I hate to have the first post on here be about trouble with the vehicle. I really have enjoyed the HHR even though I have only had it for a few weeks now.

I am not a novice about cars. However, this one has me stumped. Seeing as how I have tried to investigate this for hours now online, and have only become more frustrated, I could really used some info if anyone has any.

First, I know there is PLENTY of power in the battery (I checked). Everything comes on electrically, but the engine won't crank over. I have the 2.4, with remote engine start. The key goes in fine, it turns over fine, but there is NO cranking whatsoever. It has cranked well thus far (for the first 2000 miles anyway), and the engine was cold when I inititally tried to start it this evening. I waited another couple of hours and tried again, but no luck. I tried the other set of keys, and no luck. I have read tonight where people who had gone through something similar thought that it might be the security switches, or the fuses, but nothing really matched what I am currently experiencing. Any thoughts on what I could try? I'd really like to use it tomorrow.

 

Starter relay, remote start killswitch, corroded starter cable...

Will it crank with the remote start?

 

I believe the starter relay is under the hood on the driver side. Open that box and make sure all the relays and fuses are firmly seated. I've heard a few folks here talk about those things coming loose.

Good Luck

 

We tried to press every fuse and relay down, we tried to disconnect the battery in hopes of resetting whatever was wrong, and we still had no response from the starter. I may just have to have it towed tomorrow morning back to the dealership. I believe that it has to be the starter or wiring that connects the starter. I am just happy this didn't happen on our Colorado trip week.

 

Let us know what they say. Apparently its something that no one here has experienced. May be helpful later on.

 

The way the fusebox is designed, none could ever loosen to the point where a malfunction would occur if the lid is on. This is an old myth that must DIE.

 

Thats what I thought, it's never happened to me personally, I've just heard that it has happened.

 

Had the samething happen to me not long ago and it was the key. Try the other key if that works the bad key can be reprogrammed. To do this insert the good key and turn to the ON position for 20 seconds, do not start the car. Remove the key and immediately install the other key and turn the key to the on position for 20 seconds as well. After 20 seconds try to start the car.

Good luck

 

I appreciate the tip. I tried it, but still could not get the car to make a peep. I was wondering if either of the keys is a good one.

 

Wondering if the remote start works. Also thought about making sure the car is in park as there have been some that have reported that here