Subject: Driver and/or Passenger Front Seat Armrests Uncomfortable or Tilt Down (Install Updated Driver and Passenger Front Seat Armrests) #07-08-50-007 - (03/29/2007)



Models: 2006 Chevrolet HHR




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Condition
Some customers may comment on the driver and/or passenger front seat armrest being uncomfortable to use or that the armrests tilt down too far.

Correction
Replace the driver and passenger front seat armrest assembly. Refer to Front Seat Armrest Replacement in SI.

Parts Information
Part Number
Description
Material

15935206
Armrest, Driver Seat (Cashmere) (32B)
Cloth

15935207
Armrest, Driver Seat (Gray) (14B)
Cloth

15935208
Armrest, Driver Seat (Cashmere) (322)
Leather

15935209
Armrest, Driver Seat (Gray) (142)
Leather

15935210
Armrest, Driver Seat (Ebony) (13B)
Cloth

15935211
Armrest, Driver Seat (Ebony) (132)
Leather

15935261
Armrest, Passenger Seat (Cashmere) (32B)
Cloth

15935262
Armrest, Passenger Seat (Gray) (14B)
Cloth

15935263
Armrest, Passenger Seat (Cashmere) (322)
Leather

15935264
Armrest, Passenger Seat (Gray) (142)
Leather

15935265
Armrest, Passenger Seat (Ebony) (13B)
Cloth

15935273
Armrest, Passenger Seat (Ebony) (132)
Leather


Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time

C9787*
Armrest, Driver and Passenger Front Seat - Replace
0.3 hr

*This labor operation is for bulletin use only. It will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.

Soooo.....is this basically stating that they messed up the first time around? I've thought about taking mine back in to get it fixed, but didn't know if it was a flaw or purposely made that way.

Models: 2006 Chevrolet HHR

Since only the '06 model is listed, does that mean the 2007 doesn't have this issue? Anyone with an '07 know?

Since only the '06 model is listed, does that mean the 2007 doesn't have this issue? Anyone with an '07 know?

Mine's an '07. It has the same issue.

The 2007 HHRs' I tested all had the tilted down arm rest... I can't imagine this is only for the 2006?


ALTHOUGH..I gott say that 2 of them I test drove did not seem to be as bad as the other one..the difference? The one that seemed to be worse had a build date of 7/06...maybe a change was put in on later 2007 builds? Of couse maybe I just didn't notice seat position as much. Love to hear from some 2007 owners


Goose


PS I didn't notice the passenger arm rest to be tilted down...wonder if this just for the comfort issue regarding that arm rest?

im confused on what you mean tilted down arm rest, i dont think my 07 has it does someone have a pic of theirs?:confused:

If someone can tell me how to load pictures into this thread, I'd be more than happy to show what it looks like.

I will have to ask my Dealership Service Manager if this will make me a Happier Driver , The Manager is a Good friend of Mine. He works on a Fleet of 50 vehicles of mine at work, So I really trust was he says.

Un-Official speaking

Z

If this picture thing works, here is what it looks like.

If this picture thing works, here is what it looks like.

wow yea mine doesnt do that thank god

I think it would have to include 2007 only because they have Ebony interior listed. 2007 was the first year for Ebony and it's listed in the bulletin.....Regards

I think it would have to include 2007 only because they have Ebony interior listed. 2007 was the first year for Ebony and it's listed in the bulletin.....Regards
I thought the same thing at first, but the Spring Edition was a 2006, and it had ebony/gray interior (with ebony armrests).

So does this mean they will fix it under warranty, or just a letter stating how to fix it if a customer asks?

wow yea mine doesnt do that thank god


All depends on what angle your seatback is at. If you like to ride in a more upright position the arm rest will angle down...no doubt about it. If you like to lay back some it will be more level. But bottom line is if you have the passenger seat and the drivers seatback at the same angle wouldn't you think that the armrests should be at the same level? One would think except for GM! (until now)

I like to sit more upright in my cars so it would be a big deal for me...in fact I almost wrecked the rental HHR I had coming back from Austin TX last fall. I had the armrest propped up a bit(level in other words) as I really wasn't leaning on it(leaning over on the passenger one due to the downward tilt of drivers one) I switch my driving hands and when I grabbed the wheel with my right hand and leaned on the drivers armrest it dropped about 2 inches...guess where the car went! Screaming over into the right lane doing about 85mph :eek: And back to the left when I over corrected....stayed on the road without wrecking though! Good test for those you who were wondering how it handled in a panic situation :lol:

Good thing it was the Ebony interior..think the other colors might have shown the stain more if you know what I mean


This TSB can only be a good thing as this was one of the cons of buying an HHR for me


Goose

I thought the same thing at first, but the Spring Edition was a 2006, and it had ebony/gray interior (with ebony armrests).

Didn't all the Spring Editions just come with leather though?

Didn't all the Spring Editions just come with leather though?
You could get SE's with cloth seats.

You could get SE's with cloth seats.

See what I get for thinking...lol...:lol: ...............I see now after looking around there were cloth 2 toned seats.

But what if your arm will not even touch the arm rest, does this raise it 3-4 inches?

I don't notice any tilt on the driver's armrest but I don't use it very often. When I'm sitting in the seat, my elbow is an inch higher than the armrest. I also cannot rest my elbow there and have my hand on the wheel. So it's nonfunctional for me.

I've considered building a pad that would sit on top of both armrests, fold over the front and back for stability and longer length. I thought this might finally make the armrest useful!

But what if your arm will not even touch the arm rest, does this raise it 3-4 inches?
That's my issue as well, they are too low to start with.

I tried using them, but they are too low and make my shoulder ache, so I don't use it at all.

Hopefully this TSB will resolve these issues and make them usable for you guys!


Goose

That's great info Chevelle454...where did you get that info? All the places I looked for TSB info you have to purchase it. Mine does the same thing and I was going to do the fix I have seen others do, but why not have them do it for me? The dealership is just up the street from where I'm working now and I can just drop it off in the morning and pick it up after work.

Thanks again for the info.

I'm wondering if you have already done the "armrest mod" if the dealer will still honor the TSB? Maybe I'll just remove the screw used in the mod and take it into the dealer and find out....Regards

Mine Is A 06 1lt With Cloth Seats. Armrests Were Low. My Dealer Took One Look At Them And Ordered/installed New Ones. Very Comfortable Now.

They are a warranty replacement, Got mine.

See the Pics in this thread.

http://chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=7658

Anyone in Canada try using this TSB? I did yesterday and was told it did not apply to Canadian HHRs and that GM Canada had not issued a similar TSB.

Anyway next stop is GM customer service. Makes no sense to me to be a known issue but only able to be fixed if you are in the US.

Anyone in Canada try using this TSB? I did yesterday and was told it did not apply to Canadian HHRs and that GM Canada had not issued a similar TSB.
Yep, took it in on Thursday and provided the TSB number to the service advisor.

They ordered the parts for the armrest (as well as the hoses for the A/C growling). When both sets of parts come in, they will do the work.

Chevelle454, thanks for posting the TSB number, I really appreciate this type of information from the members here. Greta ideas, fantastic information and excellent people...who could ask for more?

Well I just took NEMO in so they could order the Arm Rests, and also had a problem with 1 key fob.

All of my Service Advisors are now gone due the fact the Dealer is now under a new ownership.

Of coarse the Fob started working last night. Could not find a problem with the Fob (I told them it was now working) Then he told me that due to the window tint it could interfere with the fob, if the metal content was great, or it could be interferance from the enviroment.
WRONG thing to tell me! The tint has been on NEMO since I had him for 2 weeks, over a year ago, also the other Fob had no problem.
Next the Arm Rests, he showed me that they were straight,,if I lay down.........Told him I would like them to order according to the TSB gave him the number!
He said that those are only for the Dealer ship!!!! NO I responded, I am a member of a number of HHR Fourms and it/they are on there.
Chevy is aware of this fact. And then procceded to tell of another place on line.
Don't think I made a new friend. Might need to change Dealerships!
Parts are on order for the Arm Rests,,,will not order the hoses for the A/C growling till he hears it,,,,,,,,,,,,,He will hear from me!

Definately sounds like it's time for different dealer!

There is a way you can mod your armrest to adjust it up. Another person drilled and put a sheet metal screw in the track on the backside of the armrest, it brought it up to where he really liked it.
I can ask him if he minds me posting the pic here.

Thanks Tomm, I remember that one as well.

Well I just took NEMO in so they could order the Arm Rests, and also had a problem with 1 key fob.

All of my Service Advisors are now gone due the fact the Dealer is now under a new ownership.

Next the Arm Rests, he showed me that they were straight,,if I lay down.........Told him I would like them to order according to the TSB gave him the number!
He said that those are only for the Dealer ship!!!! NO I responded, I am a member of a number of HHR Fourms and it/they are on there.
Chevy is aware of this fact. And then procceded to tell of another place on line.
Don't think I made a new friend. Might need to change Dealerships!
Parts are on order for the Arm Rests,,,will not order the hoses for the A/C growling till he hears it,,,,,,,,,,,,,He will hear from me!


Karen you might want to find a new dealer. Just took mine in today and gave them 3 TSB numbers for things that need to be fixed, one of which was the arm rest. Keep in mind I have had it for about 1.5 years and there were NO problems ordering the parts etc. I picked it up after the oil change and all of the parts were ordered , TSB parts as well as a couple of things they had to figure out own their own. Only problem is I have to wait on parts and put it back in shop but will live with that. Why would your dealer not honor the TSB after all they charge GM for the labor??? Just my input. Hope everything works out great for you keep us posted..

Another person drilled and put a sheet metal screw in the track on the backside of the armrest

I did that, but I don't know if you're talking about someone else that did this also. It takes about 10 minutes to do. The hardest part is finding the right size screw in the loose screw drawer. ;) I didn't take pictures then, but I'm going to do the passenger side reeaally soon, so I may do it this time. For me, doing it this way beats having to go to the dealer; of course I have the tools to do it and I'm fairly handy.....

Just another option!

Yves

Dream, the person I mentioned is on another forum. He did a "how to" on the screw. His interior is leather, mine is the cloth.

Update on this thread...dealer replaced both sides and the drivers side is still as bad as before. Service Advisor said he would contact GM and look into an additional fix. They called me this morning and said GM had them order a new seat frame (not sure why) and they need the HHR for the day tomorrow. Ok fine...dealership is up the road a piece from where I work and I don't need it during the day, so we'll see what happens. If that doesn't fix it, I'm gonna tell them about the screw deal and make them do it. :nuts:

Update for Canadians...I wrote GM Canada and the TSB most certainly does apply. They contacted my dealer's Service Manager on my bahalf and the parts are on order. Can't ask for better customer sevice than that (from GM...delaer could have gotten it right last week!)

I have a 2007 with the ebony interior and my arm rests are both level and even with each other...

I have a 2007 with the ebony interior and my arm rests are both level and even with each other...


Build date?



Goose

Goose, my 07's armrests are fine too. Build date of 6/27/06.

They must have mixed and matched old and new armrests with the 07's because I test drove a HHR with a July 06 build date and that armrest was sloped down in a bad way....I didn't notice it near as much as a Feb 07 build but the July one really screamed out at me as "Hey, I'm tilting here!"


Goose

They must have mixed and matched old and new armrests with the 07's because I test drove a HHR with a July 06 build date and that armrest was sloped down in a bad way....I didn't notice it near as much as a Feb 07 build but the July one really screamed out at me as "Hey, I'm tilting here!"


Goose

Were the seatbacks at the exact same angle? The angle of the seats has everything to do with the angle of the armrest. My '06 has no problems with the armrests. If people think they go down too much they should tilt their seat back a little and voila....the armrest are at a higher angle.

Were the seatbacks at the exact same angle? The angle of the seats has everything to do with the angle of the armrest. My '06 has no problems with the armrests. If people think they go down too much they should tilt their seat back a little and voila....the armrest are at a higher angle.

The point is that the arm rests should be level irrespective of the position of the seat back. So while you are right, not everyone likes the seat back in the same position. The armrests should have been designed to stay in postion no matter where the seat back is in terms of tilt.

It is my understanding that the arm rest design was changed part way through 07 but I could be mistaken.

The point is that the arm rests should be level irrespective of the position of the seat back. So while you are right, not everyone likes the seat back in the same position. The armrests should have been designed to stay in postion no matter where the seat back is in terms of tilt.

I've never seen a vehicle with armrests built into the seats that can do that. To my knowledge all vehicles with armrests built into the seat function the same way and the angle of the armrest is relevant to the angle of the seatback. They would have to design an independently adjustable and locking armrest in order to keep it at the same angle regardless of the back position. Then you would have to adjust it yourself of course. I have yet to personally see that on a vehicle but it might exist. If armrests do exist like that I'm sure they would be on luxury SUVs not an economy car. :lol:

Didn't anyone ever hear the "Seatbacks in the upright position" speech on an airplane? Point is that you shouldn't have to lean the seat back that far to use the arm rest.

Yeah, I can't do the "Lean Back" move while driving....I need to be sitting more upright.. I think you are right NFboy...like I said, the diff between a 07/06 build and a 02/07 build was very noticable to me.....both 2007's



Goose

I've never seen a vehicle with armrests built into the seats that can do that. To my knowledge all vehicles with armrests built into the seat function the same way and the angle of the armrest is relevant to the angle of the seatback. They would have to design an independently adjustable and locking armrest in order to keep it at the same angle regardless of the back position. Then you would have to adjust it yourself of course. I have yet to personally see that on a vehicle but it might exist. If armrests do exist like that I'm sure they would be on luxury SUVs not an economy car. :lol:

You may be right. Although, while it has been quite awhile since I had a car with arm rests (most in recent memory had consoles of some sort between seats) I am pretty sure one of the Chrysler products I owned had a different armrest set up that allowed the rest to stay in the same position regardless of seatback position. Now that said, I can not honestly recall if the seatback even adjusted in it so maybe that was why. :lol:

Yeah, I can't do the "Lean Back" move while driving....I need to be sitting more upright.. I think you are right NFboy...like I said, the diff between a 07/06 build and a 02/07 build was very noticable to me.....both 2007's


My armrests on my '07 made on 6/27/06 are fine.

The arm rests designed with an adjuster knob on the bottom would of been a great option for the arm rests. A lot of big trucks are adjustable.

What in the world do you expect in a $20,000.00 car.
You didn`t buy a Mercedes, or Rolls, you have a mid-level (at best) economy car that`s neat and fun to drive.
There are cars built with memory seats, arm rests, gas pedal position, radio settings, temp., and even driver preference type mode.(sport, economy)
But the HHR is not that car.
Taking your car back to the dealer because your arm rest isn`t pointing exactly where you want it, seems like you may have chosen the wrong car.
I`ll bet for another $20,000.00 you`ll find the one you deserve.

Taking your car back to the dealer because your arm rest isn`t pointing exactly where you want it, seems like you may have chosen the wrong car.
I`ll bet for another $20,000.00 you`ll find the one you deserve.

I don't care how much or how little a car costs. If a manufacturer is going to put something in or on a vehicle, the customer has a right to expect that to function in some normal or customary way. Obviously a lot of owners plus GM agree or a TSB would not have been issued. Armrests that point at the floor the more straight the seatback is, well, just plain stupid and ill conceived. Better that armrests not be installed at all if they can't get it right.

I would not expect power armrests or something with uber adjustments in a $20K car, but ones that work right, since they were installed in the first place, I would expect.

^ what he said. In my last two Malibu's (also $20,000 cars) the armrests worked properly. It's not too much to ask for.

I took mine in for the new armrests and they are now better than the factory installed ones, but still unusable for me. Passenger one is fine.

Malibus don't have the armrest built into the seat? :confused:

I think the point is that the Malibu being similarly priced as the HHR, has funcioning armrests. Wheter they are built into the seat or not.

I don't care how much or how little a car costs. If a manufacturer is going to put something in or on a vehicle, the customer has a right to expect that to function in some normal or customary way. Obviously a lot of owners plus GM agree or a TSB would not have been issued. Armrests that point at the floor the more straight the seatback is, well, just plain stupid and ill conceived. Better that armrests not be installed at all if they can't get it right.

I would not expect power armrests or something with uber adjustments in a $20K car, but ones that work right, since they were installed in the first place, I would expect.
If the arm rest have a built in stop, it has to be pointing in relation to the seat.
If the seat is leaning back, the rest is tilted up.
How far do you have your seat tilted forward, and still have enough room to hold the wheel, and need a arm rest?

I think the point is that the Malibu being similarly priced as the HHR, has funcioning armrests. Wheter they are built into the seat or not.

It's got a center console armrest so it can't even be compared to the HHR's armrests. If a center console armrest doesn't work you must have no center console or something. A good comparison to the HHR's seats and armrests would be a minivan's seats and every minivan I have been in has a pretty much similar design to the HHR. No independent armrest movement and angle relative to seatback. ;)

A good comparison to the HHR's seats and armrests would be a minivan's seats and every minivan I have been in has a pretty much similar design to the HHR. No independent armrest movement and angle relative to seatback. ;)

My parents '03 Town & Country and now their '06 Grand Caravan's armrests all work properly. You can lean back or sit upright and still have a useful armrest that doesn't point up or down.

My parents '03 Town & Country and now their '06 Grand Caravan's armrests all work properly. You can lean back or sit upright and still have a useful armrest that doesn't point up or down.
Well there you have it, you bought the wrong car, just as I suspected. Should`ve listen to your parents...:D

Well there you have it, you bought the wrong car, just as I suspected. Should`ve listen to your parents...:D

My HHR's armrests work fine. But I understand that some people's don't hence the TSB.

My HHR's armrests work fine. But I understand that some people's don't hence the TSB.
Ok, if the shoe fits...:D

How far do you have your seat tilted forward, and still have enough room to hold the wheel, and need a arm rest?

I like my seat back straight up and the armrests level. Having a good day?;) ;)

I like my seat back straight up and the armrests level. Having a good day?;) ;)
Is your question, am I having a good day?:confused:
If so, Yes, The sun is out, the ride is clean, and no mechanical gremlins to speak of...:D

Is your question, am I having a good day?:confused:
If so, Yes, The sun is out, the ride is clean, and no mechanical gremlins to speak of...:D

Threw you for a loop huh! Can't we all just get along :D

Threw you for a loop huh! Can't we all just get along :D

Some people were just born to be the school bully. :(

Beginning to think it might be a full moon..... or some of you are having "TMS" . "TMS" is similar to "PMS"except we only b*^%h one week a month, and with TMS you guys it lasts 365 days, yep a full year....:lol:
TMS: typical male syndrome

Beginning to think it might be a full moon..... or some of you are having "TMS" . "TMS" is similar to "PMS"except we only b*^%h one week a month, and with TMS you guys it lasts 365 days, yep a full year....:lol:
TMS: typical male syndrome
Funny the (3) preceeding posts would be so similar.:lol:

Is your question, am I having a good day?:confused:
If so, Yes, The sun is out, the ride is clean, and no mechanical gremlins to speak of...:D

:thumb:

:thumb:
:thumb:

Well for what it is worth my wife and I both owned 2004 Saturn Vues..(her's is still cranking along with only a brakes and tires in 94k+ miles). My arm rests tilted down and her's are more level at even the same seatback angle....figure that one out??? :confused: Seems like whatever is in the parts bin that day determines what you got as far as arm rest angle...I suspect that the HHR thing is the same...I'm telling you the 07/06 build was a world of diff vs the 02/07 build...very odd


Goose

Are there any other differences in design with the newer updated armrest? Any change in size could affect fitment of replacement covering kits such as Katzkin leather...

I noticed the alignment issue shortly after getting the HHR. I don't think I've ever had a car with armrests attached to the seat like this. Everything has had armrests on the center consoles, with exception of an old Olds Toronado with a split front bench.

I am not sure I would be happy with armrest alignment that expects the seat to be fully upright... I do like having the seat back some, and the reclined angle it is at with the armrests aligned would be ideal for me... if it werent for the pillar between windows being in my face when I look left. Not specific to the HHR it is just a Me-fitment issue...and a reason why I always owned 2-door coupes. I knew it was something I'd have to live with the second I first sat in the HHR.

Maybe installing a screw for a custom-fit angle is the best solution. Props to the one who came up with that idea, and future thanks to someone who can find a junkyard mod for an adjustable armrest by scavenging parts from some other car/truck.

Has anyone with a 2007 had this done?



Goose

The passenger on my o8 panel does this when the seat is folded down in to a tray. I thought it was by design as I can push it down out of the way making the parking brake lever easier to grab.