Since it seems you did not follow the previous advice regarding checking the battery (even a 1 year old battery can be faulty), and the charging system, I'm out. FYI: the lights, radio, wipers, chimes etc. working means nothing - they take minimal power compared to the starter.

 

This just happened to me during the Memorial weekend. Battery, maybe a year old, went south on me. Yes check it.

 

I appreciate all of the input and apologize for not stating that I did check the voltage at the battery and the posts under the hood. Figured that went without saying. Take care

 

What were the results of the battery check? Did you get it load tested? Did you check the connection on the fuse box post to the starter? Continuity from that post to the starter?

 

Checking the battery VOLTAGE means absolutely NOTHING!!!

 

If it helps someone in the future turns out hitting on the 9 month old AC Delco starter with a broom handle made it start right up. New replacement from O'Reilly and we are on the road again.

 

The CCA’s are the juice!

 

I took my HHR out toward NM, and made it to my first stop in MS. It struggled to start, but did. As I wasn't in the mood to break down in the middle of a 1100 mile trip, I turned back and drove home to get my Suburban.
When I parked in the garage, I shut the engine off, waited a few seconds, and tried to start the car. Nope.
Waited a few minutes, no joy.

I took my Burb to NM, and came back a week later, drove to PA (in wife's car) and back, then this morning I tried the HHR again. Started right up.

Battery (just replaced a month or so ago) load tests good, relay seems to be working fine. I'm wondering if the starter is in the process of failing, and isn't working when hot. I may take it out for a drive tomorrow and check that out, or maybe I oughta just go ahead and take it out of the car and have it tested instead of dinking around.

 

Yes, test bench test the starter, please