Dealing with a malfunctioning key fob for your 2009 Chevy HHR can be incredibly frustrating. Many car owners immediately assume they need to go through the hassle and expense of 2009 Hhr Key Fob Programming at a dealership. However, before you spend your hard-earned money on potentially unnecessary services, there’s a simple fix you can try at home that often resolves the issue. Dealerships might quickly suggest a costly replacement and programming, but sometimes the solution is much simpler and involves basic maintenance of your existing key fob.
Common Culprit: Battery Contact Corrosion
One of the most frequent reasons for a key fob to stop working, especially in models like the 2009 HHR, is corrosion buildup on the battery contacts inside the fob. This corrosion, often invisible to the naked eye, can interrupt the flow of power from the battery, preventing your key fob from communicating with your vehicle. Before assuming you need to replace and program a new fob, it’s wise to investigate this potential problem first.
Simple DIY Fix: Lemon Juice Cleaning
Fortunately, cleaning corroded battery contacts is a straightforward process you can do yourself with just a few household items. Here’s a step-by-step guide to potentially revive your 2009 HHR key fob:
- Open the Key Fob: Carefully pry open your HHR key fob. A dull knife or a similar tool can be used. Don’t worry about being too gentle; these fobs are designed to be opened for battery replacement. You’ll notice a seal around the edge, which might require a bit of pressure to break.
- Remove the Battery: Once open, remove the battery. Take note of its orientation for correct replacement later.
- Inspect and Clean Contacts: Look at the metal contacts where the battery connects. These are usually small prongs and a base. Even if you don’t see visible corrosion, it might still be present.
- Apply Lemon Juice: Take a Q-tip and dampen one end with a small amount of lemon juice.
- Clean the Contacts: Gently wipe all battery contact points with the lemon juice-soaked Q-tip. Focus especially on the base contact, as this is often where corrosion accumulates.
- Dry the Contacts: Use the dry end of the Q-tip to thoroughly dry all the contacts you just cleaned. Ensure no moisture remains.
- Battery Replacement: It’s recommended to replace the old battery with a new CR2032 battery. These batteries are widely available and inexpensive, costing only a few dollars. Using a new battery eliminates another potential issue – a weak or dead battery.
- Reassemble and Test: Put the key fob back together, ensuring it’s properly closed. Now, test your key fob with your 2009 HHR to see if it’s working again.
Battery Options and Further Troubleshooting
You can easily find CR2032 batteries at most drug stores, supermarkets, and especially 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.
If cleaning the contacts doesn’t solve the problem, another common issue, particularly with HHR fobs, is a detached solder joint on one of the battery prongs inside the fob. A battery store like Batteries Plus often offers free inspections and might even be able to quickly resolder a loose prong for a minimal charge, or even for free.
Before assuming you need complex 2009 hhr key fob programming or a costly new fob, try this simple cleaning method. You might be surprised at how often corrosion is the culprit, saving you time and money. Let us know in the comments if this fix worked for you!
