2008 Chevrolet HHR: key fob or push-button start problems

Filed Apr 25, 2019 · 55,000 miles · LA

After the recall on the ignition switch and the key fob no longer worked, I started having problems with the drivers doors not locking properly. Several times I locked it and went on only to come back and not be able to get into car with the key. It took awhile for me to figure out that I have to watch the latch when I lock it and if it does not go down all the way, I have to unlock and lock again and pull the latch up and then lock the driver door from the outside. Always parked and out of vehicle. There is not just one date this happened. I have had to call for assistance to get in.

Filed Mar 1, 2015 · Electrical · 63,000 miles · MI

The electronic control systems were damaged during the ignition switch recall service performed at matthews-hargreaves chevrolet in royal oak mi. I recently had the ignition switch replaced as part of a recall. I picked up the vehicle on saturday 2/28/15. On sunday 3/1/15 the key fobs (remote start lock unlock panic) no longer work leading me to believe the electronic control system was damaged when the vehicle was repaired. Something went wrong at the dealership. Three facts the radio didn't seem to be reset so I believe the battery was left connected while the switch was replaced. The key fobs no longer work something is wrong with the electronic control system. The dealer washed the car and didn't return the mirrors to the correct position(break away fold mirrors) service quality is not being managed at this dealership.. I think is simply the result of poor service management at matthews-hargreaves chevrolet in royal oak mi but the result is I have a vehicle with a damaged electronic control system that is not safe for my wife to drive. I can't go back to the dealership because I don't want to risk myself to the quality of repair service provided. The gm complaint line isn't helping because they wouldn't replace the fobs that were lost until I found them today when their recall caused me to loose them in the first place with nothing hanging on the key of course the fobs got lost. Gm complaint number 71-1444284438 because I found the key fobs today 3/1/15 but they don't work because the electronic control system was damaged by the poor quality of service at the dealership.

Filed Aug 13, 2014 · Driver assistance, Electrical · AR

Ever since I have had this car that I bought new, there have been electrical problems. The dashboard lights just go off while driving down the road. When the dash lights blink back on , the lighting brightness switch does not work, the roller to make it brighter does not dim the dash lights, until they all just go off again.? The tire sensors all go off and there is no readings for tire pressure. You check the tire pressure manually and they are all ok. The door locks don't work properly. If you use the key fob, the doors will lock and then you can't get them open again with the key fob and you are stuck. The key in the door won't even open the door, it is locked up tight. I have taken it into the dealer under warranty 3 times and they can find nothing wrong. I just don't lock my car anymore.

Filed Jul 25, 2011 · Electrical, Locks · 45,000 miles · MI

Both key fobs began working intermittently, finally failing completely. Problem began around 38,000 mileage. Complete failure around 40,000 mileage. Now key in door no longer works (only one key entry on entire car) so taking to dealer tomorrow. Mileage around 45,000.

Filed Feb 23, 2011 · Electrical · 41,000 miles · FL

I live in deltona, fl and drove to palm bay, fl from home and got out of my car, returned to it a few minutes later and started it with the key fob and got in and the key would not turn in the ignition. Had to let the car turn itself off and tried several times to turn the key. The steering wheel was not locked, I walked to a nearby firestone dealer who kindly agreed to let a technician come over to my car and try to turn the key, he was unsuccessful as well after several attempts. He was able to pull the steering wheel into the locked position however was still unable to turn the key in the ignition. I had to call a tow truck to tow me to the nearest chevy dealership, in melbourne, fl. This dealership wouldn't even tell me if they had the part in stock to replace it so that I could drive home they told me to pay to be towed and let them look at it and see what the issue really was. I went online and saw that many other hhr owners have experienced this issue and they had suggestions on how to correct it, due to the fact that the tumbler was frozen. I walked to a gas station to by wad-40 and sprayed it in the ignition hole and unlocked my steering wheel adjustment to allow me to pull it up and down as quickly and as hard as I could to get the tumbler to free itself up, to no avail. 1.5 hours after the issue began the tow truck driver showed up and asked me what was wrong and I told him he could try and he was able to get the key to turn. I drove back home the 1.5 hours and my husband is ordering a replacement piece to install. Why should we pay to replace this piece when this has been happening to so many owners of this vehicle make and model?