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Question

my 2005 Cobalt shuts off whenever it goes over somewhat large bumps. Help?

Submitted: 420 days and 9 hours ago.
Category: Chevy
Value: $9
Status: AWAITING EXPERT REPLY
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Optional Information

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt

Already Tried:
I've checked connections to the ignition system and the battery, and taken it to a local shop but no problem could be found

Posted by GM Tech 420 days and 8 hours ago.

Answer

Welcome Miranda. If you have a large number of items on the key ring, this can cause issues. There is redesigned cylinder to prevent this if it is due to the key ring. Also, if there is lots of things on your ring, removing all that are not needed will help. Please ask if you need information.

420 days and 8 hours ago.

Reply

out of curiosity, what does the number of items on the key ring have to do with the car shutting off when I go over bumps?

Posted by GM Tech 420 days and 8 hours ago.

Answer

The weight of the items and the force it is putting on the cylinder can cause the cylinder to rotate back. The bump will cause more movement , increased force and also increase the chances of your right knee hitting the keys if you seat is close enough the dash.

420 days and 8 hours ago.

Reply

On carcomplaints.com there are about 14 people who've had the same problem with the same car. Is there anything else it could be? I just want to cover all the bases.

Accepted Answer

I think that the chances are very good that this may be your issue. To test this for no additional cost, try for the next 2 weeks, using only an ignition key and nothing else on the ring. If it stops, then you can be certain that this is your problem. Here is a copy of the bulletin from GM regarding the key issues.

#05-02-35-007A: Information on Inadvertent Turning of Key Cylinder, Loss of Electrical System and No DTCs - (Oct 25, 2006)

View Full Image
Subject:Information on Inadvertent Turning of Key Cylinder, Loss of Electrical System and No DTCs

Models:2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR
2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada Only)
2007 Pontiac G5
2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice
2003-2007 Saturn ION
2007 Saturn Sky

 


This bulletin is being revised to add a model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-02-35-007 (Section 02 - Steering).


 

There is potential for the driver to inadvertently turn off the ignition due to low ignition key cylinder torque/effort.

The concern is more likely to occur if the driver is short and has a large and/or heavy key chain. In these cases, this condition was documented and the driver's knee would contact the key chain while the vehicle was turning and the steering column was adjusted all the way down. This is more likely to happen to a person who is short, as they will have the seat positioned closer to the steering column.

In cases that fit this profile, question the customer thoroughly to determine if this may the cause. The customer should be advised of this potential and should take steps to prevent it - such as removing unessential items from their key chain.

Engineering has come up with an insert for the key ring so that it goes from a "slot" design to a hole design. As a result, the key ring cannot move up and down in the slot any longer - it can only rotate on the hole. In addition, the previous key ring has been replaced with a smaller, 13 mm (0.5 in) design. This will result in the keys not hanging as low as in the past.

Parts Information

Part Number

Description

15842334

Cover, Dr Lk & Ign Lk Key

Picture
Expert: GM Tech
Pos. Feedback: 99.5 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 9/30/2008

Chevy Technician

GM Grand Master Technician 2007. 9 years Automotive experience, 7 years with GM. Just Answer Mentor

420 days and 8 hours ago.

Reply

thank you very much!

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