First let me thank all those who helped with my TPMS issue, I appreciate the help.

New head scratcher;

With the factory radio when turned on, it would turn off when exiting the vehicle, which is normal.

I self installed a Pioneer MVH-AV290BT touch screen radio (no CD).

Everything was working just like the factory radio until about a week ago.

With the radio on and exiting the vehicle, instead of going off, it will wink on, say 'loading', wink off, then on, then off, etc.

This caused my battery to go dead two times.

I contacted Pioneer and thrie response was:

You must check the operation of the install harness since it retains accessory power this is the first thing needed to be looked at.

Anyone out there have a clue what I need to do?

 

They are telling you to look at the RAP relay, which is on the backside (hidden) of the BCM.

At least that's my translation as an English speaker reading translated english from Chinese by a Korean speaker who has never learned Mandarin, just Cantonese.

 

donbrew,
Can I assume you are kidding?

 

donbrew,
OK I looked up those terms on youtube but it was not specific to HHR so what do I need to do with those items?

 

From the HHR owners manual:

Retained Accessory Power (RAP) These vehicle accessories may be used for up to 10 minutes after the engine is turned off.
. Audio System
. Power Windows, if equipped
. Sunroof, if equipped
The power windows and sunroof will continue to work for up to 10 minutes or until any door is opened.
The radio will work when the key is in ON/RUN or ACC/ ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from ON/RUN to OFF/LOCK, the radio will continue to work for 10minutes or until the driver's door is opened.

 

When you installed the new radio did you use harness adapters or just slice into the existing harness.
I’m still using the OEM Pioneer seven speaker system, but understand from Crutchfield that there are adapter harnesses available to have all the features and chimes working as OEM

 

Not kidding, I am an English speaker.

I may have been looking at the wrong diagram. The RAP relay is #32 on the BCM. Not hidden on the backside.

 

@oldblue.
I purchased the wiring harness adapter from Crutchfield and everything worked fine, EXCEPT
the phone. When connected the caller could not hear me but I could hear them. Called Pioneer and was told to turn the fade control to full front and if the radio sound went off (which it did) then it was the factory wiring that was the issue. So when I get a chance I will wire the speakers directly and bypass the factory harness for the front speakers.
Let me know if your phone works OK or if you have the same problem.

 

@donbrew.

I found where those items are located behind the passenger kick panel. Can I replace them or what and if so do they just unplug or? Are they available from GM?
Thanks

 

Relays can be found at any auto parts store or a GM parts.