alexander_fox2

HHR Battery Draining

Hey, I'm having a weird issue with my 2006 Chevy HHR with a gasoline engine. The battery keeps draining. I've noticed an error message popping up on the speedometer, the lights are weak and flicker sometimes, and I pulled a generic error code related to low voltage. The car cranks weakly, too. I cleaned the battery terminals, checked for obvious shorts, but no luck. Any ideas before I start throwing parts at it?

A 2006 Chevy HHR is experiencing battery drainage issues, with symptoms including error messages, weak and flickering lights, and a weak crank. Initial checks such as cleaning battery terminals and checking for shorts did not resolve the issue. The problem was identified as a faulty battery sensor, which was confirmed and repaired by a mechanic, resolving the issue.

Did this summary help you solve your problem?

4 comment(s)

Sounds like a frustrating problem. Have you checked the battery's voltage when the car is off and when it's running? And have you had the battery load tested? Sometimes a battery can seem okay but fail under load. Also, have you confirmed that your alternator is functioning correctly and charging the battery while the engine is running?

I haven't done a load test yet, but the voltage seems normal when running. Where is the battery sensor located? I saw that it might be the culprit. Is there a way to test it?

The battery sensor on those HHRs can definitely cause issues. While you could try to diagnose it yourself, given the electrical gremlins and potential for misdiagnosis, it might be worth taking it to a shop. A proper scan tool can read the sensor data and confirm if it's faulty. It will save you the headache of guessing.

Thanks for the advice! Took it to my local mechanic and they confirmed it was indeed the battery sensor. Cost me 315€ for the repair. Runs like a charm now!

rmh_community_comment_box_header

community_crosslink_scanner_headline

community_crosslink_scanner_intro

community_crosslink_scanner_title

community_crosslink_scanner_price

community_crosslink_rmh_headline

community_crosslink_rmh_intro

community_crosslink_rmh_title

community_crosslink_rmh_subtitle

community_crosslink_rmh_brand

CHEVROLET

community_crosslink_rmh_model

HHR