Tailgate does not want to open I have to manually open

 

You need to explain this better. Not sure what you mean.........all HHR tailgates are manually opened.

Are you suggesting the electric unlock does not work???

You may wish to start your own thread with a better phrased question. You would probably get more and better responses to assist you.

 

Excellent idea whopper, split this off into a new thread.

We do need more info, your question is too vague to really offer anything like constructive troubleshooting suggestions.

P.S. to the forum!

 

If we are experiencing the same noise...Mine squeaks, and grunts when I open it this time of year...summer is smooth though..I'm guessing its not opening as smoothly as it should...You may need to replace the hydraulics...or hit them up with some lube of some sort....last time I used graphite lube and it worked pretty good

by the way it wont just spring open...typically the door gets like 60% of the way up and then it wants to open the rest of the way on its own

 

Hmmm. Mine only has to be raised about 1/3 of the way before the strut cylinders take over.
I guess it just depends on how strong your struts are.
Weather does affect them also. I know mine are weaker/slower when it's around 40 degrees or lower.
And leave the hatch open for a long time in the summer sun and then try to close it. Takes me about twice the effort to pull it down.

 

that was just a guess...you could be right...I just wasn't going out in 20 degree weather to check it out

 

I'm guessing that the electric pad is not releasing the hatch and he has to open it manually from the inside. If this is the case check the fuses in both fuse boxes. And by the way welcome to the site

 

Maybe the op means the fob doesn't work on the hatch. On mine, I have to push unlock twice in succession for the hatch to unlock.

 

Well we are all guessing here. Until he returns we all can list hundreds of ideas, but none may be the answer.