My key fob will work when I hit the unlock button, but won’t function when I hit the lock button. This is happening with three different fobs. What gives?

 

Year and model would help.

Won't lock any doors or just the drivers door ? Do you hear anything trying to lock or is it no response at all ?
Can you lock it with the key ? With the lock button on the door ?

 

Listed in profile as a 2010, so, let’s see.

1- sticking lock actuators

2- weak fob batteries

3- weak car battery

4- the RCDLR is getting a weak signal

possible solutions,

squirt the lock mechanisms with silicone spray

change the fob batteries C2032, if memory serves me correctly

have you car battery load tested, if it’s good, preform a battery lobotomy to reset the RCDLR, it’s very simple, loosen the negative terminal nut , it’s a 10 mm, then remove the negative cable, only, do not disconnect the positive terminal, but do snug the nut , be very careful not to touch the wrench to a ground, the RAP will fry your radio or worse, the computers.
Residual accessory power.

wait 20 to 30 minutes and reconnect the negative terminal and gently tighten the clamp nut, you don’t want to crack the terminal.

 

Or worn fob keypads. Available on eBay for a few dollars.

 

2009 HHR LT
locks and unlocks with interior door button
tried 3 otherwise functional fobs
car battery near new
unlock on fobs work for drivers door and all doors (with the double click)

 

Take the fob apart, be careful of the battery mounting it easily breaks loose. under the silicone pad you will notice gold contacts. Clean the contacts with alcohol and a rubber eraser. The try to lock the doors by placing a piece of metal on the lock contacts. The carbon dots on the silicone need cleaning also.
If none of that helps; have the door panels been Removed and Replaced? The lock rods are supposed to ride in channels that are hard to see, frequently overlooked.
The motors in the latches may need lube or wearing out.

 

Maybe because some people use the lock button more, it wears out first. (Lock button gets pushed twice for good measure, and some dealers instruct the owner to push the lock button twice before remote start.)

 

Because
A. all doors must be locked and
B. the second Lock is part of the combination

If all doors are already locke you still need to push Lock before RS.

 

I was having intermittent issues with my key fob on my used HHR. The batteries were weak and the pads are worn. I am probably going to buy some replacement pads on eBay next payday.

 

Don't spend it all in the same place.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...fLoc=1&_sop=15