rogerpritchard

I replaced my battery in my 2006 HHR and now the radio does not work. It comes on and the display shows a mix of AM/FM/XM stations. I can change the channel with the knob. It shows it is on the FM frequencies. I can adjust to a local station and the display shows the song it is playing. I just do not get anything through the speakers. None of the buttons work either. Do I need to go to Chevy and get them to reset the radio to my car?

843de

to the forum Roger!

This type of radio misbehavior usually happens if you had to have your HHR jump started in order to go and buy a new battery, that will occasionally scramble the radio's brains.

Here's something to try, and it has worked in the past, we call it a "Lobotomy", and it's very simple to do.

First turn off the radio, then disconnect your NEGATIVE battery cable at the battery, and go have a cup of coffee to kill 30 minutes or so. Then reconnect the NEGATIVE battery cable again and check the radio functions.

The "Lobotomy" resets the various modules to their factory defaults, and it should bring your audio system back to life.

Let us know how you make out, in the worst case scenario you will have to head to your dealer so they can connect your HHR to a Tech II Scan Tool and query the radio to make sure its anti-theft feature hasn't activated.

Oldblue

Welcome to the site! X2 on the lobotomy, a good starting point to try the least expensive fix first.

843de

Yup, I've kinda lost count of the number of successful "Lobotomies" over the years, but they've saved lots of money.

rogerpritchard

The Lobotomy was a success. I now have my radio working. Thank you.

Oldblue

See!, now just a starting based point to start and it worked! Now crank it up Monday's and Friday's at 6:00 PM!!!

843de

Cool beans!!