+ 1 on the Dorman programmer. I used it to program remotes to my 2007 HHR, my 2012 Silverado 3500 and my 2009 HHR SS. It works great and allows up to 3 programming sessions. So, if you gather all your remotes and can do them all at the same time, that's 3 different vehicles with 1 programmer purchase.

I will caution against purchasing the aftermarket remotes, though. I found out on my SS that I can't use the aftermarket remotes to initiate the TPMS learning procedure (by pushing both the lock & unlock buttons at the same time) after a tire rotation. I thought something was wrong with my car, but when I grabbed my factory OE remote and push both buttons, it works every time. But, if you don't have TPMS, they should work great for you.

Cheers,
Robert

 

Planetrj;

I would like to Thank You and all the others content in this thread. I had all the issues mentioned in many threads in this forum about key fob programming. I also learned a lot from reading through many posts about my cars factory options codes, since it was a car built to be sold to a leasing co. After your post and pictures above I purchased through Amazon the Dorman kit #13737 for my 2011 HHR. I also purchased an original GM key fob as well through Amazon after hearing of the Dorman sometimes not working to access the DIC for theTPMS reset. The programmer worked great for the Dorman fob and the GM fob. I now no longer have to use my key to lock the door.
Again, thanks to all of you for the reccomendation.

 

Carman36, glad you got the RVS working, yours is an ex rental and it had RVS in the DIC ? Awesome
mines an ex Hertz rent a dent, sadly no RVS in the DIC , no wired hood latch assembly, but that’s ok, I’m retired now and don’t miss it!

 

13737 = no RVS

 

Doh! I miss read that! But it’s awesome the fob works!

 

Old Blue;

Yes the Dorman kit was a lifesaver in my opinion. I tried using my friends Snap On scanner that was fully updated and it wouldnt work on body module or TPMS. Later found out from this thread from Donbrew, you, and others from my options code list in the glove box what my car really came with as options. I was recently quoted at the GM dealer $168.00 to program the fob plus $73.00 for the fob. This forum really was a great help. This all started from a TPMS light coming on intermittantly. I learned that I need to manually access the DIC to reset after using the key fob to get in because of my cars options. This is why I bought the GM original fob as well. See quote below.
So now I can replace the L/F TPMS Sensor and reset if I understand everything I read correctly. Is there a thread on what are the best sensors to buy? I have seen a lot of packs of (4) on ebay, Amazon, Rock Auto... claiming to be good for a good price. Should I stay with GM or any reccomendation?
Thanks in advance for any replies.

Quote:
I will caution against purchasing the aftermarket remotes, though. I found out on my SS that I can't use the aftermarket remotes to initiate the TPMS learning procedure (by pushing both the lock & unlock buttons at the same time) after a tire rotation. I thought something was wrong with my car, but when I grabbed my factory OE remote and push both buttons, it works every time. But, if you don't have TPMS, they should work great for you.

 

The ONLY way to get into TPMS programming mode is with a working fob. All of those interweb how-to's are BS.
If you have a 2008 the RCDLR will probably need updated firmware from a dealer.

 

Donbrew;

Thanks for your reply, my HHR is a 2011. From what I read on this forum I was under the impression that the only way it could be done on my car was through the key fob. That is why I bought an GM original fob along with the Dorman kit.

 

I'm Very glad to hear this worked out easily for you, Carman36.... 2 1/2 years later, and all is well. This especially ended up a crucial step, as right around the beginning of 2021, I got a notification that the 2010 HHR had a faulty ingition switch and column issues connected to the mechanics. I did notice a difficult turn a couple times, but I had assumed it was a poorly cut key. Turned out that the dealer reprogrammed ALL of the additional (New) fobs and keys for me, and was great, because I had purchased 2 extra fobs and 2 extra keys, so they did everything for me during the recall replacement.
The only one little complaint I could even think of with the aftermarket fobs is that the writing on the button came off after about 8 months, which is no issue for me, but always becomes an issue when I take it in for service, or if anyone needs to open it using the fob (no writing).
I wanted to mention that the dealer originally quoted me $285 for the entire lot: 4 fobs, 4 keys reprogramming. So, this was the best $55 spent, plus it's an investment should I ever need to reprogram them in the future (saving yet ANOTHER $285).