2010 HHR automatic with new battery (reads 12.14v) won't start even when trying to jump it. The dash lights all come on and a relay in the passenger console area clicks when the key is turned, but motor won't turn over. Looked for a relay marked 'starter' but none. Could the starter be bad?

 

Yes.

 

x2 - have you checked to make sure the electrical connections to the starter and fuse panel under the hood are all good and tight? and check the shifter/brake pedal interlock as well.

 

Yup, what he said, my Technical & Senior Moderators are really on the ball today, good work!

 

I saw the Youtube video about the fuze panel under the hood and took it apart and put dielectric paste on all the terminals including the large positive terminal. Did the same for the panel in the console. I wouldn't know how to check the shifter/brake pedal interlock. Haven't checked the terminals at the starter but have a friend coming over this afternoon to see if the starter solenoid is clicking or not when I turn the key, and will check it then. I just didn't think that a starter would go out in 6 years as I don't live in the snow/salt belt. But if member Don says it's so, I listen

 

A starter can last the life of the vehicle, but can also fail the day after you bought it (but of course that is rare rare rare) - all depends on whether the starter Gods are smiling down on you or not.

Being you have had the vehicle for a while this may be a silly question, buttttttttttt you are pressing down on the brake petal when attempting to start it? (its happened before) If the interlock is working, you should hear a click down near the shifter when you press on the pedal.

 

Whopper, are you saying that I have to press on the brake to start the engine? I knew to step on the brake to be able to shift into drive, but was never conscious of it not starting because my foot wasn't on the brake. I have an automatic transmission - does this make a difference?

 

I maybe mistaken (it's happened on one or two occasions... ....) - but I think it may work that way (don't have the car here to test it). I know it definitely needs to be done to shift the trans.

 

You can start the car brake free. Sorry Whopper.

However, what about the hood ajar interlock? Maybe that only affects remote start, I don't remember.

 

Yes, I can hear the click in the shifter when I press the brake pedal. We are going to check the starter in the morning. I'm hoping that's it. Tracing electrical problems might be better handled by a dealer just to save me the agony.