Hi everyone, I'm seeking guidance on my 2007 HHR. I recently had it towed to a dealership near me to get my fuel line replaced. Upon receival, the battery was dead (I wasn't able to ride along with the tow truck driver and apparently he left the keys in the ignition). Dealer replaced the battery and now the TDM is preventing them from starting the car. Anti Theft light is illuminated.

This isn't the first time the TDM has caused issues for me. Back in March of this year, my anti theft light came on and the car wouldn't start. I checked all connections and fuses and tried some of the remedies in this forum. Even installed a new battery. After not getting any luck, I had it towed to a local shop where they troubleshooted and ultimately replaced the TDM. They noted that the new TDM was stuck in "learn" mode and wouldn't switch away from it. Both of my original keys worked. The car would start and run fine, but the anti theft light would always be illuminated when the vehicle was on.

Dealer is now quoting $620 for parts to replace the TDM. Before moving on, I wanted to check in here to see if I'm walking into a senseless repair. Replacing it twice in one year feels a bit odd, but maybe there's a larger issue at play. Happy to answer any questions or add some context that I might have left out.

TIA!

 

You could try this remedy

If Your alarm system is not working properly in Your 2007 Chevy HHR the first thing that You will want to do is reset the security system. Resetting it will usually clear up most of the problems and it is fairly easy to do, it just takes about 30 minutes. First put Your key in the ignition and turn it to the on position without starting the engine. Leave the key here until the security warning light turns off which is about ten minutes. Repeat this two more times for a total of three times. After this on the fourth time turn over the engine and start it. If You have frequent problems with Your alarm system I recommend letting Chevy inspect it to make sure there is not a body control module problem.

the TCM relearn is just a computer program from the a TechII scanner, perhaps the shop last year didn’t know what they are doing, same goes for the dealership. $620.00 is mucho dinreo for just a TCm relearn

 

I got absolutely no idea how the TransmissionControlModule could be involved with a no start or theft deterrent light. Do you mean TDM, TheftDeterrentModule?
If the TDM was replaced it needs to be rematched to your key.
TDMs don't just break, they are a passive bit of technology. I don't know what you might mean by "caused issues". They normally light up the light and lock the key and doors when the battery dies or is removed, then you just use the key to unlock the door and start the car, that resets the system.

 

Thanks for the reply. Sorry I misspoke. What can I clarify?

 

What module do you actually mean? The TCM has nothing to do with the theft deterrent system or starting the engine.
What "issues" has it caused in the past?

 

I meant the TDM. One time earlier this year, my anti theft light came on whenever I went to start my car. It would remain illuminated and the car would not start. I tried the method Oldblue mentioned and I had the battery replaced. Both didn't work, so I had the car towed to a shop. They replaced the TDM. After replacing it, the car would start but the theft light was still on. I never got that resolved. Fast forward to today, the same issue with the car not starting came back. This started after the battery went flat and had to get replaced.

 

Is this a GM dealership? Sounds more like a loose wire and clueless shop to me.
Has the ignition switch recall been done? Link in my sig to find out.

 

Your dealer returned the car worse than when they got it. Zero trust. Maybe a snake den. Maybe their diagnosis is accurate, maybe not.

Reset the TD system per Oldblue’s instructions, which are also in the owners manual. This problem is more often caused by a faulty ignition switch than a TDM. GM has had recalls for this in other models.

 

I’ve corrected the title and first post to reflect TDM to avoid confusion and incorrect diagnosis.

 

Have you checked fuse #8 on the interior fuse box? Check it for voltage and continuity. Then check the TDM for voltage.