Although I have soldered one myself, I would never do this under warranty. Much easier to replace it and I think better for the customer. I wonder why they opted to repair instead of replace, since GM only has a labor operation for replacing? Maybe they didn't have another FOB in stock and that was the fastest way to get you fixed. I just found it interesting when you posted that and was curious. Thanks.

 

my fob too has not been working for some time now. took the car into the shop a couple of days ago for a list of things to get done, and they telling me that the can't fix the key fob. i told them that's it should be covered under warr. and they said no. i know it is. prolly just get the car back and take it else where.

 

Well ours joined the club today. My wife started it with the FOB as usual and did some runnin' around ad got out at a stop and the thing did nothing, and to top it off when you lock it from the inside and open with the key the (stock) alarm goes off and you have to start it real fast for it to shut up. I tried a new batt, not it. It is our only one and I'm out of my warranty coverage so does any one know which wire needs the fixin' or if the dealer my replace it just because they are nice people?
Hey Chevy MGR any secrets on where to get new FOBs from and and a why to get free or real cheap programing.
Any help would be awesome.
Thanks
( really it my car I'm not stealling it, stop lookin at me like that )

 

That series of short horn chirps that starts up when you key your way in is a prelude to the main alarm triggering... its warning you that its about to cut loose with a big bunch of noise.

 

did you try the battery?

Only the dealer can program them.

 

why can you have two key programmed??? dealer tried to program the third as a spare... no dice

 

Up to 4 remote transmitters and 10 ignition keys are available on an HHR. They did something wrong or there is a problem with the system. Programming a new key is simple. Insert a working master key, turn to run but dont start or crank the engine, turn the key off, insert the new key, turn to run, turn it off and it's programmed.

If you are under 3years an 36k miles they lied. Call the manager or go somewhere else.

For remote transmitter purchases, I don't have any sources, other then I work at a dealer of course. I suggest you go to gmpartsdirect.com. Get their price + shipping and then see if a dealer around you will sell it for that price or discount from list price. Their is always ebay and craigslist if you want to try that route.

Yes.

The main failure on the key fobs is the section that holds the battery breaks loose from the circuit board. It can be resoldered but is hard unless you are proficient in soldering small objects, or lucky like me, I didn't damage anything else with the soldering gun.

Dealers have a tool that you can lay a key fob on and push all the buttons to verify they are working. It takes 2 seconds to check. I suggest anyone with key fob problems go to a dealer and ask if they will check them. We do it for FREE all the time, because it might lead to parts sale and then a transmitter programming sale.

 

what does the dealer charge for programing the fob?

I got 2 from ebay for less than 25.00 shipped.

 

Each dealer will have a different price. I would say $20 to $50. If they wanted more then I would check elsewhere.

 

Okay so My wife takes the HHR to the dealer to see if they could test the FOB. The dealer tells her that they would like to reflash the car first. It was free (not paid by warranty) but just free of charge so she has them do it and it doesn't work. The guy at the dealer says lets try it again and then we'll get you a qoute on "finding" what the problem is. He flashes it again and BAM it works as good as new. No charge for the visit and they didn't want the car for a month, which is very odd for this dealer.
So needless to say we're happily arming and disarming as usual. Just a note, if the flash doesn't work the first time I guess i might work the second time so don't let them try it once and start billin' ya for stuff, make them do it again. Good Luck to all.

HEY CHEVYMGR where on the bay did you find 2 for 25.00 and did it have remote start?