Hello to all. I am new to this list. We have a 2008 HHR. It went into the body shop after a fender bender. Repaired driver's door and front fender. They also replaced the inner fender piece. When I picked it up I noticed the clock had the wrong time. I guess they probably disconnected the battery while working on it. I reset the clock and it works fine. After getting it back, one key fob might have worked once or twice(not sure). A day later neither fob will work at all. I tried new batteries. I also found a procedure online for reprogramming the fobs. Hold unlock and turn ignition on and off twice quickly. then release the unlock button. I don't know if this is correct but it seems that it never went into program mode. Do you have any ideas that might help?
Thanks, Rich

 

No, they are not programmable, except with what I think they call the Tech-II tool - which the dealer has access to. Some have said the charge is between $35 - $75.

Have you checked to make sure the battery hold-down cage is soldered firmly to the circuit board? They are prone to breaking, but are easily fixed with a quick bit of solder.

Check the How-to section for a thread on fixing the battery cage.

 

The 2008 had a problem with loosing memory in the RCDLR receiver - this would need dealer reprogramming. If your TPMS is also dead this is the problem.

If not I would suspect the FOBs. There are a lot of good threads here on repairing your own.

X2, No, the FOBs can not be programmed - the vehicle is programmed to them.

RCDLR = Remote Control Door Lock Receiver - the FOBs and also the tire pressure monitors transmit to this receiver.

TPMS = Tire Pressure Monitoring System

 

Another possibility due to the impact on the driver's side is the possibilty of the connection to the RCDLR Receiver being jarred loose. It's located on the driver's side just behind the back door.

 

We’ve had this discussion before and I’ve never been able to get this clear between the different model years. Just when did TMPS start? My 2009 and subsequent years have it. If the 2008 has the TPMS the receiver is above the interior rear view mirror.

Those two drawings above are confusing, one shows the right side and the other shows the left side.

Looks like I found my own answer:
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/tires-wheels-49/tire-pressure-monitoring-faqs-20882/

TPMS started in 2008 for the USA.

 

the top pic is trying to point to the drivers side (ie; the circle up high) - kinda a poor rendition of what they are trying to show

 

Yes the diagram is confusing, but that's the best I could find. The receiver is on the left side behind the rear door. (On 2006-2008 model years, after that it was moved to above the rear view mirror, thanks Sno White for digging up that info. ()

2008-2011 models have TPMS.(However the receiver location varies)

 

My 2009 FSM clearly shows (and refers in writing) the RCDLR is located above the rear view mirror; plus it has been discussed in other threads. My belief is the location was changed from behind the door with the 2008 model year when the receiver took on the added function of receiving the signals from the tire sensors.

The OP has a 2008 according to his BIO.

 

Yup, you're correct, the receiver did move between the '08 and '09 model years, so I'll amend my post accordingly.

And thanks again for checking in your FSM.

 

I had MR.Goodwrench tearing my 2008LT apart looking for the RCDLR back there, I had show him.

I always thought that that location was only for the 2-way fobs, with the antenna stuck on the rear window, and it was the passenger side.

Anyway, the book is completely wrong on this point.