Having this same exact problem with our 2008 Saturn Vue. I suspected it was a switch issue as working the gear shift back and forth several times eventually releases the key. Thank you SO much for sharing this video. It verifies my speculation and possibly will save me a few hundred dollars.
cut the two wires, twist them together and put a cap on them. Key comes out no problem. Source: just did it after years of painfully working this this problem. I had the switch pulled out and was manually pushing the button. One day I twisted the whole switch so the wires touched and heard the click of the key releasing. Took the gamble, cut the wires and stripped them back, twisted and capped. Winning
Good quick explanation, Ian. The key in my 2009 Saturn VUE Hybrid could not be removed following a minor accident in which I think a 50 lb toolbox flew from the far back up to the front seat. Remarkably nothing looked damaged inside the cabin but the toolbox likely hit the shifter. I was unaware of this interlock and it cost $220 for a no Saturn tech source the problem. A friend later used a scan tool and a code had been stored relating to this. (Curiously, the simpler scan tool I have will read older and newer vehicles, but not this 2009 Saturn hybrid.)
I'm fairly certain I have this same problem. I've had the ignition cylinder replaced, and it still persists. It just sometimes doesn't turn past the accessory on the ignition. Putting the car into reverse and into park repeatedly has always eventually unlocked it..
Following up on my first response, Thank you for the video! This solved my problem! I replaced the shifter assembly, my 2009 Saturn Vue works like new! Thank you again! Loved your video direct to the point and very descriptive!
I got exactly the same problem on my 2008 Saturn Vue XE and was frustrated often. I know this is not a problem of the ignition key but something to do with releasing it electronically. I saw your video and it helped me to locate the little switch you are showing in the video. So, I opened all the plastics around the automatic gear shift lever (of course I broke some of the plastic latches but it was worth it to pin down the issue) to get to the switch. I loosened the screw attaching the little micro switch and pushed it with slight force so that the switch is positioned at the lowest possible level and then re-tightened the little screw. But the problem still persisted. I, then loosened the screw once again and applied some alcohol to clean the switch - you can see a small moving pin actuator and the long lever to actuate the pin. After cleaning, I put the switch back and tightened the screw by pushing the switch down. Now, I am driving the SUV for almost two weeks with no problem, no single incident of stuck key. Just a caution - if anyone wants to clean the switch and do the way I did, be cautious in not tightening the screw too hard-it may break since it is a miniature screw. It is like the ones you see on laptops but a little longer! And while pressing the switch down before tightening, use a little force so as to not to break the screw. Good luck!
Hi Guys The problem did not go away. It came back again. I went to a scrapyard, got this microswitch and replaced it about two weeks ago and the problem went away so far. I will add my comment if it comes back! I think replacing the switch resolved the iisue permanently
@@JH-dc3go I did replace the switch and it works. I did not buy the microswitch at the dealer but I went to a Auto scrap yard and got this from a scrapped car for $2 I think.
Can confirm this works. Either bend the metal piece slightly so it makes a better connection at the top of function OR take an electrical connection housing (little plastic cylinder) and drill it out just barely so it fits around the plastic prong. This pushes the metal up slightly higher.
I have a 2007 Saturn Ion 2 and have had this problem from the very beginning. The key switch mechanism on the steering has been replaced at least twice and the shifter mechanism twice as well under three separate warranty repair sessions. Yet the problem still continues to this day on a car that does not even have 80,000 miles yet. Recently, the battery has been going dead in about three days and I think it has to do with the system described here somehow keeping something active when the car is off draining my battery. Sam’s Club said there’s no problem with the battery and after removing the dome light bulb and the trunk light bulb the battery is still going dead. Since the dealership seems to be unable to fix this problem, and I don’t want to spend another 4 to 5 hours waiting for yet another warranty repair, I will give this a try and report back.
OMG THANK YOU! This was exactly what was wrong with our '08 Vue. It was a bit tricky getting all the plastic panels out of the way, but I did it (without cracking anything). I also read your update about bending the reed on the switch, it worked perfectly and I saved $633. over what the dealer would have charged me to R&R the entire shifter. BRAVO Ian!
Thanks a lot, this started happening to my Ion after the ignition recall/replacement and I've just been putting up with it because I don't like dealing with the dealerships. I like your baby being in the video too
Yes. Replacing the microswitch fixed the problem. I am not if this switch is available to purchase new but go to an automobile scrapyard and get one. Cut the original switch wires and add the replacement switch. It solved the problem for me permanently. Thanks a lot Ian! It saved me a lot of money.
Not that bad, you have to take out a few screws holding the plastic on either side which come off first, and then remove the plastic around the shifter which means didconnecting the climate control stuff. At most I'd say 30 minutes to get at it.
@@eyesspee Ok, thank you! Were you ever able to locate the switch itself to purchase or did you end up modifying the original switch to "engage" properly?
Are there any videos showing how to remove the housing? It’s hard to tell from the video where everything is located and I’m having the exact same problem on my 2008 saturn Vue.
I’ve had that problem as well as a few others. As of yesterday, my car will not start. The dash panel lights up, battery and starter were tested fine. I have a stabilizer message and Tire message on the dash. All of this began last year and it’s quite frustrating.
@@eyesspee I literally just did that today. Haha. But now the orange clip that keeps the gear shift/transmission rod in place has gone loose. So after a few times going from drive to park, it slips off and gets stuck in neutral. I have put a zip tie to keep it from slipping as a temporary fix.
@@Deadbolt6 I had a similar problem with the plastic circular clip that holds the transmission cable in place, didn't put it back on properly on the first attempt and it worked loose after a couple of months. The shifter would be in one position but the transmission in something else causing the car to not start. Working normally since I put it back on correctly.
@@eyesspee yeah, the circular plastic clip. Sorry I'm not very familiar with car mechanics. But that's it, I know the correct way to put the cable in so that I can reach all the settings, (P, R, N, D, M) but unsure on how to properly secure the clip. Do you think I should try to find the name of that clip and buy a new one or is there a way to secure it correctly?
That's what I was thinking, just bypass it all together. All it does is make it so you can't remove the key while driving. Who would do that anyways? I'm going to bypass it and see what happens. All to be done in the driveway of course.😏
@@235buz I've owned vehicles that let me pull the key out while I drive before anyway so I guess I would. 😅 Gonna post any videos about it? I'm considering doing it but if I do itl definitely be when it's warmer out.
@@235buz im guessing neither of you tried it? I do not think it would work. While having mine apart, it appears it has to "cycle" to make the key turn. I tried it by holding the switch in the connected position while trying to turn the ignition switch. I could turn it on but then couldnt release key until i released and then reengaged the switch. You could install a toggle switch that would allow you to release key. I think this is going to be my next attempt after having to repair this switch for the third time.
@@matttrusty6842cut the two wires, twist them together and put a cap on them. Key comes out no problem. Source: just did it after years of painfully working this this problem. I had the switch pulled out and was manually pushing the button. One day I twisted the whole switch so the wires touched and heard the click of the key releasing. Took the gamble, cut the wires and stripped them back, twisted and capped. Winning
It's amazing GM let this tiny problem go on for years in thousands of vehicles and different makes and models. 👏👏
My 04 Ion has this problem
Having this same exact problem with our 2008 Saturn Vue. I suspected it was a switch issue as working the gear shift back and forth several times eventually releases the key. Thank you SO much for sharing this video. It verifies my speculation and possibly will save me a few hundred dollars.
cut the two wires, twist them together and put a cap on them. Key comes out no problem. Source: just did it after years of painfully working this this problem. I had the switch pulled out and was manually pushing the button. One day I twisted the whole switch so the wires touched and heard the click of the key releasing. Took the gamble, cut the wires and stripped them back, twisted and capped.
Winning
Good video, just had this same issue with a 2009 Saturn Vue.. Fixed by spraying some contact cleaner into the switch.. been working great ever since
Good quick explanation, Ian.
The key in my 2009 Saturn VUE Hybrid could not be removed following a minor accident in which I think a 50 lb toolbox flew from the far back up to the front seat. Remarkably nothing looked damaged inside the cabin but the toolbox likely hit the shifter. I was unaware of this interlock and it cost $220 for a no Saturn tech source the problem. A friend later used a scan tool and a code had been stored relating to this. (Curiously, the simpler scan tool I have will read older and newer vehicles, but not this 2009 Saturn hybrid.)
Thank you very much! Such a simple fix... I just KNEW I'd have to sleep on it and wake up to a dead battery
I'm fairly certain I have this same problem. I've had the ignition cylinder replaced, and it still persists. It just sometimes doesn't turn past the accessory on the ignition. Putting the car into reverse and into park repeatedly has always eventually unlocked it..
THANK YOU SO MUCH! 🙏 I’ve have been searching for months for this fix/part problem.
Following up on my first response, Thank you for the video! This solved my problem! I replaced the shifter assembly, my 2009 Saturn Vue works like new! Thank you again! Loved your video direct to the point and very descriptive!
I got exactly the same problem on my 2008 Saturn Vue XE and was frustrated often. I know this is not a problem of the ignition key but something to do with releasing it electronically. I saw your video and it helped me to locate the little switch you are showing in the video. So, I opened all the plastics around the automatic gear shift lever (of course I broke some of the plastic latches but it was worth it to pin down the issue) to get to the switch. I loosened the screw attaching the little micro switch and pushed it with slight force so that the switch is positioned at the lowest possible level and then re-tightened the little screw. But the problem still persisted.
I, then loosened the screw once again and applied some alcohol to clean the switch - you can see a small moving pin actuator and the long lever to actuate the pin. After cleaning, I put the switch back and tightened the screw by pushing the switch down. Now, I am driving the SUV for almost two weeks with no problem, no single incident of stuck key.
Just a caution - if anyone wants to clean the switch and do the way I did, be cautious in not tightening the screw too hard-it may break since it is a miniature screw. It is like the ones you see on laptops but a little longer! And while pressing the switch down before tightening, use a little force so as to not to break the screw.
Good luck!
Hi Guys
The problem did not go away. It came back again.
I went to a scrapyard, got this microswitch and replaced it about two weeks ago and the problem went away so far. I will add my comment if it comes back! I think replacing the switch resolved the iisue permanently
@@nallayachinnusamy5704 Thanks for the update!
Did anyone replace the switch and where did you find a new switch? Part numbers anyone?
What is the switch that he replaced for the key to not to be stuck again
@@JH-dc3go I did replace the switch and it works. I did not buy the microswitch at the dealer but I went to a Auto scrap yard and got this from a scrapped car for $2 I think.
Can confirm this works. Either bend the metal piece slightly so it makes a better connection at the top of function OR take an electrical connection housing (little plastic cylinder) and drill it out just barely so it fits around the plastic prong. This pushes the metal up slightly higher.
I have a 2007 Saturn Ion 2 and have had this problem from the very beginning. The key switch mechanism on the steering has been replaced at least twice and the shifter mechanism twice as well under three separate warranty repair sessions. Yet the problem still continues to this day on a car that does not even have 80,000 miles yet. Recently, the battery has been going dead in about three days and I think it has to do with the system described here somehow keeping something active when the car is off draining my battery. Sam’s Club said there’s no problem with the battery and after removing the dome light bulb and the trunk light bulb the battery is still going dead. Since the dealership seems to be unable to fix this problem, and I don’t want to spend another 4 to 5 hours waiting for yet another warranty repair, I will give this a try and report back.
Good luck!
OMG THANK YOU! This was exactly what was wrong with our '08 Vue.
It was a bit tricky getting all the plastic panels out of the way, but I did it (without cracking anything).
I also read your update about bending the reed on the switch, it worked perfectly and I saved $633.
over what the dealer would have charged me to R&R the entire shifter.
BRAVO Ian!
Thanks a lot, this started happening to my Ion after the ignition recall/replacement and I've just been putting up with it because I don't like dealing with the dealerships. I like your baby being in the video too
Yes. Replacing the microswitch fixed the problem. I am not if this switch is available to purchase new but go to an automobile scrapyard and get one. Cut the original switch wires and add the replacement switch. It solved the problem for me permanently. Thanks a lot Ian! It saved me a lot of money.
Do you know what that switch is named? I have this same problem
Can please post a link to the switch and where I can buy it? Thank you
Sorry I don't know
Great video! How difficult was it to remove all the plastic housing to gain access to the lever?
Not that bad, you have to take out a few screws holding the plastic on either side which come off first, and then remove the plastic around the shifter which means didconnecting the climate control stuff. At most I'd say 30 minutes to get at it.
@@eyesspee Ok, thank you! Were you ever able to locate the switch itself to purchase or did you end up modifying the original switch to "engage" properly?
@@Marcotic187 Ended up modifying the existing one.
Are there any videos showing how to remove the housing? It’s hard to tell from the video where everything is located and I’m having the exact same problem on my 2008 saturn Vue.
Saved me allot of money
I’ve had that problem as well as a few others. As of yesterday, my car will not start. The dash panel lights up, battery and starter were tested fine. I have a stabilizer message and Tire message on the dash. All of this began last year and it’s quite frustrating.
I’m having the same trouble with mine right now. Find a solution?
Wow ur awesome it worked my keys were stuck there not now thank you so much 🥰
We’re do I get the switch
Great video bro
My 2003 ion Saturn can someone fix my car locked key
Where you able to replace it for cheap?
No, I just bent the metal striker a little to give better engagement of the switch.
@@eyesspee I literally just did that today. Haha.
But now the orange clip that keeps the gear shift/transmission rod in place has gone loose. So after a few times going from drive to park, it slips off and gets stuck in neutral. I have put a zip tie to keep it from slipping as a temporary fix.
@@Deadbolt6 I had a similar problem with the plastic circular clip that holds the transmission cable in place, didn't put it back on properly on the first attempt and it worked loose after a couple of months. The shifter would be in one position but the transmission in something else causing the car to not start. Working normally since I put it back on correctly.
@@eyesspee yeah, the circular plastic clip. Sorry I'm not very familiar with car mechanics. But that's it, I know the correct way to put the cable in so that I can reach all the settings, (P, R, N, D, M) but unsure on how to properly secure the clip. Do you think I should try to find the name of that clip and buy a new one or is there a way to secure it correctly?
Also thanks for your help, great video.
And I probably should have read your description before I asked. Haha. 👍
What if I just take the whole thing out?
That's what I was thinking, just bypass it all together. All it does is make it so you can't remove the key while driving. Who would do that anyways? I'm going to bypass it and see what happens. All to be done in the driveway of course.😏
@@235buz I've owned vehicles that let me pull the key out while I drive before anyway so I guess I would. 😅
Gonna post any videos about it? I'm considering doing it but if I do itl definitely be when it's warmer out.
@@mymichigantwo yeah, I'll wait for warmer weather. I'll post the results in a few months. Hopefully it lasts long enough for that to happen.
@@235buz im guessing neither of you tried it? I do not think it would work. While having mine apart, it appears it has to "cycle" to make the key turn. I tried it by holding the switch in the connected position while trying to turn the ignition switch. I could turn it on but then couldnt release key until i released and then reengaged the switch. You could install a toggle switch that would allow you to release key. I think this is going to be my next attempt after having to repair this switch for the third time.
@@matttrusty6842cut the two wires, twist them together and put a cap on them. Key comes out no problem. Source: just did it after years of painfully working this this problem. I had the switch pulled out and was manually pushing the button. One day I twisted the whole switch so the wires touched and heard the click of the key releasing. Took the gamble, cut the wires and stripped them back, twisted and capped.
Winning
I think you should retitle it:
2008 Saturn Vue dangerous issue: YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE THE PRICE TO FIX IT!
More clickbaity :)
Simi Valley, Ca - Chevy dealership, is charging me $700. to fix this problem. I fill so rip off .