I have a 2008 Chevy HHR LT and i just got in to start my car and it wont start. Everything on the dash comes on and the radio. A weird chiming comes on as well. Its not the door ding. But like a strange chiming. I just replaced battery 2 weeks ago.

 

Hi Holly, :welcomewagon; to the forums!!

The battery may be dead again, did you have the charging system tested?

 

i did not have it tested but the battery isnt dead because everything lights up and the radio comes on.

 

Ok, so won't start... will it crank and not start, or not crank at all?

Are all recalls, especially ignition switch, current?

And the things I don't like to ask.... is the trans in Park or Neutral(Auto), is the clutch pedal fully to the floor(manual)?

What has changed recently? - accident, ran over something in the road, etc.

How many miles on the vehicle?

 

It does not crank at all. The only thing different is i changed the battery 2 weeks ago. There is 127,003 miles on it.

 

Lights and radio require VERY little power. The starter takes a lot. Your local big box auto parts store should charge/load test your battery, as well as test your charging system, all at no charge to you.

Also check to see if your serpentine belt is in place and in good condition. Was the air conditioning working before this no crank condition?

 

Got any rodents living under the hood? They love the wiring in these things.

 

RJ is right - just because the stereo and lights come on doesn't mean that the battery has enough juice to turn the engine over. It really sounds like your battery is almost dead. If you just replaced it, but haven't driven it much in the last two weeks, it sure sounds like your charging system isn't keeping the battery charged. So therefore the recommendation to get the charging system checked.

 

Getting a cheap multi-meter is handy, you can check the battery at the remote connections.

Should be at least 12.5V & if you have a meter, check battery & charge if necessary, & when you start it, have someone with the probes on the remote posts, you should get a much higher reading, like 13.2 or higher is alternator working.

Most any of the auto parts stores will check system for FREE as well.

 

Do you have a decent battery charger? How many amps does it put out?

Try charging your battery for at least 6 hours. It can be charged from under the hood. Get out your owners manual and look up how to use the under hood access posts for a Jump or charging.

Remove charger and retry to start.
Turn all accessories off before restarting. You can turn off your auto headlights as well by using the turn signal lever. Twist it toward you and the auto running lights will go off.

If you get it running, head for a location that can test the charging system.
Where you bought the battery if they can do it would be best in case the battery needs to be replaced again.

If you do not have a charger you might have to remove the battery and take it to where you bought it to have it checked/replaced.

SF