Do you have this problem: Key Won't Unlock Door

hly478 · 09-08-2010, 11:33 AM

Both my key fobs do not work--rather than pay $150 to replace each one, I've been manually unlocking my door. It's been sticky in the past using the key, and I even took it to the dealer whilst still under warranty. They said it wasn't a common problem with the HHR, and since the problem did not present itself while there, they pretty much blew it off.

This summer, I've dealt with it being very sticky to unlock, and came to a crux two weeks ago when the key would not turn. Had to get a locksmith come by to break into my car. Afterward, it periodically worked fine. I took it to my local mechanic, who had a locksmith rebuild the lock and the key. Worked fine until this morning...once again, could not unlock the car. Called the same locksmith. He said the problem is not with the lock (turning the key gave him the clue), but with the latch itself.

Has anyone had this same problem, or posted a similar problem you could link to?

for reference, this is a 2008 HHR LT.

**ChevyMgr** · 09-08-2010, 12:38 PM

When you took it to the dealer under warranty, why didn't they replace the key fobs?

Yes the latch is your problem, not the cylinder.

Happy13178 · 09-10-2010, 11:32 PM

On a note unrelated to the lock itself, I had a problem with both of my key fobs not working or working intermittently. I opened one up the other day, and found that the metal clip that holds in the battery had broken off, so it was no longer making contact with the circuit board. A drop of solder fixed the problem there. Probably won't solve your issue, but if anyone else has the same issue, way easier to sort out than just replacing them (and cheaper too).

urbexHHR · 09-10-2010, 11:52 PM

Sounds like you've got a problem with your dealer....

The bad solder is very common on the fobs... I think mine has that problem. I had to replace the battery, now since I did that it works half the time... I'm thinking something came loose when I had it opened...

Happy13178 · 09-11-2010, 12:05 AM

My dealer is out of business. :p Right in the middle of the recession. Anyways, the fob thing wasn't a big deal, and I solder stuff all the time anyways (IT Tech) so it was a no brainer. I was debating getting new ones, but figured I'd see what the issue was myself first. Not like I could break it any more than it already was.

the_alchemist · 09-12-2010, 10:21 AM

Just had my cylinder replaced in the column. Key locked in it and would not come out. Only way to stop engine was to stall it with the brake on. Then had to disconnect battery. Dealer replaced and seems to work except now the key fobs work slowly and need to be hit several times to open. 8/31/10

562adrians · 09-22-2010, 03:50 PM

I had this same problem happen to me a few times. I soldered both key fobs that had the loose battery connectors and they seem not to work at all even with new baterries and my key sometimes doesnt want to open manually. I just purchased the new door latch assembly and i hope this solves my problem with the key not unlocking my door.

knelson1969 · 09-23-2010, 04:54 PM

It sounds like to me that you have a few problems not Just one.
First, if your dealer is doing the correct pm on your car when you bring it in for service
They will lube your door hinges, door latches, Hood hinges, Hood latch, Etc the list goes on and on. I used to work as mechanic For mistubishi and GM, and I can tell you It was very rare to watch the General service tech's really do everything that they were supposed to do on a PM. either due to lack of knowledge lack of time or lack of pride.
You name it. Your ride is not that old for all your latches not to work even if not lubed properly. so I must guess your only having this issue with the drivers door, Using the key. as far as the key fobs not working at all they probably have lost their programing
do you leave your keys on or near large speakers? it wont take long with a large magnet to screw up your fobs and other electronics. I am not sure if reporgraming
your fobs will help but it worth a try. I think this is covered in the owners manual.
if you have the fobs apart its worth while to clean the contacts with some rubbing alcohol and cutips. clean both side the rubber contacts and the circuit board. Install fresh batteries and then try to reprogram your fobs.
I hope this helps good luck.
If you ever wanted to know exactly what needs to be done on each service interval
you only need to look at the manual.either the owners or service. I use Alldata.
But there is Mitchel on demand, and if all else fails use common sense, if it moves lube it
if its dirty clean it.If is broken replace it. if all this fails you should have started the
job without the six pack first LOL.

IgottaWoody · 09-23-2010, 06:14 PM

Hmmm..2 1/2 years and Ive never used the key to unlock....don't even know if it works!

dnddj · 10-01-2010, 04:51 PM

Mine has left me stranded. I called onstar - they got me in.
Once the car was unlocked by them, my key worked again.
the latch is probably loose or jammed.

09-08-2010, 12:38 PM	#2
ChevyMgr *Administrator* Join Date: 11-23-2007 Location: Texas Member #: 4865 Posts: 8,295 Images: 706	When you took it to the dealer under warranty, why didn't they replace the key fobs? Yes the latch is your problem, not the cylinder. __________________ Some things I know, Some things I don't How to Post Pictures*Site RulesAllowed Signature SizePremium Membership*Classified Posting Guidelines

09-10-2010, 11:52 PM	#4
urbexHHR Senior Member Join Date: 02-16-2009 Location: Frankenmuth/Flint, MI Member #: 14016 Posts: 6,131 Images: 325	Sounds like you've got a problem with your dealer.... The bad solder is very common on the fobs... I think mine has that problem. I had to replace the battery, now since I did that it works half the time... I'm thinking something came loose when I had it opened... __________________ 2006 HHR 1LT, 2.2L, Auto, Running Boards, Roof Rails, Sunroof, Chrome Package (54k miles) Built 5/24/06, Purchased 2/17/09 Mods: Molded Splash Guards, Chrome Exhaust Tip, Brake Light Cover, Stubby Antenna, Gutter Guard Grille, Chrome Tail Light Rings, TTR Sway Bar, 2LT Wheels 1999 Chevy Lumina (164k miles) Built 9/9/98, Purchased 8/14/06 1983 Chevy C-10 Scottsdale Pickup (166k miles) Built 4/83 in Flint, MI, Received 1/05

09-23-2010, 04:54 PM	#8
knelson1969 Member Join Date: 09-18-2010 Location: Lake Worth Florida Member #: 23279 Posts: 83	It sounds like to me that you have a few problems not Just one. First, if your dealer is doing the correct pm on your car when you bring it in for service They will lube your door hinges, door latches, Hood hinges, Hood latch, Etc the list goes on and on. I used to work as mechanic For mistubishi and GM, and I can tell you It was very rare to watch the General service tech's really do everything that they were supposed to do on a PM. either due to lack of knowledge lack of time or lack of pride. You name it. Your ride is not that old for all your latches not to work even if not lubed properly. so I must guess your only having this issue with the drivers door, Using the key. as far as the key fobs not working at all they probably have lost their programing do you leave your keys on or near large speakers? it wont take long with a large magnet to screw up your fobs and other electronics. I am not sure if reporgraming your fobs will help but it worth a try. I think this is covered in the owners manual. if you have the fobs apart its worth while to clean the contacts with some rubbing alcohol and cutips. clean both side the rubber contacts and the circuit board. Install fresh batteries and then try to reprogram your fobs. I hope this helps good luck. If you ever wanted to know exactly what needs to be done on each service interval you only need to look at the manual.either the owners or service. I use Alldata. But there is Mitchel on demand, and if all else fails use common sense, if it moves lube it if its dirty clean it.If is broken replace it. if all this fails you should have started the job without the six pack first LOL. __________________

09-23-2010, 06:14 PM	#9
IgottaWoody Senior Member Join Date: 01-13-2008 Location: Washington State, where it rains Member #: 5336 Posts: 4,512 Images: 19	Hmmm..2 1/2 years and Ive never used the key to unlock....don't even know if it works! __________________ "Creativity is Intelligence just having Fun"

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

09-10-2010, 11:32 PM	#3
Happy13178 New Member Join Date: 09-08-2010 Location: Toronto Member #: 23106 Posts: 27	On a note unrelated to the lock itself, I had a problem with both of my key fobs not working or working intermittently. I opened one up the other day, and found that the metal clip that holds in the battery had broken off, so it was no longer making contact with the circuit board. A drop of solder fixed the problem there. Probably won't solve your issue, but if anyone else has the same issue, way easier to sort out than just replacing them (and cheaper too).

09-11-2010, 12:05 AM	#5
Happy13178 New Member Join Date: 09-08-2010 Location: Toronto Member #: 23106 Posts: 27	My dealer is out of business. :p Right in the middle of the recession. Anyways, the fob thing wasn't a big deal, and I solder stuff all the time anyways (IT Tech) so it was a no brainer. I was debating getting new ones, but figured I'd see what the issue was myself first. Not like I could break it any more than it already was.

09-12-2010, 10:21 AM	#6
the_alchemist Join Date: 06-10-2009 Location: ny Member #: 15438 Posts: 1	Just had my cylinder replaced in the column. Key locked in it and would not come out. Only way to stop engine was to stall it with the brake on. Then had to disconnect battery. Dealer replaced and seems to work except now the key fobs work slowly and need to be hit several times to open. 8/31/10

09-22-2010, 03:50 PM	#7
562adrians Join Date: 09-20-2010 Location: ca Member #: 23321 Posts: 1 Images: 2	I had this same problem happen to me a few times. I soldered both key fobs that had the loose battery connectors and they seem not to work at all even with new baterries and my key sometimes doesnt want to open manually. I just purchased the new door latch assembly and i hope this solves my problem with the key not unlocking my door.

10-01-2010, 04:51 PM	#10
dnddj Join Date: 06-09-2008 Location: Northern NJ Member #: 7120 Posts: 7	Mine has left me stranded. I called onstar - they got me in. Once the car was unlocked by them, my key worked again. the latch is probably loose or jammed.