Chevy HHR Remote Start Not Working (Causes & Solutions)
If your Chevy HHR remote just stopped working, you may get worried as you try to figure out what caused it to fail and how you can restore it. You may also be thinking of taking it to be checked by your dealership. But before that, read this article for helpful insights into this issue.
Chevy HHR remote start not working can arise from many different issues including a dead key fob battery, check engine light, not properly shutting your hood or malfunctioning hood switch, unlocked doors, multiple start attempts, incorrect remote use, valet mode on, car not in park gear, disabled remote start system, and more.
This article will discuss more in-depth details about the various causes for your Chevy HHR remote start not working and potential solutions to consider for each cause. With this info, you should be able to diagnose and fix your remote start so that it continues working as before.
Chevy HHR Remote Start Not Working Causes:
Below, we discuss the most common reasons why your remote start feature may malfunction:
Dead key fob remote
One of the most common causes for your Chevy HHR remote system to stop working is a weak or dead key fob battery.
The battery that goes into your remote helps power its system and enables it to transmit the signal to your vehicle to start it.
If the battery dies with time, the remote will be unable to communicate with your vehicle, and hence your car won’t start.
Solution: Replace the old battery with a new of the same size and type as the old battery.
Make sure you install it in place correctly to ensure your remote continues working. The remote usually uses a CR2032 battery that you can easily find in your local stores.
Here’s a video that shows you how to replace your Chevy HHR key fob battery:
Video:
Hood not properly shut/malfunctioning hood switch
A properly latched and closed hood is one of the key requirements for your HHR remote start to work.
This is usually a safety precaution present in many factory remote starts and helps prevent the engine from running with the hood open.
This is a crucial measure given that someone could be inspecting the engine compartment when you start your car, which can endanger their safety.
Or in the worst-case scenario, the improperly closed hood may fly open and cover your windshield when you’re in the middle of the road.
The hood is usually equipped with a pin sensor that detects if the hood isn’t properly closed and alerts the remote sensor not to engage.
Sometimes, your hood may be properly closed but the sensor is malfunctioning or damaged, thus sending the wrong info to your hood switch sensor.
Solution: Check that your hood is properly closed before you attempt to remote start your car. Try opening and closing it again, just to be sure.
If this doesn’t help, inspect the hood switch sensor itself. If it looks rusty or broken, consider replacing it with a new one. Consider testing the switch to see if it’s in good working condition.
The sensor may also be missing, in which case you’ll also need to install a new one in its place.
A door isn’t locked
Besides the hood, all your Chevrolet HHR doors also ought to be properly closed for the remote start to work.
If any of the doors isn’t properly locked, your vehicle may fail to respond to remote start. This is another safety feature that helps prevent unauthorized access to your vehicle.
Solution: Check whether all your doors are properly locked. Open the problematic door and close it again to see if it works.
Incorrect remote start activation sequence
It’s also common for some car owners to use the remote start the wrong way. In this case, your remote feature will definitely not work.
If you haven’t used your remote function in a long time, you’re even more likely to use the wrong activation sequence, causing starting troubles.
Solution: Consult your user manual to ensure you’re following the correct procedure for activating your vehicle remote start function.
If possible, have someone else try to remote-start the car to see if it works.
Programming issues
If your remote system suffers a software glitch or develops any soft issues, it may also fail to engage.
Sometimes, replacing the battery may also make your system lose its programming. This will also lead to malfunctions.
Solution: You’ll need to reset your system to help you fix any software glitches or programming issues with your system.
A simple reset can be done by disconnecting your car battery and then reconnecting it after a few minutes. If this doesn’t work, you may consider reprogramming your system.
Check engine light
If your Chevrolet HHR remote start won’t work and you can see the check engine light (CEL) illuminating your dash, that’s another potential culprit to consider.
This is a common configuration for most factory and aftermarket remote systems.
Since the CEL usually illuminates when there’s an issue with your engine or the emissions control system, disabling the remote start is seen as a good measure to prevent further harm from getting to your engine.
Solution: To fix this issue, you’ll need to scan your car computer using an OBD-II scanner to find out what underlying issue triggered the engine warning light.
Have this issue diagnosed and fixed to clear the warning light and restore your remote start feature.
Valet mode is on
The reason your remote start is malfunctioning can also be tied to your car being stuck in valet mode. This mode usually disables your remote start temporarily when you hand over your car keys to the mechanic or a valet. It’s usually activated using a combination of buttons on your remote.
Solution: Deactivate the valet mode to restore your remote start function. If you are not sure about activating and deactivating valet mode, consult your user manual for more info on how to do it.
Remote start is disabled
The remote start function may also be disabled on your car settings, and this may be another reason it fails to work. You may have unintentionally turned off this feature.
Also, if you got your car from a previous owner, they may have turned it off intentionally.
Solution: Check whether your remote start is turned off in your Vehicle Personalization settings. If yes, simply turn it back on and your remote work should start working without any issues.
Vehicle’s key is in the ignition
Your Chevy HHR also won’t work if you left the key in the ignition. The system simply assumes that your car is already started in this case, so it simply doesn’t engage.
Solution: Check if you left the key in the ignition before starting your car with the remote. Always, set your car to lock and take the key off the ignition before you attempt to remote start your car.
Hazard warning flashers are on
If your hazard lights are on, your remote start may also be temporarily disabled. This safety precaution helps prevent potential accidents or damages that might occur as a result of your engine starting with the hazard lights still flashing.
Solution: The fix here is simple! Just turn the hazard lights off and then try to remote start your vehicle again. Once the hazards are turned off, your vehicle will most likely resume its normal operation.
Engine coolant temperature is too high
The engine coolant plays a crucial role in regulating your engine temperature and preventing your engine from overheating.
However, if this liquid temperature gets too high, it can lead to several issues including engine overheating, engine damage, reduced overall engine performance, damage to the coolant system, and increased emissions.
To avoid these, your remote starter is configured not to start your engine when the coolant temperature becomes too high.
Solution: Let your car cool down for some minutes before you attempt to start it again using your remote.
The oil pressure is low
Another reason you may be having problems using your Chevy remote start is that the oil pressure is too low.
Oil plays a crucial role in protecting your engine from damage resulting from friction.
So, low levels may make the remote start fail to turn on the engine as a measure to keep it from getting damaged.
Oil pressure can run low due to issues like oil leaks, dirt, the presence of air in the oil, or late oil changes.
Solution: One of the best fixes here is to do an oil change. This will help remove any present contaminants and at the same time improve the oil performance.
Also, inspect your system for oil leaks and have them fixed as necessary.
Too many start attempts
Yes, Chevy factory remote start system areal so known to disable after about 2 failed start attempts. This is a safety feature that helps prevent unintended use or prevent unauthorized use of this system.
Solution: If you have started your car more than 2 times and it failed, consider manually starting it. This will help reset the auto-start system so that it goes back to normal functioning the next time you use it.
Vehicle is not in PARK
Another issue that may cause your HHR remote start not to engage if your vehicle not being in Park gear.
In this case, the remote system fails to engage as a means to prevent your car from moving, say if you left your car in reverse or forward gear.
Solution: Check if you left the shift lever in park mode. If not, simply put your car in park and then try to start it again.
Other issues that could make your HHR remote start malfunction include:
- Keyless entry transmitter isn’t operational
- Rear compartment isn’t closed
- Content Theft Deterrent (CTD) system is detecting alarm trigger
- Engine RPM reads greater than 0
- Accelerator pedal position reads greater than 0
- Vehicle speed sensor signal detected
- Vehicle power mode is incorrect
- Hazard switch is in the ON position
Your remote vehicle system won’t start if any of the above conditions are present, so it’s important, so it’s important to consider all these requirements.
As Chevy HHR owners wrestle with remote start intricacies, it’s enlightening to understand that Chevrolet’s broader vehicle lineup shares some of these challenges. For those seeking insights on another Chevrolet model, our comprehensive guide on Chevy Traverse remote start problems sheds light on potential issues and solutions. Meanwhile, delving into the luxury segment of General Motors, the Cadillac STS has its own set of remote start concerns. Dive deeper with our detailed article on Cadillac STS remote start issues to discover common challenges and expert advice.Conclusion
If your Chevy HHR remote start is not working, the key culprits to consider include a dead remote battery, check engine light, hood not properly shut, unlocked doors, incorrect remote use, programming issues, valet mode being on, disabled remote start, leaving the key in the ignition, active hazard lights, and multiple start attempts.
Most of these issues are easy to fix on your own and do not even require any special tools or hiring a professional. However, if you are unable to fix the problem on your own, we always advise you to consult your mechanic or dealership for further assistance.
