Is your 06 HHR key fob acting up? Before you jump to conclusions about needing expensive programming at the dealership, or even replacing the fob entirely, there’s a simple troubleshooting step you should try first. You might be surprised to find that the solution is something you can easily do yourself and save a significant amount of money. Dealerships often suggest immediate replacement and programming, which can be costly, but the issue might be something much more basic: corrosion on the battery contacts inside your key fob.
Often, the key fob itself is perfectly functional, but a build-up of corrosion on the internal battery contacts prevents it from working correctly. This corrosion can be subtle and not always visible to the naked eye. So, before spending money on programming or a new fob, invest a few minutes in this quick fix.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Open Your Key Fob: Take a dull knife or a similar tool to carefully pry open your HHR key fob. These fobs are designed to be opened, though they have a seal, so it might require a little bit of gentle prying around the edges. Don’t worry about breaking it – at this point, it’s seemingly non-functional anyway.
- Battery Removal and Inspection: Once open, remove the battery. It’s a good idea to replace it with a new CR2032 battery. These are widely available and inexpensive, typically costing only a few dollars. Replacing the battery eliminates a low battery as a potential problem. You can find CR2032 batteries at most drug stores, supermarkets, or battery specialty stores.
- Clean the Battery Contacts: Take a cotton swab (Q-tip) and apply a small amount of lemon juice to one end. Gently wipe all the points where the battery makes contact inside the fob. There are usually three contact points: two small prongs and a larger base contact. The base contact is often where corrosion builds up most.
- Dry and Reassemble: Use the dry end of the cotton swab to thoroughly dry all the contacts you just cleaned. Ensure no moisture remains. Then, replace the battery and carefully reassemble your key fob, making sure it’s securely closed.
- Test Your Key Fob: Go to your 06 HHR and test the key fob functions. In many cases, cleaning the battery contacts is enough to restore full functionality.
You might be wondering why this works. Battery corrosion is a common issue in electronics, especially in items exposed to varying temperatures and humidity like car key fobs. Cleaning the contacts removes this barrier, allowing for a proper electrical connection again.
Furthermore, if cleaning the contacts doesn’t solve the problem, another common issue, especially with HHR fobs, is a loose prong inside the fob. If you suspect this might be the case, consider visiting a Batteries Plus or similar battery specialty store. They often offer free testing and might even be able to quickly resolder a loose prong for a minimal charge, or even for free.
Before assuming you need “06 Hhr Key Fob Programming” or a new device, try this simple cleaning method. It’s a quick, cost-effective first step that could save you time and money. Let us know in the comments if this trick worked for you!
