Mine is a 2010. Im not at all smart on any cars newer than 1980. Took mine to dealer when i found out they program tpms for free. Then found out my fobs didnt work at all. So i went on line- hhr key fob- got new one for $25 & went back to dealer for $40 fob programing. All worked out for me. Very happy with the little car now. Only had it since dec 2016. Good luck & keep on hhr.net. they helped me lots!!

 

Obviously an aftermarket system does not interface with the factory computer.

You local locksmith could have set the factory system up by either repairing your fobs or programming a new fob, if he was good.

If the panic button works everything else should work, maybe a new key pad would fix it still. Did the fobs stop working after a prolonged dead battery incident; 2008 models need a new firmware load if the RCDLR has been without power for a long time. There is a TSB 08-03-16-001B.


FWIW, I installed an after market remote door lock system on my 2008 for about $79. The only trick was going to RadioShack for a 1 cent resistor. Later I found out about the TSB had the dealer fix it, then had 2 separate keyless entry systems.

 

jonstrode, I had blown out speakers as well (not sure if the culprit was water or overzealous listening habits...), but found a couple of Youtube videos that were really helpful, including tips on identifying pos/neg (the stock speakers were paper piles with no polarity markings at all). I was able to replace both front and rear sets in about 4 hrs, including scavenging the old "frames".

 

donbrew, Not sure how long the factory fob's battery was low or dead as I was using the aftermarket unit. The dealer parts rep tested the factory fob -- there was no response on any button except the panic button (he didn't even mention a firmware load). I found an OEM replacement fob for $39-, and I'll query our local locksmith to program it; he's closer than the dealer.

jonstrode, Thanks for the heads-up; I probably should have looked farther for a cheaper fob, but figured I was $70 to the good over the dealer, so I'm happy.

Thanks much again for the help, guys!

 

I was talking about the car battery, like a car sitting on a used car lot for 6 months. If the RCDLR responds to 1 button it is working and the fob needs a new rubber keypad.

Look at this thread on the subject: https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...ontacts-30813/

 

So far as I know, no. In fact, when I was looking for "my" HHR, the market was pretty hot, so I'm guessing it probably didn't sit on the lot for 6 days let alone months!

Cool idea on the repair. If the one I've ordered for some reason doesn't work, I'll give it a go. Got some spare remotes around here somewhere... Cheers!

 

These days you can get a new fob case with the keypad for under $15. A new fob with programming module for about $59.

To avoid the cost of programming you can just swap the circuit boards. Sometimes the contacts on the board get grimy, use an eraser and alcohol.

Or, just spend your money.

All of that information is on this site, just try the search tool. Hint use "keyfob".

 

jonstrode, are both of your issues resolved now with the reprograming of the TPMS and replacement of the key fobs?