On mine it does not show any RPM until the engine starts. Then it will show around 800 at idle. My HHR is an '06 and his is much newer so maybe that's why it doesn't show any RPM until it actually starts.

Grizzly, he is saying the gauge moves when cranking, and dies when the engine starts, but the engine is still running.

Could be the gauge pod but I doubt it.

Only way I could see the gauge pod being broken is sustaining blunt force trauma from an angry owner

Or electric shock from a pinched wire, temporary insanity from a loose ground,