Need Help Chevy HHR

Hay all I need some help with my daughter's 2008 HHR. The key will not turn in the ignition barrel. I have tried rocking the steering wheel back and forth as I turn the key and I even lifted the front wheels off the ground to release any binding on the steering wheel but no joy. We have two keys and I have tried both. Does anyone have an idea as to what I should try next?

Thanks Jon

Get it to a dealer, there should be a recall. I've had two recalls for the ignition switch on my 2009 Cobalt SS.

Once had to tap a key with a hammer to get the pins to let off after someone put it into the steering (angle) lock very hard (she let a kid play with the wheel while parked without the key in/turned)

So basically, right the lock and hammer lightly like you are driving the key in, the vibration might make the pin binding let up. (could also destroy the ignition cylinder, so, carefully!)

Vehicle I did it to was a Jeep.

The car needed the recall work done on it anyway, so I took it in to the dealer. We will see if that is the problem or something else?

thanks

A couple threads on other sites that appear to address this issue:

http://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/problems-service-repairs-42/key-stuck-ignition-problem-8913/

http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/blog/chevy-hhr-key-stuck-in-ignition-fix-is-this-a-joke.html

Sold mine 4 years ago so I have nothing to add other than never ever let a battery completely die in one. It's a pain to crawl in the back and manually release the hatch so you can replace it, and nothing works without battery voltage. Power windows and door locks are standard equipment, the drivers door is the only one you can open with the key, and if it's an automatic the shift interlock will not allow you to take the car out of park. I still miss mine though, great little utility vehicle IMHO.

Odd thing is that my problem is not what those links are referring to. Those are when the key is stuck in the cylinder and won't come out. Mine is the key will go into the cylinder and not turn. I am expecting a call from the dealer today to hear what the problem is. wish me luck.

Just to bring closure to this thread the dealer called and they have completed the recall and magically it solved my key turning problem which they told me that it probably wouldn't when I dropped it off. I am just happy it is fixed at no cost to me.

That's sort of odd for the dealer to say, it's my understanding that the part under recall includes the ignition switch assembly which you described as not turning (as opposed to being too easy to turn and shut the car off).

You're right. If you buy a Chevy HHR with money, then you need help.