Went to the window this morning to perform the remote start ritual, it was a scorching 21 degrees out but its all about the toys right? Anyway the lights flashed when I hit the lock button as normal. When I pressed the start button they began flashing like strobe lights. Being concerned I headed outside where I heard a loud snapping noise almost like a high voltage electrical arc, I fully expected smoke and flames. I cautiously approached the HHR and pressed the unlock button, positive results! Emboldened by my success and the lack of smoke, flames or odor I inserted the key and tried the ignition. Nothing, well I think the door chime worked but the really important thing didn't, no turning or clicking or really bad noises either. So I did what anyone who still hasn't made the first payment does, I called GM Roadside, the agent agreed something wasn't right and cars with 35k should start without any trauma. Thus a wrecker was summoned and arrangements were made to relocate it from my driveway to the local dealers parking lot an hour away. They are expecting it Monday morning to change that multi function switch that willfully disobeys the turn signal cancel request, boy are they going to be surprised. Anyway the day was saved by my 2000 Silverado with 253k miles, it hasn't been run in two months as the HHR was its replacement. It started and carted me into work without much complaint, it's tired and I was worried it would leave me stranded but with all its faults it saved the day. I'm a little conflicted now, the car I bought for reliability has failed me and the frail old truck that will not pass inspection next month has yet again proved its worth.

Anyone have any insight into what might have happened to the HHR?

 

Sabatage (william shatner) by the silverado, It's pissed about being replaced.

 

Crap happens...........theres no guarentee anything will work on any given day or time....they only guarentee they will fix it...mostly.....some of the times.....if the planets are specificly aligned.....and the fat lady hasn't sang yet.....
Keep the truck..Ive still got mine...307k and 20 years.....

 

There is a small Red Box on the left side of the fuse box. Check the nut on the FRONT POST of little red box. If this nut comes just a tad loose, your engine will not work. Don't know why, but it has happened to a fellow HHR owner.

 

So the dealer says I left the lights on and the battery was dead. I'd buy that if I'd turned them on, but they are automatic and I have no need to turn them on. Also I came home in the dark and had to walk a ways to the house in the pitch dark after they shut off and the house motion light didn't come on.

As for the turn signal they replaced the cancel cam and tell me it is designed not to cancel if you turn the wheel too fast so it doesn't break. My question "Only on Right turns?" was followed by crickets. This does nothing to resolve the dimmer problem that no one except me has seen.

I'm beginning to suspect a serious electrical problem and the odometer is already at the 35k mark.

 

Between the time we spoke on the phone and my picking it up they decided there might be a problem with the multifunction switch and replaced it. No problems with the switch on the trip home, it felt different and was quieter. Hopefully problem solved.

 

H'mmm, the same multi-function switch that controls the headlights?

 

It happened to me. Your battery is dead.

Everything else, the radio, etc worked, except the car would not turn over. Call GM Roadside Assistance, and they'll come out and give you a jump.

 

It seems to be all better now, other than not being arctic friendly.