Well... went to work today and forgot my manual- no way to reference 'factory recommendations' for an oil change I'd like to do tonight (want to buy oil/filter on the way home).
So- if anyone can lend a hand, it'd be appreciated.

Now I know "OIL" and "FILTER QUALITY" is a touchy subject for some - that's not what this post is about...

I gathered the following from other posts:
- Fram filter P/N: CH9018
- Napa filter P/N: FIL7082
- 1 1/4" (or 32mm socket) for cannister lid
- 15mm bolt for drain plug

My question is 'What GRADE oil does the manual recommend as replacement?' Also- What does the manual say about 'quantity'? I have a feeling the manuf suggests upwards of 4-5 quarts of 5w-30 but am looking to verify.

As for me, I plan on running Castrol's SYNTEC, however, have never used anything besides 'fossil juice' in the past. Anything I need to know/consider before switching over (besides not switching back to conventional)?
Also- I've ALWAYS run 10w-30 in my vehicles... for no particular reason at all. If they differ, should I stick with manuf suggestions??? Lastly- what weight are you guys running (and why)?


:thumb:

I use NAPA filters and oil, it takes 5 quarts of 5w-30, why...it says so ! also I change my oil every 3k no matter what anyone says....and always before and after long road trips (1500 miles+)....I just do, don't know why

Wix is a much better filter for all around and you need to read about the DIC and how much chevy spent researching it and the oil life.

read what Chevy says,,,they warranty your engine

cj, where can I read this....but I really like changing my oil every 3k, I rotate the tires, drink a beer, grease the fittings, drink a beer (oh, as far as I can tell there are no fittings to grease on the HHR, is this right, I replaced this step with drinking a beer btw) oh yeah drink a few beers....put away all my stuff for oil changes and tire rotating, clean my tools and drink a beer...if I follow what GM says, then it will look like I have a drinking problem !

oh yeah drink a few beers....put away all my stuff for oil changes and tire rotating, clean my tools and drink a beer...
My plans exactly... 3400 miles to date and want to get the original crap outta there - regardless of what my DIC says!!! (:lol:)
Just forgot to bring the book with me to read at lunch... would hate to start drinking - just to have to run to the local auto parts store!!!
Thanks again for the responses :D

My plans exactly... 3400 miles to date and want to get the original crap outta there - regardless of what my DIC says!!! (:lol:)
Just forgot to bring the book with me to read at lunch... would hate to start drinking - just to have to run to the local auto parts store!!!
Thanks again for the responses :D
first oil change i did sooner, lil over 1000 miles
after that the DIC is what i have used and royal purple going in at 15,000 miles
going to get royal purple put in tranny too

Not sure this link will work if you're not logged in, but...

https://www.mygmlink.com/pdf/go2content/manual/US/en/chevrolet/2006hhr.pdf

It's the owners manual, in it's entirety from GM Link.

5qt for engine oil, BTW

cj, ...if I follow what GM says, then it will look like I have a drinking problem !
If you follow what GM says the only drinking problem you will have is not drinking as often.:lol:

:bow: You ROCK Tokyo!!! :bow:
The link works...

Not sure this link will work if you're not logged in, but...

https://www.mygmlink.com/pdf/go2content/manual/US/en/chevrolet/2006hhr.pdf

It's the owners manual, in it's entirety from GM Link.

5qt for engine oil, BTW

Think maybe this link should be a sticky somewhere so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle. Good find Tokyo!!! :thumb: :one:

Thanks Tokyo.:yourock:

Just added the link to my yahoo bookmarks.

Wix is a much better filter for all around and you need to read about the DIC and how much chevy spent researching it and the oil life.

read what Chevy says,,,they warranty your engine

Sharp mods to your HHR, cj

LOOK AT THIS (One year for an oil change):eek:

Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on
engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly,
you must reset the system every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE OIL SOON message in the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will come on. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-42. Change
your oil as soon as possible within the next 600 miles
(1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are driving
under the best conditions, the oil life system may not
indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a year:wtf:.
However, your engine oil and filter must be changed
at least once a year and at this time the system must be
reset. Your dealer has GM-trained service people who
will perform this work using genuine GM parts and reset
the system. It is also important to check your oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level.

If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.

Not that is just crazy talk. :nuts:
I got that from the manual
https://www.mygmlink.com/pdf/go2content/manual/US/en/chevrolet/2006hhr.pdf

Actually I bet once a year isn't unreasonable for some people. Heck, I only put 6k miles on my truck the first 14 months I had it.

Sharp mods to your HHR, cj
thank you very much

Will I run into anything weird changing the oil? I'd like to get the factory stuff out of there around 1500 miles, and I'm getting close. Just wondering if Chevy pulled any tricks like needing special tools? I'm too lazy to go crawl around and look for myself. LOL

Those thin little half-glasses with the LED's on each side might be cool? :lol:

Will I run into anything weird changing the oil? I'd like to get the factory stuff out of there around 1500 miles, and I'm getting close. Just wondering if Chevy pulled any tricks like needing special tools? I'm too lazy to go crawl around and look for myself. LOL

1 1/4 inch socket for filter
extension
Ratchet
15mm Box wrench for oil pan plug.



Change filter first.Oil drains into pan.

Drain Oil

Replace plug

Add 5 Quarts of 5W-30 of what ever Oil you like to use.


I didn't have to get under to drain it. Just a little reach.

Real Easy!

EZ... I agree with John. Although I paid (what I feel is) too much for a socket ($8 @ my local auto parts store) it made the job effortless. I must say- this was the first time I changed a filter *without* laying on my back! I've never experienced 'cartridge' style filters before -but- after dealing with it... I'd NEVER want to change a conventional filter again!!!

All-n-all... no problems- just bite the bullet and get the socket... it'll make life that much easier! :p:

$5 at Sears for a Craftsman 1.25 inch socket.
works great and lifetime guaranteed