I am having some sort of electrical problem with my 2008 HHR LT. When I connect my battery I only get some lights on my radio to come on and everything else is dead (picture below):

[SOLVED] - I needed to tighten the bolts in the fuse box until tightened completely (after the popping sounds)




This problem started when I went to replace some solenoids in my transmission. To do that, I had to take out the fuse box and both the ECM and the TCM. I did disconnect the battery before I took everything apart. Here is a list of the things I replaced in the transmission:

• Manifold pressure switch
• Lockup and trim solenoid
• 2 Shift solenoids
• Automatic transmission pressure control solenoid valve

After I got everything together I got an error code: P1682 (ignition switch)

• I replaced the ignition switch and changed out the relay and it still didn't work.

I reconnected everything and checked everything and ended up getting P0443 (Evaporative Emission Control System Purge Control Valve Circuit) and U0101 (Network) codes

I had a power steering and reduced engine power warnings on my dash. So I decided to go through and clean up all the grounds; I sanded the connectors and sprayed them with CRC electrical contact cleaner. I also sprayed the contact cleaner into the neutral safety switch and the computer connectors.

Now, when I reconnected everything I get the picture above. I twice went through the fuses and fuse box and checked all the relays with my ohms meter and couldn't find anything wrong. I do get power up to the fuse box. I had the battery tested and it is good and has around 81% charge. What could the problem be? I would like to at least get power back to my lights and locks and everything if I have the dealership diagnose it. Thanks.

Also, unrelated, can anyone identify the broken hose by my battery in the picture below?






eng pwr reduced

 

Broken hose by the battery is the vent tube for the battery.

 

On the side of the underhood fuse block, under the red cover should be 2 large wires. The lug closer to the firewall should have 1 smaller red wire for the power steering.

 

The bolts that hold the fuse box together need to be tightened a lot more than you think. That is typical in cases where the fuse box is removed. 4 this month.
You need to tighten them until you hear a "crack!!!", that is when the fuse pins connect.

 

You are talking about the 5 7mm bolts that are in with the fuses? I have tried tightening them, but it seems like they are stripped basically. I have tried to tighten them to a reasonable amount. The all the clipped around the fuse box are clipped in place. I may go out and check here in a few. I'm afraid of stripping them more.

 

I definitely have those 3 wires connected very tight.

 

That fixed it. They actually do tighten up. Although, 1 click isn't enough -- the one clicked like 2-3 times. Thanks a lot.

 

Resolved! Awesome!