Hello. Last night my battery went completely dead. I recharged it and now my key fob isn't working. I'm able to get inside using the key, but no luck with the fob. I replaced it not even a year ago and haven't had one issue until now. I even changed the battery. My HHR has been virtually trouble free otherwise. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

Dead car battery most likely reset the cars computer. Sounds like you need a reprogram of the fob.

 

to the forum Chevys4life!

Yeah, as George pointed out, HHR's get "goofy" with low battery voltage, and having a dead battery will bring out some bad behavior like scrambled programming.

I'd have the battery checked and load tested before doing anything else, and did you determine what ran it down? Once you have ascertained the health of the battery, or replaced it if its marginal, then head to you dealer to have the vehicle reprogrammed. Once that's done you'll be back to functionality.

I see from you profile that you have a 2008 and that you're also in hot weather country, so don't be too terribly surprised if your battery is at the end of its lifespan.

 

Battery completely dead for days can cause memory loss (that means a visit to a GM dealer for re flash). Mine was disconnected for about 30 hours with no damage to computer memory.