Maintenance and Upkeep Discussion HHR maintenance tips ranging from oil change intervals to brake pads and everything in between.

Dead Battery? Rear Lift Release Lever - DENIED

Old Mar 15, 2019 | 09:56 PM
  #1  
kayak's Avatar
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From: Oklahoma
Dead Battery? Rear Lift Release Lever - DENIED

My 2011 LT-2 seems to be missing the oval access door on the interior panel of the rear hatch.
Meaning, if/when my battery dies, I won't be able to open the rear hatch from the inside. Basically, I'll have to dig down to the battery, jump it or replace the battery to be able to get the hatch open.
I'm not aware of GM engineering something to bypass the dead battery/no rear hatch access issue in their last year of HHR production, but perhaps there's a "secret-2011 only" bypass switch.
I'm the original owner, so that rules out some off-shore replacement part installed by fly-by-night body and fender shop.
I'm tempted to hit the Pick-a-Part and pull a panel with the hatch to replace my hatchless one.
Anyone else with this situation?
Kurt in Oklahoma




I referred to this thread (and many others on the forum) for background and research on this issue.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/main...e-lever-59396/
Old Mar 15, 2019 | 10:29 PM
  #2  
donbrew's Avatar
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I suppose a knife wouldn't do. My 2011 had it but I think it was very tight fit and did not look like it was removable
This one, I think.

.
Old Mar 15, 2019 | 10:55 PM
  #3  
firemangeorge's Avatar
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If the battery is dead, just hook up to the jump start location under the hood. That will give you the power to open the rear hatch.

And as Donbrew says, the access hole is behind that trim oval piece. You have to look close because that oval sits very flush against the trim panel.
Old Mar 15, 2019 | 10:56 PM
  #4  
RJ_RS_SS_350's Avatar
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Originally Posted by donbrew
I suppose a knife wouldn't do. My 2011 had it but I think it was very tight fit and did not look like it was removable
This one, I think.

.
Yes, that's the one.
Old Mar 16, 2019 | 08:18 AM
  #5  
Oldblue's Avatar
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Even a 9volt memory saver plunged into the power port, should give enough to open tge hatch.



Old Mar 16, 2019 | 09:22 PM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by Oldblue
Even a 9volt memory saver plunged into the power port, should give enough to open tge hatch.



THat's too easy..........
Old Mar 17, 2019 | 04:30 PM
  #7  
donbrew's Avatar
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If that is too easy; using alligator cords from a 9 volt battery to the large red wire on the fuse box and the ground point does the job. It only needs 9 volts at any rate.
Old Mar 17, 2019 | 08:46 PM
  #8  
sleeper's Avatar
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Originally Posted by donbrew
If that is too easy; using alligator cords from a 9 volt battery to the large red wire on the fuse box and the ground point does the job. It only needs 9 volts at any rate.
Very true Don. I just use my Big battery charger & set it to 2 amps/constant charge, hook to the leads you've mentioned, & that equals almost 9 volts & works fine.
Old Mar 29, 2019 | 09:34 AM
  #9  
Radco's Avatar
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Joined: 11-04-2012
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From: Dedham Maine
After seeing this thread I had to look at mine in my 2011 LT. At first I thought the knock out was not there :O then turned my head a bit and saw a little day light :O Good pic on the location .With out this thread this Old Fart would have looked forever lol
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