Locked in Vehicle, Key will not turn, Road Side Assistance Garbage Tru

quikpup · April 25, 2014

All

I buy a new truck every year as I stack on miles for work. This past weekend I traded my 2013 Silverado Extended Cab Z71 4X4 in for a NEW 2014 Double Door Silverado 4X4 Z71. The dealership was great to deal with and the drive home with my new truck was exciting. The next morning however, was less that pleasurable as I went to start my truck and the key would not turn. I then went and grabbed the 2nd key I was provided thinking it was a key issue and when I put the key in the ignition slot, the car locked, the video screens went dark and the power in the truck completely shut off. After attempting to get out of the truck I was stuck as the power locks would not work, the power windows would not work and I simply was locked in. After pulling out the manual to see if I was simply missing something I called the dealer who informed me that he had never heard of such a thing and that I should call road side assistance. Let me tell you how ridiculous my call was. I was told that It would be over an hour before a wrecked would reach me as their closest service that is "in network" is in Whitewater. I explained that I had a towing service 10 minutes away, however, this towing service was not in their network. During this time I tried both key fobs trying to get out and then even tried to start the truck with the remote start and nothing happened. I pressed on the brake thinking there may be a switch that locks down the car from starting unless the brake is pressed. I yanked on the shift lever thinking the truck may not have gone completely in park and I yanked on the steering wheel trying to see if that was the reason the key would not turn in the ignition. After about an hour a miracle happened and the power lock switch on the passenger door after hitting it several times unlocked the truck. I immediately jumped out and went in the house to wait for the wrecker as it was raining. Upon his arrival the tow truck driver was unable to get the truck in neutral to tow it. He was not able to get the key to turn and the power to the truck was completely shut off. In one last attempt he yanked on the steering wheel and their was a snap sound and the key turned and the truck started.

I drove the truck to the dealership with the window down while it was raining so that I would not get locked in again and to this point they have not been able to recreate the issue. I have asked them to drive the truck all weekend and put on as many miles as they want to duplicate the issue. IF they are not able to duplicate the issue I am going to refuse receipt of the truck and ask for a different new one as I do not believe the truck is safe.

The bottom line is that I have lost faith in the new $40K + sticker truck I was so excited to bring home and GM's Road Side Assistance is garbage. At one point during my call with them I even stated my job is not to help you, I thought your job was to help me??? Perhaps GM should partner with OnStar for their roadside assistance...

TJay74 · April 25, 2014

With the truck using electric power steering if you grab the steering wheel while getting out and it locks you will have a hard time getting the key to turn over. I have found you have to wiggle the steering wheel back and forth then the key will turn over just fine.

lefty421 · April 25, 2014

Yup, its the steering wheel lock. Just turn the steering wheel a bit and it will unlock. it may take some force to turn the wheel, but it should unlock with a bit of wiggling.

fondupot · April 25, 2014

With the truck using electric power steering if you grab the steering wheel while getting out and it locks you will have a hard time getting the key to turn over. I have found you have to wiggle the steering wheel back and forth then the key will turn over just fine.

Kind of...its actually a security feature. If you turn the wheel when the vehicle is off, it locks. You need to jiggle the wheel a bit each way, while inserting the key. This will unlock the wheel and the ignition and allow you to start the truck.

It's also to prevent you from turning the wheels while the car is off to prevent stressing the steering system.

fondupot · April 25, 2014

Also in your attempt to get out you may have set off the security system. Which is why you got locked in. Its in the manual as "immobilizer" in section 2-13. Basically locks down the vehicle to keep it from being stolen.

Rest assured, I dont think there is anything wrong with your truck.

KARNUT · April 25, 2014

That would be fun in the Texas heat. You would think OnStar could have at leased unlock the doors.

MTB · April 25, 2014

The steering wheel lock was designed to prevent us kids from the 60's and 70's from getting the car to move. You see it used to be politically correct to leave children in the car, in the parking lot of a grocery store or shopping mall. Those of us that grew up in that era didn't waste much time in getting behind the wheel when mom left to buy whatever it was she was going after. Sawing back and forth on the steering wheel I raced a bazillion laps as a youth, and by the skin of my pant won most of the races I entered. The Kroger 500 was a favorite of mine, but I digress. This sawing motion would get cars parked on an incline to jump out of gear, if the brake wasn't set, well then you got your first ticket and or someone was killed or maimed. The steering wheel lock functions when the wheel turns about an eighth of a turn.

SLESierra · April 25, 2014

I think Onstar is awesome they sent me a lady friend to keep me company while I waited on the wrecker a few years back - try that with another brand

Just kidding - sounds to me you need to read your manual and learn about the features in your truck - key cylinder not turning is a feature that is at least four decades old and the other "issues" you stated are all addressable by learning your truck.

MikeNH · April 25, 2014

Why didn't you pull up on the door lock manually? They don't look like they go down flush with the door.

GMCustomerService · April 25, 2014

Hi quikpup,

We are so sorry to hear that you've experienced this! I can definitely understand your frustration. We'd be happy to look further into this and document your concerns. Please reach out to us via private message referencing this thread. We hope to hear from you soon.

Thank you,

Andraya R.

GM Customer Care

fondupot · April 25, 2014

Also, why did you just use the onstar button on the mirror...its included for 3-6 months on new purchase.

2016 Sierra Owner · April 25, 2014

If you pull the inside door handle 2 times the door will open. No power needed.

krzyd · April 26, 2014

Also, why did you just use the onstar button on the mirror...its included for 3-6 months on new purchase.

Cuz he drives a Ford?

cmpcpro · April 27, 2014

I am sorry you spent an hour locked in your truck but the first thing that came to mind when reading is, pull up on the manual lock! If that wouldn't pull up then I would suspect the paranormal and break a window because it has to work! At the very least call Onstar.. They can unlock it for you.