I just went out and pulled the codes. I have no codes.
I also checked the clutch pedal. The spring and its mounting locations look mint. Are the 2010 HHR SS different? I didn't see a clutch switch, it was more like a clutch potentiometer.
I suppose I could pull it out and do an ohm test on it.

 

Part(s) #13 and #18 in this diagram.

Chevrolet HHR Hatchback CLUTCH PEDAL & CYLINDERS

Yes, it's not an on/off switch, but a rotary pedal position sensor.

 

Based on your description in post #1 (slow crank, jump starting worked ) I doubt it's got anything to do with the PPS on the clutch.
It would not do anything like slow crank or clicking if the PPS was not working.

Still say you should check the main positive terminal at the underhood fuse box. Might as well just take that loose and clean it anyway. Then check the terminals at the starter.

 

slow crank was on a 7 year old battery, that has been replaced with a known good battery. The intermittent no starts, as far as I remember, did not start until after I replaced the battery. I had the battery load tested twice and advanced auto claims its good.

Also, none of the connections I have looked at under the hood are loose or corroded looking.

I have not yet checked the starter connections or solenoid yet. That will have to wait until wednesday since its going to rain all day tomorrow here.

 

Crank relay #34 under hood?

Most of what we used to call switches are now "position sensors". Now that everything is digital the sensors are analog?

 

Hey Don. Could you decipher the diagram notes I circled in yellow ? I can't seem to figure them out.

 

X denotes a connector, they are different between 2.0 and 2.2/2.4
Same wire serves neutral sensor on Auto and clutch sensor on 5 speed. I think they meant A/T and 5 spd.

The 2 red wires go to starter and charger. The ppl wire goes to the solenoid. Bothe the motor and the solenoid are grounded.

 

Thanks Don.
I guess I was confused because I didn't see a separate circuit for the clutch pedal position sensor.
Here's a little different diagram from a 2006 HHR wiring file.

 

So I ran out of time to troubleshoot and dropped my car off at the shop.
I got the call to day, that the starter was bad. I should get my HHR back tomorrow.

Thanks for all your help. I was so close to figuring this one out, just needed one more dry day off work.

 

At least and at last it's diagnosed and fixed!