infotek

Some background. I used my HHR to jump start another car. I got a spark and blew out the power steering fuse. Fixed it, everything was ok I thought. About the same time the remote starter quit starting the car. Everything else works but the horn starts going off when you try to remote start it. This is also about the same time as the Oil Life sensor was telling us to change oil. I got the oil changed to day but remote starter still won't work. Just honks at us. Anyone have any clue. I know car won't start if something is wrong but there isn't any other warnings and Autozone couldn't find any codes. Please help!

843de

I'd take it in for service, the blowing of the PS fuse suggests to me that something may have been damaged by a power surge. The first place I would look is the module that controls the remote start/central locking, it wouldn't take much to kill it. Good luck and let us know what was found.

Don06

When I searched the TSBs for remote start problems I saw something about jump starting using the underhood terminals. Seems some people think that both the positive and negative terminals are there and connect the negative jumper to a second positive terminal instead of grounding to the engine block. It blows some fuses.

843de

I think you hit it Don, the under hood layout probably leads to more than a little confusion. My policy is no jumps with the HHR, you can gladly use my jump start box or my phone to call for help, but keep those cables away from Paddy.

Don06

I've always used the engine as a ground for both vehicles. That way you can't connect them backwards but you still have to know where positive power is.

Manufacturers should standardize plug in jumper ports. I've installed forklift battery plugs on trucks and equipment to keep operators from confusing 12 and 24 volt electrical systems. A 2000 lb forklift battery makes a great jumper!