Code readers give code numbers (the important part) and a "title of the test" (mistaken for diagnosis). The titles are decided by the readers programmer not what it really means.
If you want to continue throwing new parts around, keep listening to the teenage nascent SALESMEN who read what a generic device says. The service is provided as a SALES enhancement tool.
An informed person would take the CODE NUMBER and do their own research, keeping in mind that the titles and descriptions of OBD tests rarely relate the actual diagnosis just a starting point for logical thought.

The "code number" is actually a name of a test that has failed. A better label would be "test code number".

RTFM, you can get one via the link in my sig.

For instance; The P0017 test is usually called "Crankshaft Position (CKS) - Exhaust Camshaft Position (CMP) Correlation", the kid at AZ will sell you a crankshaft position sensor. The real cause is there is a problem with the timing chain causing the 2 sensors to be in disagreement. Timing chain is not mentioned at all, you have to think "what would cause a correlation problem between 2 sensors".

In short, you have to care enough to get the code number and the actual names of "those things under the hood attached to the front of the engine". BTW, the front of the engine is where the timing chain is not the front of the car.

Please read the warnings about the Remote Vehicle Start hack. It is applicable to 2008 former rental LS/LT ONLY. If there are wires attached to the thing that latches the hood down you have RVS factory installed. 2011 it was an option other years rental/fleet orders could delete it.

RTFM, you can get a free one via the link in my sig.

 

The car in this thread is a 2008 SS automatic, right?

 

Yes it is auto. Do I need the key fob with the top circle button?

 

Yes this shows the part number, you have to have it coded to your vin.
Before you order , look in the dash cubby, the glove box, the spare tire well and the two compartments behind the rear seats, perhaps they wee put in there by the last owner or dealerships that sold the car.
There are Dorman fob kits with a device to match it to your vehicle, it only works a few times but does program OEM fobs

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/133866826355...mis&media=COPY

 

The board has all the buttons but the case doesnt have it. I took it out and pressed the top middle trace on the board with the contact on the rubber button and the parking lights flashed and I heard something click but it didn't start the vehicle. I think I read in another post that any active CEL will cause it not to remote start?

just tried it while inside the vehicle. I hear a click, then a whirring sound, boost gauge moved a little, CEL pops up, and radio lights go on for half a second then it shuts off.

 

30 pages devoted to "water leak somewhere" . Now another well covered problem tacked on. Hijacking your own never ending thread.
All HHR factory fobs have all the contacts. You can buy cases with silicone key pads for all of the combinations, the board fits them. Yours has the contacts for a Panel rear doors. The part number is not important the FCC ID is important.
Panic + Lock = RVS. After locking all doors press and hold Lock and Panic at the same time is the same as pressing the RVS button.
Active codes can inhibit RVS. Open hood inhibits RVS. Unlocked door inhibits RVS. Shifter not in park or neutral inhibits RVS
If there are wires attached to the hood latch mechanism RVS is factory installed. Instructions to activate and use RVS are in the Owner Manual.
ReadTheFreeManual. Free digital Owner Manual : https://www.chevrolet.com/support/ve...manuals-guides (also in my sig).

Hint: search "keyfob" the search won't accept term with 3 letters.

 

hahaha this made me laugh. Sorry for all the questions. Appreciate all the help everyone has given me.
I suppose the water leak is solved for the most part.

I just tried the panic and lock method and it does the same thing as the top button. Thank for you the info.

I've ordered a new key fob case with the top button from eBay just to make it easy

 

The search does accept 3 letters...

 

Would love to send you guys some money via PayPal/zelle as a token of my appreciation. You have undoubtedly saved me hundreds to thousands of dollars already.

 

That is new!