I had a guy I work with swap out the transmission in my 08’ hhr, car would start and drive, after he swapped the transmission, no start No drive, anyone help ?

 

Sounds like the Park/Neutral safety switch might be out of alignment.

In other words, the car thinks you are trying to start it in gear.

If you put the transmission in reverse, do the reverse lights come on?

Steve

 

Welcome to the site, this seems to be a very common problem with transmission work, or swaps. Have him inspect and tighten the 4 or 5 , 7mm bolts that hold the fuse box under the hood together, make sure the 12v cables from the battery and then to the starter are connected correctly on the stud under the red plastic hinged protector

The red ^cover and those bolts, I see 4 here but it’s a stock photo from the archives https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...ed-help-65685/

 

Not sure, I will try that and see what happens, ty so much for the advice

 

Hello there, so I tried that and the back up lights do come on, ……..

 

Those bolts need to be tightened past "If I go any farther something is going to break", at least 2 click sounds. The top is connected to the bottom by clips, 2 for every fuse and 1 for every pin on any other thing in the fuse box. I believe it is usually the start/run relay that doesn't get connected.

 

Ok, I’m out running some errands right now but I can’t wait to get home and try some of these awesome ideas all of you guys have been giving me .thanks to this whole website.

 

You are welcome! Let us know what fixed it!

 

Depending on how long the vehicle sat unused, it may have a dead battery.