This issue is driving me crazy! Two original keyless remote entry FOBs. One barely used that hung on a hook in the kitchen. (so it's not button wear). The primary one started taking time to unlock, lock, remote start etc about a year ago. Same issue even with the least used one too. Here are the steps taken so far...

Replaced both FOB batteries with super expensive EverReady electronic ultra lithium extra special long life batteries. (before both the FOBs totally stopped working). Still had the same intermittent results present. All the FOB innards were fine. Holding down and waving around the FOBs right at the drivers side door till the door clicked open stopped months later. They used to work from 60+ yards away.

Watched and tried EVERY Youtube DIY reprogramming videos to no avail.

Went to the dealership for the ignition recall fix and thought they would correct the problem. They didn't, yet I assumed it was part of the recall repair notice attorney language sent from GM. The dealership service rep 'John' did however give me a laundry list of service issues recommended. IE...

Air Filter Replacement (Which was replaced 4 months ago. Have receipt)

Brake Pads (replaced last year Not even 6000 miles on them. Rotors fine too plus have receipt)

Serpentine Belt (replaced early 2012 along with AC compressor which I was told imploded when the belt broke. Yep, have that receipt too)

Cabin Filter (tech dumped a half inch of water on the passenger side floor inspecting it and didn't clean it up. GPS was soaked and still leaking water. I wondered what that sloshing water noise was and why my fan blower motor was sounding sick. Googled it and found the fix which I'll do myself. Duct Tape! Another factory defect never recalled). Shiffter went bad too. That issue might have been addressed in another thread.

Wiper Blades (Come on man. Not rocket science. I'll put them on in 10 minutes and save labor fees)

Few other stupid little things like the caps on my tire valves. "We can fix all today for $983,68." Before hazardous material disposal costs of course. So the mandated recall which was to take 2 hours when I made the appointment which ran over by 4 hours (a total of almost 7 hours) was to shake me down for other 'suggested' service work? I didn't ask for that.

When I received the vehicle and found the FOBs still didn't work, the service rep made a BS vague excuse. Then I asked why the car wasn't washed. He said that I had requested the need for the car back by noon and the line for the carwash was 16 cars deep. I never said that. Plus I was hanging at the Starbucks across the street. There was never a line for the dealers carwash.

Plus I spent money on replacing both head lamp bulbs. $$$! Really? An hour of labor? Brought my own parts too! They charged $100 for that.

Funny how the key FOB non functioning issue wasn't addressed in the laundry list they told me over the phone. Plus the info button on the steering wheel which switches the dash display info for trip meter, oil life, coolant temp is not working now. I will contest these issues. If unanswered with no resolve, the local news station might be interested. Oh,.. there's something called the internet too.

 

This has nothing to do with recalls so I moved it.

First, take a breath and calm down.
Second, give the Search a try "keyfob" will get you more info than you ever knew was out there.
Why would you expect an ignition switch recall to fix The remote door locks?
The post is so long and frantic that I can't remember if you stated year and model. If it's a 2008 LT there is a TSB regarding the RCDLR needing programing after a dead battery event.

 

Welcome to the site.

Glad you were able to rant and get your frustrations out.

Just realize. It is a 9 year old car. If you bought it new, then yes, I would say you've had your fair share of issues.
If you bought it used, you didn't indicate when and with what mileage so kind of hard to comment on that scenario.

FWIW. I did read the whole post. Didn't really see you specifically ask a question. If you have a specific one, go ahead and ask. We've got a lot of good members here that are very knowledgeable about these cars.

Also. We have a really good updated Search function. You can find all kinds of threads on everything HHR. (ex: threads on changing headlight bulbs. Could have saved you the labor if you wanted to do it yourself)

Again. Welcome to the site.

 

If I understand this correctly most of your problem sounds like a poor dealer experience. Not so much the car.

 

Thanks for the replies and I apologize for the rant on the dealer. Used to be a 'shade tree' mechanic doing most all my own general maintenance (oil, filters, brakes, gaskets, mufflers, etc) as I drove 200+ miles a day for 25 years. Love the drop in oil filter on HHR. Hate bad service reps that think you're an idiot.

Stats: 2006 HHR LT purchased Oct 2005. Every upgrade option bell & whistle. Love everything about this car. Fits my massive drum kit.

Guess there's no other way to reprogram the FOBs without the dealer or a locksmith from what I'm reading in the threads. Oh joy. Happy New Year.

 

Did you happen to see the thread about the new remotes you can buy that come WITH their own little program module ?? It's a new item on the market.

 

You would think that at least one of the thousands of vids you watched would have mentioned that.
Should have been every one of them since that's the way it has been on HHRs from the beginning (2006).

If you read my other response you may have noted that it could be a problem with the RCDLR, not the fobs. However it could be the fobs are now out of sync from lack of use, I think it's 10,000 cycles.

 

If the remotes were working intermittently before your service at the dealer I suspect a broken solder connection on the battery hold down. If that is o.k. I would replace the rubber key pad. Cheap on the auction sight. I did the repair method on mine (glued in replacement carbon contacts). Works great now. As others have suggested use the search function to see how these are done.
Good luck!

 

One FOB was hardly used. The other several times a day for years. What is the RCDLR?

 

Remote Control Door Lock Receiver.
It's the module that receives the signal from the fob. It then tells the computer what function to do: Lock, unlock, etc.