Hello, newbie here. I searched and have read multiple threads on this condition, as it seems common

I'll continue in my reading, but in the meantime I'll just throw out there.....little past history on vehicle. I bought a week ago and no service records. Was driving all day, running great. Parked it overnight, wouldn't crank/start the next day. First thing I tried was a jump start, via direct to battery in rear. No change. Started poking around in the fuse box, had a blown #1 and #5 fuse. I replaced the #5 30A fuse as I had a spare, but not the #1 60A yet. Still no go. I switched relays around, hoping it was a bad relay. No change.

Got under the car, the starter looks brand new! Definitely replaced recently. I jumped the starter and it spun freely, so the starter motor is good. Don't know how to check the solenoid.

Ideas what I should check next? Oh, and I did scan for codes, nothing. Thanks!

 

Hi Kenk, to the forums!

Perhaps the #5 fuse blew again?

There is another fuse block inside the vehicle, behind the passenger center kick panel.

 

Maybe a little car info.
HHR I assume ?
Year ?
Model ?
Engine size ?
Standard or auto transmission ?

What's the voltage reading of the battery ?

 

2006 HHR 2.2, auto trans, 160k miles. Voltage at jump post by fuse box 12.8v. 60A fuse by battery is good. Checked what connections I could for cleanliness/tightness.
And the #5 fuse is still good.

 

Has the ignition recall been dine?

 

I ran the vin at the NHSTA website, said 0 open recalls, or something like that.

I got it cranking/running. Apparently the #1 60A fuse for the power steering needs to be good too. Replaced that and cranked right up.

Now I'll have to do further digging though. I went to throw a spare 30A and 60A fuse in the glovebox in case it happens again. And guess what I found? A spare 30A and 60A fuse in there already. My guess is it's been doing this. Now to find why fuse #1 and #5 keep blowing

 

Is this wired wrong? The +posts next to the fuse box are as follows: the closer the the front of the car has just the battery cable. The post closer to the fire wall has the PS cable and the starter cable.

Should the starter cable be on the same post as the battery?

 

Your wiring appears to be wrong. This is my 2010 SS. Pretty sure all years were wired the same way at the fuse box connectors.

 

Yes, the starter and battery cables share the forward post.

 

Any chance you read the manual before jumping it? Where did you connect it?

Any GM dealer can tell you what recalls have been done. Also if an extended warranty on the power steering has been invoked.