much I appreciate this response! I've been trying to rule out user-error, but I really can't think of anything I could be doing wrong - it should not take a feat of super strength to start my car in the morning.

I am bringing my car back to them tonight so they can keep it overnight, but I'm so worried they won't be able to replicate the issue. Monday and Tuesday were frigid mornings, but Vermont being Vermont, this morning was much warmer (and was raining). I did manage to start my car! But it was a strange, sluggish start, and it felt like my car was rumbling and making more noise than usual. I'll tell them about it and hope they really pay attention, since tomorrow morning isn't supposed to be all that cold, either.

I'm naturally a meek person and I have a hard time being firm in these circumstances. I will do my best to stand up for myself here! I've never been one to yell at people trying to do their job, so no worries there; I'm far more likely to just give in without a fight, ugh.

Your advice is seriously appreciated! Really, thank you.
 
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