I think this is an old issue but since I am new to the forum, some one please tell me the solution to key entry. The remote control on my entry fob is dead on my 2009 HHR. The key will not unlock the door--it turns about halfway. So, I have to leave my HHR unlocked until I figure out a solution. Locksmiths and dealers are all giving me the runaround. Help....

 

If lubing the mechanism through the keyhole does not free up the lock you have to pull the inner door panel off to determine what the problem is. It will either be the linkage to the key mechanism, or the key mechanism itself.

If your remote does not work, use the SEARCH tool at the top center of the page and look for remote or fob fix. There is a how-to article on fixing the fobs/remotes.

 

Only use dry graphite to lube the lock mech. If you use a liquid based lube it can gum up in the lock rendering useless. I had this happen to my Avalanche.

 

My lock does this and I can not get in unless I use the fob or get lucky and insert wire around door frame and press a door switch or pull up another door stem. The stem will not pull up on driver's door when this happens! What I do until I find a real fix is press the door lock switch a few times and check that stem will unlock and then push stem back down. I am looking on here now to see if anybody has figured out the real fix though... this is a pain.

 

Use the search tool, with different terms. This subject has indeed been addressed. With pics, if I remember correctly.

 

If the motor controlling the door locks gets stuck between locked & unlocked you will have the problems described in posts 1 & 4.

That motor is detailed here:
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-tutorial-library-21/door-lock-assembly-fix-lots-pics-45839/

Before my repair in the above thread I had to repeatedly press the FOB buttons to lock and unlock the door with the bad lock mechanism. I never did try the key to manually unlock the door but did have to use a great deal of physical strength to just move the door lock plunger up or down.

 

the problem is likely the little servo motor(actuator) in side the lock/latch mechanism. The lock does not make the complete lock unlock travel. I recently replaced 2 motors . Look under the forums how tos. This is an ongoing thing with HHRs. I also see a safety concern which Chevy should have fixed . Good Luck!

 

Just went through a key fob not working scenario with a repair to the door...and accidentally fixed my key fob not opening the driver's door all the way! Here is my story. Take key fob apart, and make sure metal "spring" is making contact with big battery. After you do this, make sure spring is "flat," such that fob cover COMPLETLEY snaps back to together tightly. My door latch literally "jumps" up now! If this doesn't fix it, suggest installing a new battery and making sure all the above things are done...best thing to do would be to buy an new battery first and get a good start. Good luck...

 

You will also need to re solder the cage for a permanent fix. Use the Search box "cold solder fix".