Hello, I'm trying to help my grandmother with her 06 Chevy HHR. The stock stereo isn't working correctly. The volume is stuck at one level. The center knob turns fine but something is messed up with the electronics inside. She took it to the dealer and they told her $500 to fix it or $800 for a new one. I told her that I would try to get it fixed cheaper for her. I have found them on E-Bay for 50-125 dollars, but I read something about it needing to be reprogrammed by the dealer when you put it in a new car? Is this true, and if so how much does it cost? Another option would be putting an after market stereo in. The only problem with that is the buttons are usually really small and she might not like it. What is every bodies opinion on what I should do? Buy the OEM off e-bay and get the dealership to reprogram it, or buy an after market? She just gave me one of her old cars to sell and I got $1000 from it so i would like to help her get this done even though she says she's fine with it how it is. Thanks a lot for the help! - TOM

 

If you get the one off ebay, the dealer will charge you to unlock it. Mine charged me $89...but many others charge much less from what I have heard.

I take it her car is no longer under warranty?

 

Buying one off E-Bay and paying a dealer to do the reprogramming is less expensive (considerably) than buying a new one at the dealership. Also -- does she have the steering wheel controls? If so, they will be useless with an aftermarket.

 

I would try Crutchfield for an after market. Mine cost me about 400 installed and it still has all the chimes and I didn't have to install. if you install it would save abou 80 dollars. and crutchfield gives you all the hardware to fill any empty space. Also use this code and save $25 on your first order and if you spend $150 or more on car audio they ship for free. Check it out it may be the way to go and it will be better sound than stock. the code is p74a5-1qydu-74t08

 

If Granny is ok with the way it is now, your best bet would be ebay and have dealer program it. I am sure granny dont need a 400.00 after market. lol