Experiencing issues with your 2006 Hhr Key Fob? Before you head to the dealership and spend a significant amount on a replacement, consider this simple and often overlooked fix. Many 2006 Chevrolet HHR owners have found themselves frustrated by a key fob that suddenly stops working. Dealerships often suggest a complete replacement, which can be costly. However, the problem might be simpler than you think and solvable right in your garage with minimal effort. This guide will walk you through a quick and effective method to potentially restore your existing key fob and save you money.
Understanding the Problem: Battery Contact Corrosion
The most common culprit behind a malfunctioning 2006 HHR key fob isn’t a broken fob itself, but rather corrosion on the battery contacts inside. Over time, these contacts can develop a buildup of corrosion, hindering the flow of power from the battery. This corrosion is often subtle and not visible to the naked eye, leading many to believe their key fob is completely broken. Before assuming you need a new key fob programmed, it’s worth investigating and cleaning these contacts.
Tools You’ll Need
Fortunately, you won’t need any specialized tools for this repair. You’ll likely have everything you need readily available at home:
- A dull knife or a small flathead screwdriver (for opening the fob)
- Lemon juice (or white vinegar as an alternative)
- Q-tips
- A new CR2032 battery (optional, but recommended)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Key Fob Contacts
Follow these simple steps to clean the battery contacts in your 2006 HHR key fob and potentially restore its functionality:
Step 1: Open the Key Fob
Carefully pry open your 2006 HHR key fob. The HHR fob is designed to be opened with a bit of pressure. Use a dull knife or a small flathead screwdriver to gently separate the two halves of the fob casing. You’ll notice a waterproof seal around the edge, which might require a little extra prying. Don’t worry about being too gentle; you’re trying to fix a potentially broken fob, so a little careful force is acceptable.
Step 2: Remove the Battery
Once the fob is open, you’ll see the battery inside. Remove the existing battery. This is a good time to note the battery type, which is typically a CR2032 battery.
Step 3: Clean the Contacts
This is the core of the repair. Take a Q-tip and lightly dampen one end with lemon juice. Then, carefully wipe all the battery contact points inside the key fob. You’ll typically find three contact points: two small prongs and a larger base contact. Pay special attention to the base contact, as this is often where corrosion builds up most significantly. After cleaning with lemon juice, use the dry end of the Q-tip to thoroughly dry all the contact areas. Ensure no moisture remains before proceeding.
Step 4: Reassemble and Test
Replace the old battery with a new CR2032 battery. While not strictly necessary if you suspect the old battery is still good, replacing it eliminates another potential issue and ensures optimal performance. Snap the key fob casing back together until it’s securely closed. Now, test your key fob with your 2006 HHR to see if it’s working again.
Additional Tips and Considerations
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Battery Replacement: As mentioned, using a new CR2032 battery is highly recommended. These batteries are inexpensive and widely available at most drugstores, supermarkets, and battery specialty stores.
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Soldering Issues: If cleaning the contacts doesn’t resolve the issue, another potential problem could be a detached prong inside the fob. These prongs can sometimes become unsoldered. If you suspect this, a battery store like Batteries Plus may be able to check this for you and potentially offer a quick and inexpensive soldering repair.
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Battery Stores: Battery specialty stores are excellent resources for key fob issues. They often offer free battery testing and can provide advice on key fob repairs.
Conclusion
Before spending a significant sum on a new key fob at the dealership, try this simple cleaning method. Many 2006 HHR key fob issues are due to battery contact corrosion and can be resolved with a few household items and a few minutes of your time. Give this DIY fix a try and see if you can save yourself the expense and hassle of a dealership visit. Let us know in the comments if this method worked for you!
