Took my HHR to get tires rotated and oil changed. Had noticed that the engine was a little slow to start, so asked them to check the battery. Was told it was bad and needed replacing so I said go ahead.

When I drove away in the HHR noticed that the clock was not displaying. When I tried to turn on the radio, nothing happened. So I turned around and went back to the repair shop.

There is no display on the radio; no clock; no code; no lights period. Annoying chime when you leave door open with key in ignition is also gone. Sound of blinkers clicking is gone. Not sure what else.

The repair shop believes that I need to go to the dealer to have the radio reset. The dealer charges $120 to do this. Does anyone know if this is my only option or is there a quick fix?

 

Maybe a coincidence... I've had my battery disconnected several times without these issues.

Check your fuses....

 

2007 HHR just in case that matters.
They checked all the fuses. They took it to another repair shop and they checked all the fuses. I also stopped by an Advanced Auto Parts store and they checked the fuses. Don't think it's a fuse.

 

Did they know there's two fuse blocks? I'm pretty sure the radio fuses are behind the center console kick panel on the passenger side. That's where the second fuse block is.


Mine is a 2007 also... Shouldn't matter for this issue though.


The only time a dealer should need to "relearn" a radio is if it was replaced.

 

Welcome!

Since you don't seem to know much about your car, I must ask; did they check BOTH fuse boxes? Fuse #6 (if you have a sub-woofer) & #23 in the floor console fuse box. Fuse #56 under hood fuse box, (if you have XM). If your car has a sharkfin antenna at the rear it has XM/OnStar.

Is the radio the one installed at the factory? Does the car have OnStar? Does the car have a sub-woofer? Does the remote door lock work?

Online Owner Manual available with the link in my sig.

 

Checked both fuse boxes, the one under the hood and the one inside the car passenger side of center console. There is also a fuse on one battery terminal. It is the factory radio. Standard radio with CD player. No OnStar. If it has a sub-woofer I'm not aware of it. The key fobs haven't worked in years!

 

I can't think of any connection between the battery change and the dead radio.

 

Welcome to the site, I suggest a battery lobotomy!
Simply disconnect the negative terminal at the battery for 30 minutes, now remember do not close the hatch, then simply reconnect the battery. Please ensure you disconnect the Negative terminal, to avoid any chance of a short or sparks.

 

Said you had the fuses checked. Did they also check the RAP relay in the fuse box ?

Retained Accessory Power (RAP) These vehicle accessories may be used for up to 10 minutes after the engine is turned off. . Audio System . Power Windows, if equipped . Sunroof, if equipped The power windows and sunroof will continue to work for up to 10 minutes or until any door is opened. The radio will work when the key is in ON/RUN or ACC/ ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from ON/RUN to OFF/LOCK, the radio will continue to work for 10 minutes or until the driver's door is opened.

 

Tried disconnecting the negative terminal for an hour. Did not close the hatch door. Still no radio.

There is a place for a RAP in both fuse boxes, under the hood and under the radio in the console. Both of mine are empty and the legend on the covers say empty.

Still no sounds coming through the speakers for blinkers or chimes, and no radio or clock.