key stuck in ignition

I have the same problem with my 2016 Colorado. Dealer cleaned and reinstalled ignition switch. Worked for about 2 months and is failing again. Not sure what to do know.

Same problem with our 2016 Colorado. In the dealership now to see why key keeps getting stuck. Seems like Colorado’s have a problem. To bad Chevy doesn’t see it. Of course it’s out of warranty.

PI1429B Ignition Key Cannot Be Removed and/ or Does Not Rotate to the Off Position

PI1429B Ignition Key Cannot Be Removed and/ or Does Not Rotate to the Off Position 2 of 2

Having same issue with 2015 Colorado. Left me with a dead battery and a miserable weekend last week. My mechanic told me it was a dealership issue and to bring it there but they were somewhat coy about the problem when I asked if Colorado’s had this problem in general.

had same problem key stuck wont come out. there is a small switch under the ignition where you put the key in , I drilled a one inch hoe with a hole saw on the underside and now if the key gets stuck I can put my finger in and move the small lever on the switch that gets stuck, I also used some dry lube on the switch and that helped a lot., if you pop off the plastic cover on the top of the steering column you can see the plastic switch move on the ignition.

I have the same problem with my 2017 Colorado. They replaced the entire shifter assembly in January and it significantly reduced but did not eliminate the problem ($700.00). Going back into the shop tomorrow, 30 September. Supposedly at no cost to me

I too am having the same problem on my 2017 Colorado. Have been to the dealership 3 times and of course the key begins to function normally when on site. I used the post of the issue posted earlier in this thread and the shop Foreman saw it and approved replacement of parts. Thank you to whoever posted that official problem document earlier.

Same same, 2015 Colorado. Thank you guruHSSMB. Maybe if enough people post here that it will be recognized as a recall issue. I believe the potential severity and liability of the consequences this matter could possibly warrant a recall. I’m not an attorney, it’s just my personal opinion. Not happy about it none the less.

I have had the same issue with my 2015. Took it in 3 times and it still is happening. They replaced the the linkage. Very frustrating

I have a 2016 Z71 with the same problem. The service dept where I purchased my vehicle was less than helpful. I printed out the service bulletin above and showed it to them. I then got the same response as others. It was about $130 to "diagnose" (insert laughter here). They stated I was correct. So, it was going to be an additional $700 to replace the gearshift. I decided against replacing as its a manufacturing defect, and I'm not paying Chevy for research and design and quality control. I also decided against pulling off the wire in the steering column some of you may have heard about - don't do it, dangerous. If your key comes out and its not in park you would lose power steering while moving, not good. This seems to work for me, although not perfect - when I turn the ignition off, I open my door slightly while holding my key. Sometimes just opening the door will work, sometimes I close it. Then I feel a very slight click, and then it comes out. Hope this helps.

It certainly sounds like a problem that would warrant a recall. Our 2016 Colorado has just developed the problem which was just 'brushed off' by the dealership.

same problem here: 2015 Colorado; looks like next truck will be Toyota

Same issue with '16. I believe its in the shifter console. You can hear a click when you put it in park. If you pull it out of park then back into park several times you can hear it. After doing that a few times eventually the key will allow you to turn it to the off position then out of ignition switch. I have a feeling its a BS "safety" switch in the shifter that's the problem.

Same problem with my ‘16 Colorado. I’ll have to try some of the remedies suggested here.

I am having this problem with my 2016 Canyon. It happens so randomly that it frustrates the crap out of me. Went out this morning to run errands and ended up accomplishing nothing because the key would not come out of the ignition. Due to current circumstances with line ups at grocery stores etc. I cant just run in quickly to do what I need to do. Came home and parked the truck, key came out no problem $%$#@

My truck was fixed finally with the replacement of the shifter control assembly. It has worked for almost a year.

Gurux39p2 was it the part number 23397472?

Yes that is the part number

I am having same problem with my 2017 Colorado. Went to dealer today and they replaced the shifter knob part # 84024373. They said they have replaced this part many times and it has fixed the problem. I'm pretty skeptical but we'll see and I will post any progress or lack of I would have felt better if they replaced the shifter control assembly. We'll see

I have a 2016 with the same issue. I think it has something to do with the relay switch when you set it in park. If you disconnect the battery and reconnect, that seems to work. Yes, it's a pain in the ass. I tried the other remedies mentioned above and if they don't work, I disconnect the battery. I should have bought a Toyota, they never have these stupid issues.

Having same problem on my 2016 CANYON.

Robert wrote: "had same problem key stuck wont come out. there is a small switch under the ignition where you put the key in , I drilled a one inch hoe with a hole saw on the underside and now if the key gets stuck I can put my finger in and move the small lever on the switch that gets stuck, I also used some dry lube on the switch and that helped a lot., if you pop off the plastic cover on the top of the steering column you can see the plastic switch move on the ignition." @Robert - many thanks for your post. Could you possibly post a photo of that lever with the column shroud removed? The video for the Camaro shows him pulling a cable off the locking solenoid. Do you know if that is possible for the Colorado?

Well as I reported 3 weeks ago they replaced the shifter knob part # 84024373. Took 3 weeks but key got stuck again today. Will go back and try to get them to replace the shifter control assembly. Has that change helped those that have had it done???

Yes I am actively working this problem. I think replacing the shifter knob is the easiest and cheapest thing to do but unless someone spilled a can of Coke all over it is unlikely to be the cause....I also wrote an extensive letter to Chevrolet Customer service indicating that a) this should be covered by the engine and powertrain warranty since it relates to the transmission and b) it most certainly should involve a recall since its clearly a wide spread problem and potentially quite dangerous..it could mean a driver is stranded with their vehicle..unable to leave it...

My 2016 Colorado had the shifter replaced in 2018 and that cured the key stuck problem. Now it’s 2020 and key getting stuck again . Don’t see anything in the service schedule mentioning that the shifter should be replaced every 2 years . If it had been brought to my attention would have bought the Toyota .

I too am having this problem with my 2016 Colorado with only 37,000 miles on it...not at all happy as the warranty ran out already. If anyone knows of a recall please lmk. I cannot afford to take it to the dealership. I’m about ready to go back to a Ford. This truck has been great until now. Scared to go anywhere in it.

I’ve noticed that if I’m pressing the brake pedal when I turn it off & the key gets stuck, if I’m on a slight incline, when I release the brake & the truck rolls slightly, the key comes unstuck.

Thanks Bob we will try this. I spoke with GM and they advised me to have the dealer do a diagnostic at my expense and are trying to work with me on the cost. We are elderly so we are almost scared to drive it.

I have a 17 Colorado that's been doing this for a while now. I finally figured out that when you put it in park and let pressure off the shifter safety switch, if you don't hear an audible click, the key won't roll back. If you can hear the click, all is good. Must be something not making good contact.

Today I had to go in & out of park & neutral, letting the truck roll forward & trying the key a few times before I could remove it. Luckily it was at home where I have a slight incline. WD-40 seems to help for a while.

I have a 2017 Chevy Colorado. Just got it. 42,000 miles on it. I love it more than anything. The day I got it, the key stuck ounce. I thought it was the wheel not being straight. It eventually came out. About 2 weeks went by and that brings us to today. The key has gotten stuck in every parking lot and parking space I've been into today having a slight panic attack each time. All I can think of is what happens if it doesn't come out for real then what? I'm glad to know it's not just my truck And Thankful for all the comments but wish there was something to be done. They should do a recall on this immediately.

I have a 2017 Canyon that is having the same issue. Took it to the dealer several times and they could never reproduce the issue. Finally, a younger tech said he could get it to reproduce and did in about 2 minutes. I was also told to "slam it into park fairly hard" and that would make the mechanism engage better. I'm sure there would be no long term wear and tear doing that **insert eye roll**. They replaced the shifter assembly and it has started doing the same thing again 2 weeks later. I will be going back to the dealer again today.

I had the same problem and got it fixed early this week. It's the gear shift assembly cost me 115bux online for the OEM part and cost me 169 bux to replace an an automotive center here in Pensacola. Not a dealership . Thank u gurux39p2. The gear shift assembly has a sensor that goes bad that tells the ignition it's in park.

Found out today that it will cost $400 out of warranty. Said it was the shifter assembly. This is so ridiculous that so many have this problem and it is not a recall. I can't see how this is safe!

So the dealer replaced the shifter knob as per the PI 1429B instructs about 6 weeks ago. Now It's out of warranty and doing it all over again!!! I Brought it back but they couldn't duplicate it (surprise, surprise). I asked about replacing the transmission control assembly and they said absolutely not, "what if that's not it, I wont get paid from GM for the work" not a good answer. I said then you keep replacing shit until you figure it out!! I'll be calling GM I guess.

Took my 2017 Canyon back to the dealer after they exchanged the shifter assembly. They checked it out again and this time they tell me it has a short. Parts ordered. We shall see what happens when they do the repair this time.

I have a 2018 Colorado that I bought when it had 34,000 (April 2020). No warranty. The key got stuck a few times but I was able to get it out but now at 42,000 miles the key gets stuck most all the time and won't come out no matter what I do. Sometimes if I let it sit for about an hour is comes out with no problem. So when it gets stuck and I'm away from home I take a rag and place over the ignition leaving the key in (although I'm not comfortable doing that) and take the fob with me so I can lock and unlock the door. I'll be having it checked out most likely at a non-dealership shop. I'm a Chevy man all the way but I am very disappointed about this problem.

As far as I can tell (and I have read about and experienced this problem for many months) the root cause is the gear shift assembly or Part # 23397472. It is not reliably returning the confirmation, to the solenoid lock on the ignition switch, that the transmission is in PARK reliably. Has anyone who has had this part replaced seen the problem reappear? For the first time last w/e my dealer admitted this is a problem and that replacing 23397472 usually resolves the issue. I am still campaigning for a recall on this issue because it is very widespread and potentially a safety issue.

Same issue on my 2016 Colorado..What a pain in the ass.

I’ve had the same issue off an on for over a year on my 16’ Z71. Such a pain in the ass. It has stopped for months at a time only to come back at random. Hey usually do the squeezing the shifter knob until I hear the click trick, but lately I am not hearing the click. I will just sit there for a while basically praying that my key comes out.

https://youtu.be/H0MlZCokObw This is a video for the problem you face. It happens to me. Currently sitting with it unplugged and have no issues. Looking for the part

I have a 2019 Colorado. I purchased it last June with 17,000 miles, and about a week ago, it started acting up. It used to only take me one try at turning the truck on and then turning it off, but this morning it was 15 times. I rotate the stirring wheel, pull forward and reverse, shift and I don't really know which one actually solves the problem. Very disappointed as this was my first "big girl" purchase and at 38,000 miles am already having problems. Scheduled to go into the dealership on Monday...we will see what they have to say.

After $700 we have ours fixed (so far) It has been several months. This should be a recall for sure!

They initially changed out the shifter pin where the cable attached and that didn’t work. Then had to change out the entire shifter assembly. So far so good after that. This truck has had nothing but issues and just now at 50k miles.

The remedy. The ignition key release has nothing to do with the gear shift assembly, the shifter position or the brake relays. It is all about the position of the steering wheel. Before turning the key ... make sure the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead position ... then turn the ignition off. No brainer! Mike at Blue Sky Ent. LC

my 3rd trip to the dealer, they claimed they fixed. i got my 2018 Colorado home, and could not get the key out of the ignition. restarted the truck several times, put it in park.. and after third or fourth time it worked. I'm due back to dealer 7th Dec. Last time they replaced soemthing in shifter knob.. as above people state this is not the issue. So... I'm taking print outs of above gear shift lever and ask them to replace. I should not have to do their job !!!

just wondering if the remote start capability quit working at or around the same time. When i started having problems with key removal I also lost the ability to remote start

I can’t confirm this as I didn’t check it. I would guess the remote start wouldn’t work either because it thinks the shifter assembly isn’t engaged properly so it won’t start. Just a hunch.

No issues with remote start but 3 trips to dealer and replacement of shifter has not stopped the key from getting stuck

Same problem with 2016 Colorado .

Same problem with my 2018 Colorado that I bought used with 34,000 miles about a year ago. It now has a little over 40k miles and my key gets stuck very often! A few nights ago, I struggled with it and finally got it to turn off and the key comes out, but the engine is still running- OMG! My boyfriend had to unplug something to make it turn off & the next morning the battery was dead. I've replaced the electronic part of the ignition switch and this did nothing. I guess i'll try the gearshift next as recommended above. Does anyone know who to contact to report this? I mean the big guys. I'm beyond frustrated and pissed and this just shouldn't be- shame on Chevy for not addressing this. I should have stuck with my Ford F-150. Thanks

https://youtu.be/AJuLPzSLFt0 Here is a video of a fix that worked for me. (So far) Hope it helps

I have a 2017 colorado. Key stuck in the ignition and the dealer is charging me $450.00 to replace shifter. This should be a recall issue. I shouldnt have to pay anything.

PI1429B Ignition Key Cannot Be Removed and/ or Does Not Rotate to the Off Position . They will replace the shifter lever knob without charging you but not the shifter control assembly. Unfortunately changing out the knob doesn't do shit!!!

I have the same problem with my 2016 Colorad. Currently at the Chevy dealership

I have a z71 Chevy Colorado with the same issue, I'm disappointed and bring it to the dealer they want to charge me U$ 780 for replace the ignition switch, I'm not agree with , my truck just have 46000 miles, not enough to me to have this issue...

I have a 2016 Colorado Z71 and the key problem started at about 50K miles. Sometimes restarting the engine then shutting it off in Neutral does the trick, sometimes it doesn't. Most times I have to restart and shut off the engine 5 or 6 times before the key will release. I don't see it mentioned here but when I am finally successful removing the key, the driver's door is locked and will not open on the first try. Definite safety concern! If correcting this problem doesn't warrant a GM recall maybe a class action lawsuit is in order.

2017 Z71 Colorado with 37000. I started having the problem very sporadically while in warranty but thought it was because of being on a minor incline at my driveway. But since then and shortly after being out of warranty it started happening more often until now it happening regularly. In talking to the GM customer service they indicated they had no bulletins/recalls indicating this problem which I find unlikely after seeing all the comments. I guess customer service has their marching orders from management to down play the issue. Maybe it's time for a class action law suit? Anyone out there interested?

Go here: NHTSA.gov/recalls Then in the upper right corner, click "Report a Problem". My husband is having a similar issue with his 2017 Chevy Colorado Diesel. He's able to turn the truck off but the key will get stuck in the ignition. He has to bang on the steering wheel in order to get the key out. He's brought the vehicle to the dealership and received the same response of no recalls for this issue being out at the moment. The truck is of course, no longer under warranty and this issue never happened during the warranty period. Of course the problem never happened when he bought it into the dealership. He has some serious safety concerns. I think everyone with this issue needs to submit a complaint to NHTSA.gov/recalls to get the ball rolling. If enough people submit similar complaints, this could move forward into a recall.

I went to NHTSA.gov/recalls and complained. Everybody should.

I also have filed complaint at NHTSA. Everybody has to!!!!!

GO TO THE RECALL SITE AS POSTED AND REPORT THIS STOP PAYING CHEVY TO FIX THEIR OWN BS ...TOOK 2 MINUTES...2016 colorado same issue...rediculous we have to deal with this stuff and that its not a recall....such a no brainer recall,they must be waiting for a situation where someone is dead or injured but until then spend your money doing chevys mistake!

Same problem as all the others

Me too. A couple of weeks after the b2b expired. They replaced the switch and I told them it probably wasn’t that. And it wasn’t. Shifter on order. What a joke.

My colorado just developed the same problem. When this happens I found the only way to get the key out of the ignition is to restart the truck then turn it back off then the key comes out. of course the warranty just expired. GM needs to start recalling and stop making the customers pay for their own quality control mistakes.

I agree , my 2019 colorado with 50000 miles just started doing the same thing . not sure what to do since most of the other fixes only seem to last for a short period of time. Wish I had kept my nissan Frontier. Its a shame GM won't stand behind there own product when a design defect comes to light.

Son is having the same issue with his 2019 Chevy Colorado

The following is a list and description of work I performed on a 2016 GMC Canyon PU. To date customer has had no problems. I removed air bag from column removed both top and bottom covers to steering column with kroil on a rag I cleaned servo that locks key in ignition ( small plunger under key switch) Lubricated with small amount of kroil on plunger and linkage for lock. Removed floor shifter handle from shaft. A. tried the you tube vids couldnt get handle off as they described. B. disconnect small with from shifter and tape out of the way on the bottom end. C. used blankets to cover interior of truck. D. small die grinder (Dremel) with cut off wheel carefully cut old shift handle off of thans shifter arm. E. Lubricated small white button on top of shift arm with lithium grease and plunged it several times manually while spraying with white lithium grease. F. Verified plunging white button simultaneously activated small plunger on column under key. G. Sprayed white lithium grease inside new shift handle, and triggered forward button on handle several times. H. Installed new handle on trans shaft until you hear (click) sound. I. reassembled everything. J. cleaned up interior of customers vehicle and returned. 3 months since repair and customer is still satisfied. No problems with key getting stuck.

I have a 2016 Z71 Colorado. After replacing the Shifter Control Knob for $130 and that not fixing the issue, the dealer wanted $700 to replace that entire assembly. After reading all these comments and seeing that the issue returns I decided to open the steering wheel column and take a look for myself. After separating the top and bottom pieces with a small pry tool, it only takes 3 screws to remove the bottom steering wheel cover assembly to see the issue. You have to move the wheel all the way to the right and then left to reach 2 of the screws. The third is on the bottom. Upon investigating there is a small plastic piston that is not always releasing when the car is in park. Since the door unlocks fine and the car knows it is in park, then I don't see how replacing the entire shifter assembly will fix anything. The car is receiving the signal that it is in Park. I think GM is just wasting people's money and time on something there should be a major recall on. I read one of the comments above about drilling a one inch hole to reach the plastic piston to manually flip the piston. That was a great idea. I no longer have to worry if the darn key is going to come out. If it gets stuck I just put my finger on the piston and the key turns fine now. Unless you are looking up from the floor, you don't even notice. Now I have a workaround until GM grows a pair and actually recalls all these faulty Colorados. Hope this helps others.

Hi Guys, had same problem with my 2015 Colorado and took to dealer today. They knew of the problem ( Bulletin 20-TH-007 ). They removed column trims and found Key Capture Solenoid loose, adjusted and tightened solenoid as per bulletin, tested operation, all OK, charged me $198.00 Australian. Please note that I am in Melbourne, Australia

I see most of the issues are 2015, 2016, 2017s but even in my 2019 I just had this issue 60k miles. If you are stranded somewhere like I was and this occurs, disconnect the battery, the piston that locked the keys is electrically locked, and released when power is removed.

I have a 2017 Colorado...yip key gets stuck like everyone else. Sometimes it works fine, and other time it takes fooling around for 5-10 min until it releases. Took it to my mechanic, because I don't trust the dealerships. My mechanic replaced the gear shift mechanism ($150) and charged me $30 to install it. I watched as it took 10 minutes to remove and install the new one. Work much better for 2 weeks. Now its awful again. Going back tomorrow.

Hey All, I played around today with this for a bit today. I was able to buy an ignition lock solenoid. However after replacing it i experienced the same issue. So i took about the shifter knob to see whats going on. Now i know for sure its the gear assembly but doesn't mean the gear assembly wont go bad over time as well. If were to replace anything to fix this issue its that. Assembly is posted in this thread. Basically the assembly is not cutting off power to the solenoid until it fully engages into park. Here is my latest tube video that discover this. https://youtube.com/shorts/sa3pIyQGHdA?feature=share

Put me on the list my 2015 Canyon also has this issue payed to fix it once by putting in a new shifter but that only fixed the issue for a couple years and its doing it again,

Finally figured out the fix for gm and gmc trucks key stuck in ignition. remove covers from steering column. just below the key switch is a small electronic actuated solenoid. remove the small screw that holds solenoid in place. disconnect the wire from solenoid. you will need to obtain 2 small zip ties and a spring from ball point pen. remove solenoid from column attach 1 zip tie around wire harness loosely where solenoid was attached, install 1 zip tie loosely where small arm went to key switch. place spring between 2 zip ties and lace spring into zip ties. this will hold locking mechanism back from locking key in ignition. reinstall covers on column.

2019 Canyon, 20,000 miles. Almost 3 yrs old. Started doing the same thing, key would get stuck in ignition. Restarting, moving, turning the steering wheel, etc. eventually it released. Dealer just replaced the trans shift control. Part number 23397472. Diagnostic found open in park lock switch. (Whatever that means)? So it’s been working for the last week.

Hope this helps someone https://youtu.be/RHf951IwlDI

2013 Chevy Colorado has the same problem. My only work around, and it is not a practical one, is leave the key in it, lock it with the fob and set an alarm to go back in half an hour. By then it gives it to me no problem to remove it. The risk is if you cant get back to your car in time before it kills the battery. Dealerships are still no help. I'm definitely trying the "make a hole" idea posted earlier!!

Has anyone tried installing a switch to cut power to the solenoid and thus allowing the key to be removed? This would allow you to "run as normal" and cycle power to the solenoid only to remove the key then return to normal operation until next frustrating key event!

I will pile on to the masses that can’t remove key when 2015 Colorado is in park. It’s intermittent but non- the- less I have been taking the truck only when I know I don’t have to stay long and have just been leaving the key in and locking with the fob. Sometimes it comes right out after 20 minutes. It’s a doable work around when you don’t have to leave your truck at work for the day but if still working…….not so much. I plan on disconnecting the battery if it ever does it in the evening when returning home so it doesn’t run down my battery. I am an almost 70 year old lady so this seems to be quite a lot of worry to be able to go here to there. Come on GM please do the honest thing and issue a recall.

I have34 a 2022 Colorado. Noticed that the ignition would not release the key at only 13,000 miles. Took truck to dealership (I have a full warranty). Their response was that they could not replicate the problem. Today, June 30, 2024, the non-release issue happened half a dozen times. I am now doing phone videos every time this happens, documenting date and time. I notice in this forum that this problem has been recurring since at least the 2015 models, yet the problem still persists today. I will report this to NHTSA. However, that is not enough to get Chevrolet's attention. With all the coverage of this issue, both on regular internet posts and on YouTube, I am ready to engage local legal counsul and initiate a class action lawsuit against General Moters. Contact me at wmeuli@msn.com if interested.