I'm trying to remove the starter from my 2009 HHR. Bolts are out the battery wire is removed. I can seem to get the small wire out. Tried twisting and squeezing where it attaches to the solenoid but it wont budge. I don't want to break it I got to get this replaced. do I need a specific tool to remove it or some tricky technique. the new one is not giving me much of a clue. Help !

 

The small one is attached to the starter with an 8mm nut. Use the correct socket to remove it.
This might help:

 

As Cat Man HHR says, use an 8 mm socket or a 8mm wrench like what I used.

- using a 8mm wrench remove the small nut on the end of the starter (I believe it is the trigger wire for the solenoid), and remove the wire
- remove the power lead nut (it will probably be 12 or 13mm depending on the specific starter), and remove the two wires from the bolt, and push them aside
- there are two bolts holding the starter in place, one that is at the bottom, and one on top but totally hidden. I believe they are 14mm, so use a ratchet and an extension to remove them both
- pull the starter free of the block and place it aside (no shims were noted between it and the block in my case, but keep an eye out for them in case)

 

I have never done it on an HHR, but most I have seen have a lock nut arrangement.

 

Mine was as simple as it could be. Just a simple, normal, every-day nut.

 

Thanks for the info....mine is not a simple nut on a screw. I wish it was. it is for the solinoid trigger. if I figure it out I will update .

 

Can you take a picture of it? It does not sound like a factory item.

 

Any chance it looks like this:


If so, I don't believe it is a STD HHR starter, even though it is sold as a replacement (2008-2010 they say).

 

 

Why not pull the starter out with the wire attached so you can see what you are doing? Worst case cut the wire crimp a new terminal.