Is your 2006 Chevy Hhr Key Fob acting up? Before you rush to the dealership and spend hundreds on a replacement, consider this simple fix that could save you time and money. Many Chevy HHR owners experience issues with their key fobs, often mistakenly believing they need a costly new device programmed by a professional. However, the problem might be something as simple as corroded battery contacts.
Understanding Battery Contact Corrosion in Your Key Fob
Over time, moisture and battery leakage can lead to corrosion on the metal contacts inside your key fob. This corrosion acts as a barrier, preventing proper electrical connection between the battery and the fob’s internal circuitry. As a result, your key fob may become unresponsive or work intermittently, leading you to believe it’s completely broken.
DIY Fix: Cleaning Corroded Key Fob Battery Contacts
Fortunately, cleaning these contacts is a straightforward process you can do at home with minimal tools. Here’s how to potentially revive your 2006 Chevy HHR key fob:
Tools You’ll Need:
- A dull knife or flathead screwdriver (for prying open the fob)
- Lemon juice or white vinegar
- Cotton swabs (Q-tips)
- A new CR2032 battery (optional, but recommended)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Key Fob Contacts:
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Open the Key Fob: Carefully pry open your Chevy HHR key fob. You’ll find a seam running around the edge of the fob. Insert your dull knife or screwdriver into this seam and gently twist to separate the two halves. Be patient as there is often a tight seal.
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Remove the Battery: Once open, locate and remove the battery. Note the battery type (CR2032) for replacement if needed.
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Clean the Battery Contacts: Dip the tip of a cotton swab into lemon juice or white vinegar. Locate the battery contacts inside the fob. These are small metal prongs or pads that the battery touches. Gently rub the lemon juice/vinegar-moistened swab on all contact points to remove any visible corrosion. Pay special attention to the base contact, as this is frequently the source of the problem.
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Dry and Reassemble: Use the dry end of a cotton swab to thoroughly dry all the battery contacts. Insert a new CR2032 battery (or your old battery if you want to test first). Snap the key fob back together until it’s securely closed.
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Test Your Key Fob: Go to your 2006 Chevy HHR and test the key fob functions. If corrosion was the issue, your key fob should now be working correctly.
Further Troubleshooting Tips
If cleaning the contacts doesn’t solve the problem, consider these additional points:
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Battery Replacement: Even if your old battery isn’t dead, it might be weak. Replacing it with a fresh CR2032 battery is a cheap and easy step to rule out battery issues.
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Internal Damage: In some cases, one of the small prongs inside the fob might become unsoldered due to drops or wear and tear. A battery store like Batteries Plus can often check for this issue and may even offer a quick soldering fix at a minimal cost.
By trying this simple cleaning method, you can potentially avoid unnecessary expenses and get your 2006 Chevy HHR key fob working again. Let us know in the comments if this fix worked for you!
