I’m looking for everyone to list a Code Reader & Fob Programmer that everyone has used or bought. I’d like to know if there are website links that could be pasted here to direct me to where I can buy them. I saw a few vague suggestions which are somewhat fragmented in their names/models, etc which led me down a wild goose chase.
I hope to find something that works and that could be reasonable enough to not require a locksmith or dealer to do it every time I need fobs programmed. It seems that there are a few for $200-300 range available, but before investing in something subpar, I’d like to see what everyone else has found/used.
also, I think this info would be invaluable for anyone else who has these issues in the future.

 

I’ve only used the GM scan II tool, well not me, a friend who works at the dealership, she didn’t charge me for programming the radio, key fobs .
as for a scan tool to read codes , I spent $50.00 on eBay and bought a code reader, but the local parts palace also will read any codes for free.

 

Depends on the type code reader you want. Cheap ones just do the basic P codes. The better ones will be able to read other codes such as ABS and log real time data.
Or, you could just get one of the free apps for a smart phone and the wireless dongel (about $10). I use the Torque app with my old, non service phone. The Torque Lite app is on my current phone.
To program a fob you'll need a scanner, programmer. Regular code readers don't do programming.

 

That point is worth noting: the cell phone does not need to be activated! Just needs whatever connection you choose (wifi/BT). That drawer full of old Android phones is good for something.

There is a software you can purchase that claims to interface with ELM327 devices and do programming. I don't recall the specifics.

 

I had good success with the Dorman fob programmer and an OEM fob. The 3 Dorman fob(s) that I tried had a small issue with low battery messages.

Yes, you can get basic code readers cheap.

 

Thank you! This is invaluable to me, and I hope this thread can be easily found by anyone else who needs an inexpensive programming. Now, as per for your advice, I found a plug-n-play, no hassle fix.
I want to give explicit info so that it can be available straightforward and easy to access without having to purchase extensive OBDII readers, etc. If most people like us have those good code readers but don’t want to buy another one with the programmer included, then this is a great fix for Key Fob only.

With Remote Start:
Dorman Item# 13736
https://www.dormanproducts.com/p-667...ter&origin=YMM


Without Remote Start:
Dorman Item# 13737
Rock Auto Order Page:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/do...y+remote,10433

Available also at local parts stores that sell Dorman (that’s what I did today).
After extensive research, here are the two Fob/Code Programmers for HHR:

 

Ah, we are aware of these fob programming devices.

 

I will repeat again: Some of the generic circuit boards in the non-genuine fobs do not work right. Seems to be the ones with an LED on the board, not on the outside.

However: the programmer does work for any compatible fob, since it is the car being programmed.

 

So, this programmer I posted above was a 100% success!

Programmed both of my new FOB's, with all functions added correctly.

My local GM Dealer (which does their Service through Toyota) would have charged me 129 for the programming, 89 for each FOB, and 59 for programming each FOB. Whereas I paid 46 for the 1st FOB with the programmer included, and got the second FOB for 18 by going to the parts house. I've since found the entire thing on Ebay, so if I had waited 2-3 weeks, it could have cost even less.

Again, I'm hoping that this could help future New owners to easily locate a clear and concise way to get their (new to them) HHR programmed without having to go to the dealer, and not waste time with the non-working solutions which I had attempted at first, and failed at. I could have got this part the day I bought mine, and could have saved a lot of running around and time wasted looking for less than accurate solutions.



As for me, I'm Loving the fact that I no longer have to go around to the driver's door, use the key lock, open that door to hit the unlock button, then walk around to the passenger's door just to help my auntie in and/or my disabled nephew in every time I want to take them somewhere. The back end also fits a wheelchair perfectly, like it was made for one.

 

OK. This information is added to the other threads on the subject. They have been around for about 7 years now. A post search for "programmer" gave several relevant links on the first page of results out of the 255 total.

One of the easiest ways is to go to any parts store and ask, they can get stuff that is not on display. Dorman is not the only source.

For instance at the bottom of this page: