How To: Reset the Security System/Relearn a Key
 

Fixed all of my standard HHR issues today:mad:, new rotors, new sway bar link, and a new shifter. When all was done The battery was dead, :cussing: When I went to jump start it, it would not start. After hours of looking thru the forums and trying many, many suggestion and calling my useless dealer (My 2006 is way out of Warranty) who told me that there was no security lockout issue. I finally had a friend who’s dad works electrical at GM, he gave me a very useful procedure that fixed the issue. He said that sometimes when you jump start a GM it triggers the security system.

Step 1: Insert key and turn to on. (Not start) The security warning light will be on. Leave in this condition for 10 min, or untill light goes out.
Turn key off

Step 2: Turn to on (not start) the security warning light will be on. Leave in this condition for 10 min or untill light goes out.

Turn Key off

Step 3: Turn to on (not start) the security warning light will be on. Leave in this condition for 10 min or untill the light goes out.

Turn Key off

Step 4: Car will start!!!!!!:thumb:

I hope this save someone a trip to the dealer.

I love the design of the HHR but hate GM for making it sooo cheap.

Amazing....Does anyone know if this proceedure applies to later models..?? (2008)

Yes, it's called "The 30 Minute Relearn".

Several years ago my boss had a 2003 suburban, one day battery went dead. I went and got a new one, no start, security lite was on. I bet this would have fixed it. Instead, was towed to dealer who told them the fuel pump was out and sold them a new one. Boss demanded the old pump and brought it to me. I researched the part # and it came back for a Cadillac. There are some bad dealers out there......

2003 didn't need programming. This procedure is for the new keys that have the + sign in a circle on them. Mostly 2005 and up, but not all models.

what do you think happened to it then?
battery went bad, replaced, no start, little light with a padlock pic. was on

Normally if it's a fuel pump it cranks but wont start.

If there is no crank, it has battery power and the theft icon is on, usually means it is in theft mode. On a 2003 sometimes just disconnecting the battery for an hour will clear the theft mode. If that doesn't clear it you have to use a Tech 2 scanner to get it out of theft mode with a relearn.

It cranked just fine after battery replace, just wouldnt start. I think they have had 3 fuel pumps replaced in this sub since they have had it BTW..

Yep, we use to do a lot on those models. But after you pay for one, it has a lifetime warranty at the dealership.

I hope I am doing this right. I am new to site so please advise if I am not complying.

I was wondering if there was a way to program the keys for a 2011 HHR. If it has a relearn function, will that effect the key Fob program.
Thanks for any help.