2007 Chevy HHR Starter Replacement

In this video, I experience the 'no crank, no start' issue on my 2007 HHR, which research shows, seems to be fairly common. I thought it may have been the battery at first but when hooking up an alternate power source, I got all the lights and power back, but it would not even crank. Since the starter is very easy to locate and remove, I decided to take it off, go have it tested, and likely get a replacement while I was there.
After having it tested for free at the local Autozone, they confirmed it was A.) engaging intermittently, and 2.) essentially spooling up like a turbo rather than providing engagement at full torque as it should. So, I snatched up one they had in stock and was on my way. After stopping for shade-tree mechanic fuel (read: taco bell) to satiate my hunger, I slide back under Lucy and proceeded to swap out the starter in just a few minutes.
Helpful Tip: Be sure to check the usual suspects first: fuses, relays, connections/ground, etc. The starter seems to be intermittent on these when they start to go bad. Some may experience it randomly, and for others it may just be DEAD. Mine was the latter, it did not cause issues along the way, it just simply stopped. After a few assaults with a small pry bar later, and it still would not engage at all. If you start to experience the issue and don't want to be stuck somewhere, watch this video and take the time to change it.

[@tobyjuanbaloney]

There's an access hole on the underside of the steering column that has a white plastic button maybe an inch and a half inside the column. The button needs to be pushed to the left as you turn your key, if it's stuck in the ignition. Had the same problem with a bad starter and dead battery. Now I need to remove the old starter and buy a new one. Thanks for the video!

[@shawn_of_the_shred]

Awesome, thanks for the tip on removing the key when that happens. Good luck on your repair! 👍

[@clintwofford9710]

Did you have power to the small purple wire going to the starter? We are having the same issue but no Power going to the small wire when trying to turn it over

[@shawn_of_the_shred]

Honestly, I don't recall. I'll have to check and see if I have it on any of the video that didn't get used.

[@tattedgranny5753]

Which brand starter or model is that?

[@shawn_of_the_shred]

Hi @tattedgranny5753, thanks for watching. It is a Duralast Starter DL9715S, picked up from AutoZone when my stock one tested as a bad unit.

[@cipotusoa]

I would not sell that car, they are spiking in value by 15x, its one of those things we can't talk much about but that car maybe worth $125k or more, you may not even be able to buy them used soon.

[@DavidTMSN]

No it's not.

[@cipotusoa]

@@DavidTMSN They are they are collectors now. I'm not selling mine that I have hitting in the garage.

[@DavidTMSN]

@@cipotusoa Okay lol

[@cipotusoa]

@@DavidTMSN In time they'll be worth more than the PT cruiser.

[@DavidTMSN]

@@cipotusoa Stop it.