Have you been quoted an exorbitant price by a dealership for a new key fob or “programming” for your 2007 Chevy HHR? Before you spend your hard-earned cash, there’s a simple fix you should try at home that might save you a significant amount of money and frustration. Many times, the issue isn’t with the programming at all, but something far more basic and easily resolvable.
The Real Culprit: Battery Contact Corrosion
Often, the reason your 2007 Chevy HHR key fob stops working isn’t due to a complex programming problem. It’s frequently caused by something as simple as corrosion buildup on the battery contacts inside the fob. This corrosion can impede the flow of power, preventing your key fob from communicating with your vehicle, even if the battery itself still has some charge. You might not even be able to see this corrosion with the naked eye, making it a sneaky and often overlooked problem.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Key Fob Battery Contacts
You can easily address this potential corrosion issue with a few household items and a few minutes of your time. Here’s how to clean the battery contacts in your 2007 Chevy HHR key fob:
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Open the Key Fob: Use a dull knife or a similar flat tool to gently pry open your Chevy HHR key fob. These fobs are designed with a waterproof seal, so it might require a bit of careful prying around the edge. Don’t worry about breaking it – you’re already potentially facing replacing it, so there’s little to lose.
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Remove the Battery: Once open, carefully remove the battery. It’s a good idea to replace it with a brand-new battery (CR2032) to rule out a weak battery as the problem. These batteries are inexpensive and widely available at most stores, including battery specialty shops like Batteries Plus or Interstate Batteries.
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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 battery contact points inside the key fob. Typically, there are three contact areas: two small prongs and a larger base contact. The base contact is often where corrosion is most likely to occur.
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Dry the Contacts: Use the dry end of the cotton swab to thoroughly dry all the contact areas you just cleaned. Ensure no moisture remains.
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Reassemble and Test: Replace the battery, making sure it’s correctly oriented. Snap the key fob back together securely. Now, test your key fob with your 2007 Chevy HHR to see if it’s working.
This simple cleaning procedure can often restore the functionality of your key fob. Many Chevy HHR owners have found success with this method, avoiding unnecessary trips to the dealership and costly replacements.
Other Potential Key Fob Issues
While battery contact corrosion is a common culprit, another issue that can arise is a detached prong inside the key fob. One of the small prongs that makes contact with the battery can sometimes become unsoldered. If cleaning the contacts doesn’t work, consider taking your key fob to a battery specialty store like Batteries Plus. They often offer free key fob inspections and may be able to quickly resolder a detached prong for a minimal charge, or even for free.
Try This First and Save!
Before assuming you need to pay for expensive “2007 Chevy Hhr Key Fob Programming” or a brand new fob from the dealership, try this simple cleaning method. It’s a quick, easy, and potentially free fix that could save you a significant amount of money and hassle.
Let us know in the comments if this fix worked for you! Your experiences can help other 2007 Chevy HHR owners facing similar key fob problems.
