Starting issue plus weird smell
 

Ok so I have been having this starting issue on and off for a while now. When I try and start it all the power turns on but not the engine and it takes me like 4 or 5 tries to get it. And now for about a week or two Ive been noticing a kinda burning smell coming from the rear of my vehicle, from the inside and outside. Any ideas?? And by the way Im going to mention I can't afford to fix anything until tax season, haha!!

Sounds like you're starter motor is going bad, the burning smell is most likely the insulation in the starter smoking from the heat.

Take your HHR to an auto parts store where they can do a check on it for you, most will do it free of charge. If it is the starter plan on it letting you sit somewhere, so have it fixed A.S.A.P.

Hey Mike, he said the smell was in the rear. I'm thinking check the battery for a loose or bad connection. Any burning smell is a sign of trouble. Get it fixed before driving.

I might back away a bit from my original assessment, but I do think she has an issue that needs immediate attention, a loose connection is a possibility but I'd expect other symptoms too.

Basically you need to get it checked very soon Sara, before you're left sitting or something gets damaged even more and costing you extra money.

Yeah the smell is def coming from the rear. Would it be my battery if Im getting power but no engine or are you thinking separate issue??

I'm thinking separate issues, but checking the battery is a good idea, make sure the cables are tight and check them for burned and melted insulation.

Sara. I'm sorry I said "he" in my post above.:duh:

Its ok. I just want my car fixed, and fixed for free! Ha. I just wish I knew what was the problem was. Chevy wants $81 just to look. I dont have it, sad face

Go to your local Autozone/AdvanceAuto and ask them to check your battery, then your starter.

I agree, could be lifestyle/health threat, demanding immediate attention. Weird odors inside a car are never good!

X2. I have seen battery fail and give off a suffer smell