My 2008 HHR is acting up. You must hold the fob unlock button down continuously and it takes about 5 seconds to unlock the door. Until recently it responded immediately with one push and release. New batteries in car and fobs. Range seems shorter also, used to remote start from in a store now it's about 50 ft

 

Do you only have one remote? If so you can stop by your parts store and test the remote with a RF signal checker. Autozone has them. It may be a problem with the button contacts.

 

By the way welcome to the site

 

I think 50 ft. is about what it's supposed to be.

But, if not could be your fob has just decided to not work anymore. I had one do that, shoots a signal but it's the wrong one.
Or the contacts are worn out either the pad the PCB or both.

 

Welcome to the site. One of mine has got where you have to push the unlock a couple of times to get it to work. I swaped with my wife's and all is fine. She has her own remot to her HHR

 

On a related note, when I was having problems with mine, I eventually got locked out a couple of times. Chevrolet Customer Assistance will send someone out for a free unlock if your car is still covered. It really bailed me out. OnStar won't do anything unless you have already activated it, and a locksmith is $75-80.

I ended up buying 2 new remotes and paying the dealer to program them. My advice is, don't wait too long or you'll be out in the cold, literally.

 

Search for clean remote contacts and check the battery bracket to ensure it is not cracked or broken

 

Thank you all for your insight and helpful solutions. Glad I joined. Hope all have a great Christmas.

 

to the forum!