Difficult Ignition

[SonicBoy24]

remember when a key was a piece of metal that you put in the ignition switch and started the car with? my Fiero was lovely. key to start, key for trunk, life was good.

The keys for my Fiero are still like that

 

[Eric Smit]

The keys for my Fiero are still like that

I hate you. hahaha.

 

[Wooksquatch]

I have the exact same issue. I had the car at the dealer for some warranty work (roof and rear bumper paint job) and a window tint (all bargained for in the purchase price) and told them about the "sticky" ignition. I am coming from an 07 cobalt and bought my 13 sonic used a few weeks ago with 22000 miles on it.

I asked about the ignition and the service manager checked on it vs some new sonics on the lot and he said it was a lot harder to insert my key into the ignition than it was in the new sonics. He replaced the ignition yesterday but said it was a PITA and had to keep his service tech there overtime to finish the job as they had not replaced this part on any other sonics yet. I will post an update once I am back in it. I am hoping I get my car back this afternoon so I can bask in its newly painted and tinted glory. My guess is the only reason they replaced the ignition is because I am coming from an 07 Cobalt and want to keep me from raising a stink about this ignition too.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

I have the exact same issue. I had the car at the dealer for some warranty work (roof and rear bumper paint job) and a window tint (all bargained for in the purchase price) and told them about the "sticky" ignition. I am coming from an 07 cobalt and bought my 13 sonic used a few weeks ago with 22000 miles on it.

I asked about the ignition and the service manager checked on it vs some new sonics on the lot and he said it was a lot harder to insert my key into the ignition than it was in the new sonics. He replaced the ignition yesterday but said it was a PITA and had to keep his service tech there overtime to finish the job as they had not replaced this part on any other sonics yet. I will post an update once I am back in it. I am hoping I get my car back this afternoon so I can bask in its newly painted and tinted glory. My guess is the only reason they replaced the ignition is because I am coming from an 07 Cobalt and want to keep me from raising a stink about this ignition too.

Hey Wooksquatch,

I apologize that your Sonic is experiencing some ignition concerns. Please let us know of any updates with the dealership soon, and when you are back into your vehicle. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any more questions. Thanks!

Patsy G
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[attrapereves]

I sprayed some Houdini on my key and inserted it into the lock. It's a non silicone and non petroleum based lock lube that doesn't gum up. Definitely seemed to help.

I've determined that the ignition itself is not the problem. It's actually the little "door" that covers the ignition key hole. Once the key gets past the little "door" it goes in smoothly.

 

[laborsmith]

I agree.

Laborsmith

 

[Wooksquatch]

Got the car back this afternoon. It looks good and it definitely has a lot less resistance when inserting the key. There is still minimal resistance when inserting the key as it passes through the door but it's 90% easier to put the key in.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Hey Wooksquatch,

Thank you for the update. If you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Erica Tiffany (Assisting)
Chevrolet Customer Care