Experiencing trouble with your Chevy HHR remote? Before you rush to the dealership and spend a hefty sum on a replacement and programming, you might be able to resolve the issue yourself. While “programming” a new fob often requires dealership equipment, a common problem with Chevy HHR remotes is often much simpler and cheaper to fix. This guide will walk you through a potential DIY solution and shed light on the typical remote issues you might encounter with your Chevy HHR.
Understanding Chevy HHR Remote Issues
It’s frustrating when your key fob stops working. You might immediately think it needs to be reprogrammed, especially if you’ve replaced the battery before. Dealerships often suggest this, and while genuine programming might be needed in some cases, many times the issue lies elsewhere. However, before assuming you need to program a new remote – a process that sometimes does require specific tools – consider a more frequent culprit: battery contact corrosion.
Common Issue: Battery Contact Corrosion
Over time, moisture and battery leakage can cause corrosion on the small metal contacts inside your Chevy HHR remote. This corrosion can prevent the battery from properly powering the remote, leading to it becoming unresponsive. The good news is that this is often an easy fix you can do at home with minimal tools and no need for complex programming procedures.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Your Chevy HHR Remote
Before assuming your remote needs programming, try this simple cleaning method. It could save you a significant amount of money and time.
What You’ll Need
- A small, dull knife or flathead screwdriver (for prying open the remote)
- Lemon juice or white vinegar
- Cotton swabs (Q-tips)
- A new CR2032 battery (if replacement is needed)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Open the Key Fob: Carefully pry open your Chevy HHR key fob using a dull knife or screwdriver. Insert the tool into the seam and gently twist or pry until the fob casing separates. Don’t worry if it feels a little tight due to the waterproof seal.
Alt text: Close-up showing hands gently prying open the casing of a Chevy HHR car key fob with a small flathead screwdriver to access the internal components.
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Inspect and Remove the Battery: Once open, you’ll see the battery and the metal contacts. Take a look at the contacts for any signs of white or greenish corrosion. Remove the old battery. Note the battery type; it’s likely a CR2032.
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Clean the Battery Contacts: Dip the tip of a cotton swab into lemon juice or white vinegar. Gently rub the lemon juice onto all battery contact points inside the key fob. There are usually three contact points: two small prongs and a larger base contact. Pay particular attention to the base contact, as it’s often the most affected by corrosion.
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Dry the Contacts: Use the dry end of a clean cotton swab to thoroughly dry all the battery contact areas. Ensure no moisture remains.
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Replace the Battery: Install a new CR2032 battery. Ensure it’s inserted with the correct polarity (usually marked inside the fob). If you’re unsure if your old battery is good, replacing it is a cheap way to eliminate a potential issue.
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Test Your Remote: Close the key fob casing firmly until it snaps back together. Go to your Chevy HHR and test the remote’s functions (lock, unlock, panic button).
Additional Tips and Considerations
- Battery Replacement: While cleaning contacts often works, sometimes a weak battery is the culprit. If cleaning doesn’t solve the issue, try a brand new CR2032 battery. These are widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, and battery specialty stores.
- Soldering Issues: If cleaning the contacts doesn’t work, another potential problem is a detached solder joint inside the fob. Often, one of the small prongs that contact the battery can become unsoldered. A battery store like Batteries Plus may be able to quickly diagnose and even resolder this for a minimal cost, or even for free. They can also test your old battery to see if it’s still functioning.
- Genuine Programming: If you’ve tried cleaning the contacts, replacing the battery, and checked for obvious soldering issues, and your remote still doesn’t work, then genuine programming or a new remote might be necessary. Dealerships or specialized locksmiths can handle remote programming for Chevy HHR vehicles.
By trying this simple cleaning method first, you can potentially avoid unnecessary dealership costs and get your Chevy HHR remote working again quickly. Let us know in the comments if this fix worked for you!
