So, you’re having trouble with your 2010 Chevy HHR key fob? Before you head to the dealership and get hit with a programming fee, or even consider buying a new key fob, there’s a really simple troubleshooting step you should try first. You might be surprised to find out that you can fix the issue yourself with something you probably already have at home. Dealerships often jump straight to expensive solutions, but in many cases, the problem isn’t with the programming at all.
The Common Culprit: Key Fob Battery Contact Corrosion
Often, the reason your 2010 HHR key fob isn’t working is due to corrosion buildup on the battery contacts inside the fob. This corrosion can prevent the battery from making a good connection, even if the battery itself is still good. You might not even be able to see the corrosion with the naked eye, but it can be enough to stop your key fob from working. This is a very common issue, especially in older key fobs like those in a 2010 HHR.
DIY Fix: Lemon Juice Cleaning Method for Your HHR Key Fob
Before you spend money on 2010 Hhr Key Fob Programming or a replacement, try cleaning the battery contacts. Here’s how you can do it yourself with just a few household items:
Step-by-Step Battery Contact Cleaning Guide
- Open the Key Fob: Carefully pry open your 2010 HHR key fob. A dull knife or a similar tool can work for this. The HHR fob is designed to be opened, though it might have a tight waterproof seal around the edge. Don’t worry about breaking it – it’s already not working!
- Remove the Battery: Once open, take out the battery. It’s a good idea to replace it with a new CR2032 battery. These are inexpensive and widely available. Replacing the battery eliminates a dead battery as a potential cause of the problem.
- Lemon Juice Cleaning: Take a Q-tip and dampen one end with a little lemon juice.
- Clean the Contacts: Locate the battery contact points inside the key fob. There are typically three: two small prongs and a larger base contact. Gently wipe all of these contact points with the lemon juice-soaked Q-tip. The base contact is often where corrosion builds up the most.
- Dry the Contacts: Use the dry end of the Q-tip to thoroughly dry all the battery contact areas. Make sure there’s no moisture left.
- Replace Battery and Test: Put the new battery into the key fob, making sure it’s correctly oriented. Close the key fob securely. Now, test your 2010 HHR key fob to see if it’s working.
You might be surprised that this simple cleaning process can bring your key fob back to life! Many times, this is all that’s needed, and you’ve saved yourself a trip to the dealership and the cost of unnecessary 2010 HHR key fob programming.
Another Potential Quick Fix: Check the Prongs
Another issue that can occur with key fobs, including those for the 2010 HHR, is that one of the battery contact prongs inside the fob can become unsoldered. If cleaning the contacts doesn’t work, this could be the problem. If you have a Batteries Plus store nearby, they can often check this for you for free. In some cases, they might even be able to quickly resolder the prong for a very small fee, or even for free, depending on the store.
Give this lemon juice cleaning method a try before assuming you need 2010 HHR key fob programming. You might just save yourself time and money! Let us know in the comments if this fix worked for you!
