I had a new key cut for my 2009 HHR LS.

I followed the programming instructions that came with the key.

The new key would not program. It would start the car once upon the initial insertion but the Security light stayed flashing and the key would not restart the car once removed.

I worked with the company that cut the key. They are saying that if my HHR had a 2 or 3 to start the VIN that is was built for export and requires BOTH original keys to program. Mine begins with a 3.

Has anyone else encountered this? If so, is there a work around?

It is hard to believe (no it isn't) that GM would not only chip these keys BUT also require two originals to make a duplicate.

I am sure the dealer would be happy to correct for a nice fee for the 10 minute of work.

Let me know if you have encountered or have any tips.

 

I found the second key that I received with the car.

Even with both keys, it will not program and the security light stays with the new key.

I did notice something odd about my second key being that it has a different cut than the first. I don't think it is a valet key since the only cylinders are the ignition and the door.

Any tips will be welcome.

Thanks.

 

Could be the 2nd key was from the original pair of keys and is different because of the ignition recall. In which case you would have received new keys but they should be cut the same as the door lock would not have been changed.
So, have you ever had the ignition lock tumbler changed?

 

Yes, they replaced the ignition before the BIG recall. They are supposed to do the recall ignition tomorrow and do a full "relearn" on the keys.

Lots of quirks with this car. They are also supposed to look at the "Service Air Bag" intermittent light issue.

The dealership has acted clueless about all these issues other than the recall one.

We will see tomorrow.

 

I'll add that a 2 or 3 does not mean your car was made for export. Since 1980, the first letter of the VIN is the country of assembly. 1 is US, 2 is Canada, 3 is Mexico. Others are J for Japan, 9 I think is Australia, I forget the rest.

 

If you're getting the ignition recall done, you'll be getting 2 new programmed keys.
Not understanding why you bought a new key if you're fixing to get the recall work done.

 

I have been putting off getting the recall done since this is my work car and I drive ALL day. I have just under 186,000 on this car.

I made the key since I am doing work for a company that cuts keys remotely and we are trying to test it.

 

The airbag light issue has been addressed in this thread, GM has made their dealers aware of it

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...g-light-54742/

And


https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...g-light-43456/

 

I am beginning to believe more and more that the new "test" key that I received does not have the chip in it.

I had the recall work done yesterday. There were 4 recalls in total that needed to be done.

The dealership wanted $135.00 to "diagnose" the SERVICE AIR BAG light. I told them not to do it; however, the light in now . Either one of the recalls fixed it or the mechanic just reseated the wires. I will never know.

Hopefully, I will not have to take it back anytime soon.

 

If it's off then good news, let sleeping dogs lie!! Theory