Dealing with a malfunctioning key fob for your 2009 Chevy HHR can be a major hassle. Many car owners immediately head to the dealership, only to face hefty charges for a replacement. Like many others, you might be tempted to buy a new key fob online thinking it’s a quick fix. Dealerships often claim your purchased fob is incompatible, conveniently offering their own, more expensive options. This experience can be frustrating, especially when you suspect there’s a simpler solution. Before you spend hundreds on a new key fob at the dealership, consider this easy and often overlooked fix that could save you a significant amount of money.
In numerous cases, the problem isn’t a broken key fob, but rather corrosion buildup on the battery contacts inside your 2009 Chevy Hhr Key Fob. This corrosion can interrupt the connection, preventing your fob from working correctly. The good news is that this issue is often simple to resolve with a common household item and a few minutes of your time. You might not even see the corrosion with the naked eye, which is why this simple cleaning step is worth trying first.
Here’s how you can potentially restore your 2009 Chevy HHR key fob to working order:
First, carefully open your key fob. For the HHR model, this is typically straightforward. Use a dull knife or a similar tool to gently pry it open. You’ll notice a waterproof seal around the edge, so it might require a bit of pressure. Don’t worry about damaging it at this stage.
Once open, remove the battery. It’s recommended to replace it with a new CR2032 battery. These batteries are widely available and inexpensive, usually costing only a few dollars. Replacing the battery eliminates a dead battery as a potential cause of the problem. You can find CR2032 batteries at most stores, or battery specialty stores like Batteries Plus or Interstate Batteries. These stores can also test your old battery for free if you’re unsure if it’s still good.
Next, take a Q-tip and apply a small amount of lemon juice to one end. Gently wipe all the battery contact points inside the key fob. There are typically three contact areas: two prongs and a base contact. Corrosion often accumulates on the base contact. Use the dry end of the Q-tip to carefully dry these contact points, ensuring no moisture remains.
After cleaning and drying the contacts, insert the new CR2032 battery back into your 2009 Chevy HHR key fob and carefully reassemble it. Now, test the key fob with your vehicle to see if it’s working.
Many people, including myself, have found that this simple cleaning procedure resolves the issue. After purchasing a new fob from the dealership, I tried this method on my original, supposedly broken fob – and it worked perfectly! This simple fix can save you the unnecessary expense of a new key fob.
Another common issue, particularly with fobs like the 2009 Chevy HHR key fob, is a detached prong inside the fob. If cleaning the contacts doesn’t work, this could be the problem. Battery stores like Batteries Plus often offer free inspections and might even resolder a detached prong quickly and affordably, or even for free in some cases.
Before spending a significant amount of money on a new 2009 Chevy HHR key fob, try this simple corrosion cleaning method. It’s a quick, easy, and often successful way to fix your key fob and get back on the road without unnecessary expenses. If this solution works for you, please leave a comment below and share your success!
