2008 Chevy Cobalt will not shut off

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I have a friend who is having a problem with her 2008 Chevy Cobalt. It will start and run but the key is stuck in the run position and she couldn't kill the engine without pulling the battery cable and a fuse. I've looked on the internet and this seems to be a common problem. It looks like she will have to take it to the dealership. Any thoughts on what she can do?
 
i'd pull the fuel pump fuse or relay, snuff the car out, then disconnect the battery and tow it to somewhere for repairs.
 
Originally Posted By: ram_man
Iirc its the shifter that causes this.


Yep, shift interlock in the console. The car thinks it is in gear.
 
Yup push the shifter into park or in that direction while turning the key, often time that will get it to turn off. You probably want to have it repaired anyway but that usually will allow you to turn it off normally till it gets fixed. This was a popular problem with the Chevy HHR as well.
 
Had this happen to my ION. I pulled the ECM fuse until I could fix the key situation.

Every ION, Cobalt, and HHR came with this pathetic ignition lock cylinder.
 
Yes, there should be a recall for this issue. My girlfriend's '09 G5 was affected by the recall, but luckily there was no "can't turn off" issue.
 
Originally Posted By: Brybo86
seems there they should have had a massive recall as this seems like a major issue


+2 turning "off" (actually to a dead position near ACC that doesn't lock the steering wheel) should be possible in any gear per NHTSA.
 
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