So the actuator went out on my 2006 HHR (common problem that has a TSB). So I went to the junk yard and got a new one from a wrecked 2009 HHR. After replacing it the actuator the rear hatch started opening like it should, but it does not lock through either the key fob or the inside switch. All of the other doors lock and if I lock the car and open the rear hatch the car alarm will activate.

Did I get a bad actuator? Is there something that needs to be programmed?

 

The fact that the alarm goes off says that it thinks it's locked. The switch is sending the signal, so it sounds like a mechanical problem.

 

The only thing that locks the rear hatch is the body controller disables the button on the rear hatch when locked. Here is a tsb that may help.

Pic5055
#PIC5055: Rear Hatch Will NOT Lock - keywords door fuse gate latch lift liftgate lock pad release RKE touch UBEC unlock - (Dec 11, 2008)


Subject: Rear Hatch Will NOT Lock


Models: 2006-2009 Chevrolet HHR

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The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:
The customer will notice that at anytime by using the touch pad on the rear lift gate the lift gate will open WITHOUT unlocking the vehicle.

Recommendation/Instructions:
If this condition exists, check for a fuse in position #11 in the Underhood Buss Electrical Center. If there is a fuse in that position, remove it, as it is not supposed to be there.

Note: A fuse in that position will cause the release relay (coil side) to stay powered up at all times and will only need a ground (touch pad) to activate the relay.

If no fuse is present then check for voltage on circuit #1221 (WH/BK) and proceed with diagnostics.

 

Interesting. So also look at the relay.

 

I finally had some spare time to look at the fuse. There was a fuse in position 11 and I removed it. The rear hatch is now working fine. The paper in the fuse box said position 11 was suppose to be empty so I don't know why there was a 20 amp fuse in it. And I don't know why it was working before I replace the actuator, but either way thanks for the help.

 

I wonder if they made a design change to the lock switch and/or the wiring between 2006 and 2008? I know a few of the wire color codes are different.

 

I'm glad you got it fixed. That would have been a difficult one to figure out with out the tsb.