Need some help. I try to start my HHR 08 2.2 Panel. When I put the key in everything lights up as normal, when I try to start it there's nothing, dash lights go out then it displays POWER STEERING then TRACTION CONTROL, also the brake warning comes on. It has a brand new battery and starter motor. I checked and it's had it's ignition switch recall, Only thing I have done to the car is installed an aftermarket radio using a scosche adapter kit to retain the warning chimes. The car ran for a week after the radio install with no problems.

 

Check the battery voltage at the under hood fuse box (under the red plastic cap) Also make sure that connection is good.

It should be 12.5V at least.

Did you splice into any wires?

 

Checked the voltage there and at the starter motor it was 12.5V. I spliced into one wire behind the radio for the amp turn on signal. I soldered it and used heat shrink sleeving. I'm a electrician so I'm pretty careful where wiring is involved.

 

What wire?

You mean the factory installed amp, new amp?

 

The factory one, I needed a switched 12v for my XM receiver so it came on with the radio

 

Was that the pink wire or the light green wire?
You are using the factory amp?

Have you checked the crank relay and fuse?

 

I used the pink wire the guy from scosche advised me to use that one, I've checked all the fuses and the relay, I swapped the relays over and I put my finger on it while my wife tried to start it, I couldn't feel it clicking so I don't think the problem is under the hood. I love my HHR but they are irritating cars to work on

 

Relay #34 Fuse #5 in the under hood fuse box.

Then get your VOM out to check the coil contacts on the relay and fuse box. 86 is the enable 12V signal from the ECM. 85 is ground 30 is always hot 87 is the signal to the solenoid.

Make sure the ECM connectors have good contact. Sometimes some pins get pushed out the back.

Did you start using a different key? Did you literally touch any of the wires around the BCM? Any evidence of a previous owner splicing into wires around the BCM? BCM is the fuse box in the passenger foot well.

 

Check the underhood fuse box halves, are they tight?
Ground wires ? Tight and clean?

 

I've tried the other key. Going to try testing the relays again today and the grounds. I'll let you guys know what happens, thanks for you help