cranked down all the fuse box bolts.
also noticed that the 2 posts on the left of the box are snug but a bit rusty, I didn't have the time to clean them....does anyone think cleaning those would make a difference?
should I just dive in and switch out the starter?

 

The front lug should have a red cover over it. It could help to clean this one. This is positive battery cable. Disconnect and tuck away the negative cable at the battery before removing and cleaning this.

 

Thanks, RJ! Yes, mine had a red cover on it until I let a mechanic under the hood to change out the O2 sensors. When I got the HHR back, it was gone. I just checked the junkyard the other day for one, but no luck. And the other post? possibly feeds the fusebox?

 

The rear post is the power steering motor feed

 

that's good to know Oldblue! Thanks!

I bit the bullet and ordered an acdelco starter and jack stands... fingers crossed!