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Chevrolet Cobalt Electrical Problems

337 messages,  Last post on Feb 17, 2013 at 4:07 PM

You are in the Chevrolet Cobalt Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Cobalt, Electrical, Coupe, Sedan

    
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Messages Page 12 of 34

#108 of 337 2005 chevy cobalt key stuck by bigboo

Jan 02, 2010 (12:27 pm)

so i bought a used 2005 cobalt early december and i liked it alot at first. then about 2 weeks later i started to have problems with the key getting stuck in the ignition and getting out. the problem wasnt major at first but then one night i tried to turn the car off and it wouldnt go off all the way and the key got stuck. so i finally got it out and went to bed. i woke up the next morning and my car was dead. i was assuming it was because my car wasnt able to turn off all the way and the battery drained all night. so i tried to jump it with another car but after i hooked it up i wasnt even hearing the car turn over. the car completely locked up and the security light kept flashing. i had no idea what was going on but i knew it had something to do with the key ignition. this was all after i had the car for 3 weeks. so i had to have the car towed to the dealership and they told me it was a ignition cylinder that was shot and something else with the ignition switch. they said with all parts and labor it was gonna cost close to 600. i was pissed so i complained and since it was so close to when i bought it they did it for free. so i thought i would put it on here because i noticed a lot of people are having this same problem and dont know what it is.

#109 of 337 Re: 2005 chevy cobalt key stuck [bigboo] by cmhj2000

Jan 03, 2010 (10:57 am)

Replying to: bigboo (Jan 02, 2010 12:27 pm)
A common problem with 05s and 6s. We've found those that have a lot of junk on the key chains are more prone to this issue.

#110 of 337 Re: Only one with Elecitrical issues???? [ryanm1] by lc20104

Jan 08, 2010 (7:15 am)

Replying to: ryanm1 (Jul 17, 2007 11:01 am)
So my son has a 2007 colbalt yesterday 1-7-2010 the headlights would not turn off so he decides to unhook the battery until we can afford to get it fixed then today he goes out and forgets and puts the keys in the ignition and the trunk release won't open the trunk so he can put the terminals back on the battery and now of course the key is stuck in the ignition, there is no way to get in trunk unless you are in the trunk this is so redicoulous, there has got to be something we can do to get gm to fix this mess, any ideas on how to get in trunk please let me know, thanks lisa

#111 of 337 Re: Only one with Elecitrical issues???? [lc20104] by pvanhouse

Jan 08, 2010 (7:54 am)

Replying to: lc20104 (Jan 08, 2010 7:15 am)
Isn't there a key hole in the trunk? His ignition key will open the trunk as well.

#112 of 337 Re: Only one with Elecitrical issues???? [lc20104] by sharkman1

Jan 08, 2010 (8:36 am)

Replying to: lc20104 (Jan 08, 2010 7:15 am)
First of all the headlights are on a delay, I'm sure you knew that. Secondly, these cars come with more than one key. There is a key hole on the trunk lid, go get the other key & unlock it.

#113 of 337 Re: Only one with Elecitrical issues???? [lc20104] by imidazol97

Jan 08, 2010 (8:47 am)

Replying to: lc20104 (Jan 08, 2010 7:15 am)
To turn off headlights, rotate the end of the headlight lever. It turns them off.
 
HOWEVER: You've got a problem but there's an easy answer--There is a jump location for jumper cables under the hood. Or you can use a jumper power box instead of another battery.
 
Apply the positive jumper cable to the correct location which looks like a battery terminal sticking up with a plastic cover (red) over it; it's next to the fuse box under the hood. Apply the ground cable to the marked ground location which is a bolt for the left front strut.
 
Then the systems should power up and the key, I hope, will come out of the ignition. AND the remote unlock for the trunk on the key fob or the left side of the instrument panel will open your trunk.
 
OR the dealer has your key codes where the car was bought. So a GM dealer can make a new key for you ($60? the transponder keys are expensive).

#114 of 337 Re: 2005 chevy cobalt key stuck [bigboo] by msdyn0myte

Jan 17, 2010 (7:51 am)

Replying to: bigboo (Jan 02, 2010 12:27 pm)
The key gets stuck in my ingnition too, from time to time. A mechanic at a dealership taught me a quick tip for getting it out. Remove your cupholder and feel inside up by the gearshift, there is a switch. You have to press the switch with one hand and turn your key with the other at the same time. The switch releases the key and allows it to turn and come out. It's a pain but better than the option of your battery dying. Mine always fixes itself although sometimes it takes days. Hope this helps some others like it did me, although it doesn't exactly fix the problem it helps.

#115 of 337 The Wonderful Cobalt... NOT by jhurt612

Jan 17, 2010 (7:40 pm)

I bought a 2006 chevy cobalt 20,000 miles, last year and have had nothing but problems with it. It first started with, just a week after I had it, both of my head lights blowing at the same time. That is really no big deal. It happens. But then, I started having the problems with the key getting stuck. My friend at the dealership cleaned the shifter and put something in the switch and I haven't had anymore problems with that. But, then the power steering light came on and I had to replace the steering column. The lights flicker and my gages will drop randomly. Never had that fixed. The brakes wore all the way down without making a sound. On top of that the car started stalling and I completely lost reverse. (transmission). I haven't taken it to the shop yet. Not quite sure if I still want the car. It has been nothing but trouble and I've only had it for a year...

#116 of 337 Re: The Wonderful Cobalt... NOT [jhurt612] by imidazol97

Jan 18, 2010 (7:37 am)

Replying to: jhurt612 (Jan 17, 2010 7:40 pm)
Did you buy an extended warranty from GM for it? You would have been within the 3 yr., 36000 miles.

#117 of 337 Re: 2005 chevy cobalt key stuck [msdyn0myte] by frustrated28

Jan 21, 2010 (5:14 pm)

Replying to: msdyn0myte (Jan 17, 2010 7:51 am)
Where is the switch located? I took the cup holder out but I can't find the switch. Is it towards the firewall or towards the back?

Messages Page 12 of 34

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