Key win't turn ignition switch in 2008 Chevy HHR

the steering lock pin my be hanging up sticking put key in and sharply pull down and up on steering wheel and try turning key
Magical Fix for When Your Car Keys Won Turn

normaly you don't have to force a key to turn no car was manufacture that way you probably may have a stiff ignition key i would advice you unhook the ignition key for replacement or service

Make sure your steering wheel isn't locked. Sometimes a key won't turn until you jiggle the wheel while trying to turn the key.

Chevy HHR Key Can Not Be Removed Stuck On

It's a security thing , shift interlock . Won't let you mover the gear selector unless your foot is on the brake pedal or turn the key off all the way . Electronic switch an lock solenoid ,controlled by the BCM

sound like your steering wheel lock is engaged.... just give the wheel a hard tug when your turning the key... and what did you mean by "the key isnt stuck"?

Have you got the correct key??

Spray some CRC into the key hole.

Try "jiggling" the steering wheel at same time as turning key.

you going to have to play with the steering whell lock by rock steering wheel back and forth continiously while playing with the key at the same time jiggle the wheel and the keys.

The key tumbler may have come apart and the vehicle will need to be serviced at the dealer due to having a chipped key, must be recoded.

First try turning the steering wheel and jiggling the key simultaneously. If this doesn't work, your problem could be caused by the link between the ignition lock and the switch. Have your ignition switch and your key tumbler assembly replaced. It's an 08. It's under warranty !

there are two situations that are close to what you describe.

First, is your key STUCK in the ignition? if so, there's a little panel under the steering column, open that, and feel round under there for the latch to release the key. I don't remember what the dealer SAID the issue was, but it was solved with one of many steering column replacements for a different problem.

If the key goes in and out, but won't turn the cylinder... you may have a bad cylinder, a ruined key(bent? run over by car? goobered up lands? plain worn out?) Or, your steering lock is engaged. If it's the first, that's a mechanic replacment(hopefully dealer covered). The second? get a new key. The third? Hold some tension on the steering wheel and turn the key.

Finally, if your battery is dead, or your solenoid is shot, the key won't turn/release either. Use the stuck key removal method, so you can lock your car while waiting on dealer repair.