Just had a new transmission put in my 2007 HHR. Just went to pick up today, and when I turned the car on and went to turn the steering wheel it snapped back to it's original spot automatically. Told mechanic, and we took it on test drive. After a few feet the dash light that's a car and padlock came on. The steering wheel only snapped back to positions when sitting still. Got back to the shop, turned car off and back on, light still on. Turned car off, locked and unlocked car with fog and the light went off but steering wheel keeps snapping to a position when not moving.

Anyone know what could cause this? Or how to fix it? I only have one key for the vehicle.

 

From page 111 through 115 in the 2007 owners manual

PASS-Key® III+ Operation
Your vehicle has PASS-Key® III+ (Personalized Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key® III+ is a passive theft-deterrent system. This means you do not have to do anything special to arm or disarm the system. It works when you insert or remove
the key from the ignition.
When the PASS-Key® III+ system senses that someone is using the wrong key, it prevents the vehicle from starting. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be discouraged because of the high number of electrical key codes.
When trying to start the vehicle if the engine does not start and the security light comes on, the
key may have a damaged transponder. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to check the fuse, see Fuses and Circuit Breakers on
page 381. If the engine still does not start with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the first key may be faulty. See your dealer who can service the PASS-Key® III+ to have a new key made. In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 418, for more information.
It may be possible for the PASS-Key® III+ decoder to “learn” the transponder value of a new or replacement key. Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle. The following procedure is for programming additional keys only. If all the currently programmed keys are lost or
do not operate, you must see your dealer or
a locksmith who can service PASS-Key® III+ to have keys made and programmed to the system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key® III+ to get a new key blank that is cut exactly as the ignition key that operates the system.
114

To program the new key do the following:
1. Verifythatthenewkeyhasa1stampedonit.
2. Insert the already programmed key in the ignition and start the engine. If the engine will not start, see your dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to LOCK, and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to the RUN position within five seconds of the original key being turned to the LOCK position.
5. The security light will turn off once the key has been programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 if additional keys are to be programmed.
If you are ever driving and the security light comes on and stays on, you may be able to restart
your engine if you turn it off. Your PASS-Key® III+ system, however, is not working properly and must be serviced by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the PASS-Key® III+ system at this time.
If you lose or damage your PASS-Key® III+ key, see your dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key® III+ to have a new key made.


Here’s an on line version

http://www.vadengmpp.com/owners-manu...vrolet-HHR.pdf

 

With regard to the steering wheel snapping back to position, it sounds like something was not reinstalled correctly.

The transmission comes out from the bottom of the car. The cradle must be lowered. The steering shaft must be disconnected from the rack to do so.

The tie rods must also be disconnected from the steering knuckle.

If the position of these parts get moved while disconnected, it could possibly cause this issue.

 

To touch on some of the replies.

The vehicle does start. It just has the previously mentioned issue of the steering wheel returning to the position it was in when I start the vehicle.

When I start the vehicle I hear 3 clicks coming from the dash (I assume this is from the security system).

When I am stationary, not moving, and the vehicle is turned on and I try to turn the steering wheel it is stiff and after a second I hear another click and the steering wheel automatically returns to the position it was originally at when I started the vehicle. It forcefully does it as well as if its electronically returned.

This only happens when I am not moving. As soon as I start moving the steering wheel frees up. However, I do not want to just take a chance and deal with it as it shouldn't be doing it lol.

 

There is also an extended warranty on the power steering, there may be something faulty in there. https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/www....ad.php?t=50057

 

If it was working fine before the transmission replacement and now it's not, then it's something the shop did during the repair.
If they broke it then make them fix it.

 

I have no idea what could possibly take control of the steering; the power steering doesn't work that way. The clicks are probably the interlock solenoids, that sort of loud clicking usually results from a near dead battery (as does the security light).
The way the ESC works is by applying the brakes to steer the car.
The security light should reset after the car is restarted.

 

The clicking and steering wheel returning could be a broken clock spring