2010 HHR, 5 spd. I replaced the radiator in the parking lot at work, but then had two vehicles at work so I trailered it home. It was in gear on the trailer and rolled a little in gear.

When I got home it just sounded like the starter wasnt engaging. I pushed it off the trailer and took the starter off. It tested as bad so I bought a new one.

I put the new one on and it's doing the exact same thing. Im not an HHR expert by anymeans so I will describe what its doing.

I push the clutch and turn the key. The starter winds up but doesn't sound like it's engaging. At least the engine isn't turning over.

But, if it's still spinning after I release the clutch it will engage and the car will move forward like if the safety switch is bypassed.

I know what the safety switch does, but not specifically how it works. I dont want to guess and just throw parts at it. Is this a safety switch issue or a symptom of something else?

If it's the safety switch could I bypass it?

 

My first thoughts are loose fuse box bolts and battery to starter wire.
tighten the 13 mm nut at the battery cable junction then tighten the 4 bolts in the under hood fuse box , gorilla tight, past any clicking or popping sounds.
I gotta ask, it’s a 6 speed? Did you swap transmissions?

The cable junction is under that red cover on the lower left in the photo.

 

You never came back to your other thread, which was looking like a bad timing set. This sounds a little bit like the timing set also.

The starter is turning the crankshaft, evidenced by the lurch when you release the clutch pedal while the starter is turning. But it seems like the engine isn't turning over because there's no resistance from the camshafts, valves, etc. moving.

Like we advised in your other thread, don't crank the engine anymore until you remove the valve cover and check the timing chain for slack. Hopefully the valves aren't already bent from the cranking

 

It's a 5 speed, that was a typo. I fixed it, but apparently, it took a while for the change to show up. I checked all that already right off.

 

I wound up having to completely swap out the previous engine. I'm definitely not doing that again for this car.

If they are bent again this car is going to the junk heap.

 

Did you put a new timing set on this engine before you installed it?

 

Can you turn it over at the crank?

 

it was a brand new aftermarket engine. It had a new timing set.

 

Alright, most people go the used route. Let's not condemn the car just yet. It's a relatively simple check to try to rule out the worst. One step at a time.

 

So yup, its shot. Im definitely not springing for another engine in it. My input has already exceeded the value of the vehicle. If im going to go past the blue book on something its going to be one of my other vehicles. I have an 88 S10 blazer, a 99 Astro conversion, a 77 F100 and a 73 camper special. I would much rather throw money at them for giggles. I do appreciate all the help this forum has provided.