List of Common Problems/Questions and related links
01-22-2012, 04:39 PM
#1
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Join Date: 04-09-2006
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 7,032
List of Common Problems/Questions and related links
Someone a short while ago asked if there was a list of common problems. This thread is a short list of the key ones that come to mind.
This is a forum where people are more likely to discuss problems they are having, rather than wax on over the good experiences. So don't let a number of discussions over specific problems make you think the HHR is just plain problem prone. Case in point: warped rotors on the brakes are a very common discussion item on many automotive forums including this one - it's more of a universal problem that is discussed on forums - and there are many HHR owners that have never had warped rotors. Once again, you will only hear of the problems - not from people that have never had a problem.
Note, some are listed twice to highlight the different symptoms, as well as the fix.
Tips for newcomers to the site:
- If you have a problem you would like answers to, check the existing forums to see if others have encountered the same problem before, and hopefully you will find a solution to your problem. You can use the SEARCH facility near the top of the page to search for your issue or problem: ie: if you have downloaded a CEL code of P0011, do a search for that, and you will find a number of posts related to it. Or, if you have a water leak, do a search for "water leak" and be prepared for a bit of reading.
Tip: the SEARCH tool has been much improved with the recent changes to the NAV BAR (Aug/13) - and now accepts 3 letter acronyms like ABS etc - so give it a try.
- Here is a post about using the SEARCH TOOL: SEARCH TOOL - at the top of each page - give it a try - Chevy HHR Network
- If you cannot find the information you are looking for, create a new posting in the suitable forum section (Ie: Problems/Service/Repairs to post about a problem you are having, or the Tires & Wheels section if it is an issue regarding tires or wheels). Posting a new entry in the wrong section will often be counter-productive, as many of the members here are well versed in specific topics and monitor those topics more frequently - and may miss your post if it is in the wrong area.
- Looking for a posting you made but can't remember where it is? Click on your name in the upper right, and from the drop-down menu, click on MY POSTS. Note the other options on the drop-down list: My Profile, Todays Posts, etc..
- and lastly, if you have a problem and are looking for help, try and provide all the relevant information in the first post - provide info such as year/model/engine if it is relevant, and specific details such as the CEL code that is received. If the Check engine light is lit, get the code first - posting without the code will not get you any worthwhile advice, other than to "go get the code" - without the code, any suggestions would be a total guess. Don't forget to mention recently done work/maintenance, as that sometimes is related to the current issue, and it really helps to know that upfront when someone responds to your posting. And, do mention that you at least tried the SEARCH tool, else you will likely be pointed to it. Oh, one more thing - often a responder will ask for additional information from you - if you do not provide the information, many of the members won't ask a second time, and will then not contribute further to the issue you are having.
- Best of all - have fun, and enjoy. :)
This is a forum where people are more likely to discuss problems they are having, rather than wax on over the good experiences. So don't let a number of discussions over specific problems make you think the HHR is just plain problem prone. Case in point: warped rotors on the brakes are a very common discussion item on many automotive forums including this one - it's more of a universal problem that is discussed on forums - and there are many HHR owners that have never had warped rotors. Once again, you will only hear of the problems - not from people that have never had a problem.
Note, some are listed twice to highlight the different symptoms, as well as the fix.
Tips for newcomers to the site:
- If you have a problem you would like answers to, check the existing forums to see if others have encountered the same problem before, and hopefully you will find a solution to your problem. You can use the SEARCH facility near the top of the page to search for your issue or problem: ie: if you have downloaded a CEL code of P0011, do a search for that, and you will find a number of posts related to it. Or, if you have a water leak, do a search for "water leak" and be prepared for a bit of reading.
Tip: the SEARCH tool has been much improved with the recent changes to the NAV BAR (Aug/13) - and now accepts 3 letter acronyms like ABS etc - so give it a try.
- Here is a post about using the SEARCH TOOL: SEARCH TOOL - at the top of each page - give it a try - Chevy HHR Network
- If you cannot find the information you are looking for, create a new posting in the suitable forum section (Ie: Problems/Service/Repairs to post about a problem you are having, or the Tires & Wheels section if it is an issue regarding tires or wheels). Posting a new entry in the wrong section will often be counter-productive, as many of the members here are well versed in specific topics and monitor those topics more frequently - and may miss your post if it is in the wrong area.
- Looking for a posting you made but can't remember where it is? Click on your name in the upper right, and from the drop-down menu, click on MY POSTS. Note the other options on the drop-down list: My Profile, Todays Posts, etc..
- and lastly, if you have a problem and are looking for help, try and provide all the relevant information in the first post - provide info such as year/model/engine if it is relevant, and specific details such as the CEL code that is received. If the Check engine light is lit, get the code first - posting without the code will not get you any worthwhile advice, other than to "go get the code" - without the code, any suggestions would be a total guess. Don't forget to mention recently done work/maintenance, as that sometimes is related to the current issue, and it really helps to know that upfront when someone responds to your posting. And, do mention that you at least tried the SEARCH tool, else you will likely be pointed to it. Oh, one more thing - often a responder will ask for additional information from you - if you do not provide the information, many of the members won't ask a second time, and will then not contribute further to the issue you are having.
- Best of all - have fun, and enjoy. :)
Last edited by whopper; 11-29-2017 at 05:23 PM. Reason: added Tightening torques
02-07-2016, 06:49 PM
#2
Platinum Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 04-09-2006
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 7,032
Any other suggestions to add to the list of common issues?
A/C not working - likely related to a stuck open thermostat ........https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...l-p0128-24493/
Battery low charge or dying - common symptoms: no crank/slow crank/gauges and dash lights going crazy on startup
- how to test: How to test the Battery
- do not close rear hatch while replacing the battery as it needs the battery to re-open - lay a piece of carpet over the latch, or flip the latch mechanism in the hatch to the lock position
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT On? (aka CEL) ................ - if your CEL is lit up, you need to get the error/diagnostic code downloaded from the OBDII system. If you do not have a code reader to do that, most auto parts stores will do it for free. Once you obtain the code, post the error code (all of it ie: P0011) in a new thread, (not p11 or any other variation - and PLEASE note that the last 4 characters are NUMERIC (do not confuse the number zero with the letter "o"), and other members will try and point you in the right direction, if you were unable to find any related info after using the SEARCH tool (ie: just enter the CEL code - example: P0304).
ENGINE WILL NOT START?
>> if the engine does not turn over - check the battery - it can be either drained and needs a recharge or needs to be replaced.
------ A battery does not live forever - they can fail and need a replacement typically around the 5-7 year mark. Yes, we know it may die earlier, or it may last 10 or more years.
------ Pretty much any auto parts store will do a FREE load test on the battery to see how much life it has in it.
------ And YES a battery can die suddenly with no warning - but typically one may notice that the engine will be slow to turn over, or the gauges on the dash start to act weird.
>> if the engine turns over, but fails to fire and start up, there can be many potential causes: out of gas/fuel pump has failed/ignition wiring problem/clogged exhaust system - and the list goes on and on.
------ It's best to describe the problem and there are some things to check and tests that will be recommended to narrow down the problem.
EVAP Purge Valve Replacement - under rear of car - ...................................EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid Valve Replacement - Chevy HHR Network
EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid Valve Replacement - under hood ...................................
check engine , code , help ? - Chevy HHR Network
Flex Pipe repair - exhaust leak/noisy ...................................How to repair flex pipe - Chevy HHR Network
Gauges and dash lights going crazy while driving - often traced to a problem with the under hood fuse box
- see this video on how to dismantle the fuse box to check and resolve problems with it - Chevy HHR Fuse Box Removal ? YardZoo
Gauges and dash lights going crazy on startup - often traced to a dead or dying battery
- how to test: How to test the Battery
- do not close rear hatch while replacing the battery as it needs the battery to re-open - lay a piece of carpet over the latch, or flip the latch mechanism in the hatch to the lock position
Ground Locations - .................................................. ....https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...cations-56504/
Headlights not working- especially LOW Beam ............. Check the bulbs themselves - it seems most people do not notice that the OTHER bulb has burnt out previously (and have been driving with only 1 headlight). When the second one goes, they assume there is a problem with the headlight system, rather than recognizing that the last working bulb has burnt out.
Heater Fan- fan works only on HIGH, or inoperative - fan motor resistor possibly blown...........Heater Motor Resistor Question(s) - Chevy HHR Network
Ignition Key Stuck - resolving a stuck ignition key............ HELP!!!!!!! Ignition/Key issue - Chevy HHR Network
Jump starting - how to jump-start properly without blowing steering fuse ............ Fuse Blows When Jumpstarting? - Chevy HHR Network
Key Fob repair - contacts worn .................................................. .....................Repair Key Fob Remote's worn out contacts - Chevy HHR Network
Key Fob repair - Broken battery contacts - resolder.......................................... ..Keyfob cold solder repair - Chevy HHR Network
Lower Control Arm/Rear Bushing - replacement including rear bushing .....https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...ol-arms-44378/ and https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/brak...bushing-39002/
P0010/11 P0013/14 - Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Replacement ................Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Replacement (w. pics) - P0010/11 P0013/14 - Chevy HHR Network
Power Steering - died/inoperative - after jump-starting ............................ Fuse Blows When Jumpstarting? - Chevy HHR Network
Power Steering - motor replacement .................................................. ................Power Steering Motor Replacement w/Pics - Chevy HHR Network
Power Steering - off-site, good tech article on how it works................Straightening out GM electric power steering | Search Autoparts
Suspension Noises - determining source of noisy suspension ........... https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...g-pop-s-50648/
Sway Bar - Bushing replacement....................................... ................................Front Sway bar bushings - Chevy HHR Network
Sway Bar - Bushing Sizes............................................. ....................................Sway Bar Diameter - Chevy HHR Network
Sway Bar - end Link replacement .................................................. ....................Clunking issue: Solved! - Chevy HHR Network
Strut and Shock Absorber- replacement (Front and Rear)........................................Spring Install (Dial-up, enter at your own risk) - Chevy HHR Network
CONTINUED IN PART II BELOW
A/C not working - likely related to a stuck open thermostat ........https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...l-p0128-24493/
Battery low charge or dying - common symptoms: no crank/slow crank/gauges and dash lights going crazy on startup
- how to test: How to test the Battery
- do not close rear hatch while replacing the battery as it needs the battery to re-open - lay a piece of carpet over the latch, or flip the latch mechanism in the hatch to the lock position
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT On? (aka CEL) ................ - if your CEL is lit up, you need to get the error/diagnostic code downloaded from the OBDII system. If you do not have a code reader to do that, most auto parts stores will do it for free. Once you obtain the code, post the error code (all of it ie: P0011) in a new thread, (not p11 or any other variation - and PLEASE note that the last 4 characters are NUMERIC (do not confuse the number zero with the letter "o"), and other members will try and point you in the right direction, if you were unable to find any related info after using the SEARCH tool (ie: just enter the CEL code - example: P0304).
ENGINE WILL NOT START?
>> if the engine does not turn over - check the battery - it can be either drained and needs a recharge or needs to be replaced.
------ A battery does not live forever - they can fail and need a replacement typically around the 5-7 year mark. Yes, we know it may die earlier, or it may last 10 or more years.
------ Pretty much any auto parts store will do a FREE load test on the battery to see how much life it has in it.
------ And YES a battery can die suddenly with no warning - but typically one may notice that the engine will be slow to turn over, or the gauges on the dash start to act weird.
>> if the engine turns over, but fails to fire and start up, there can be many potential causes: out of gas/fuel pump has failed/ignition wiring problem/clogged exhaust system - and the list goes on and on.
------ It's best to describe the problem and there are some things to check and tests that will be recommended to narrow down the problem.
EVAP Purge Valve Replacement - under rear of car - ...................................EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid Valve Replacement - Chevy HHR Network
EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid Valve Replacement - under hood ...................................
check engine , code , help ? - Chevy HHR Network
Flex Pipe repair - exhaust leak/noisy ...................................How to repair flex pipe - Chevy HHR Network
Gauges and dash lights going crazy while driving - often traced to a problem with the under hood fuse box
- see this video on how to dismantle the fuse box to check and resolve problems with it - Chevy HHR Fuse Box Removal ? YardZoo
Gauges and dash lights going crazy on startup - often traced to a dead or dying battery
- how to test: How to test the Battery
- do not close rear hatch while replacing the battery as it needs the battery to re-open - lay a piece of carpet over the latch, or flip the latch mechanism in the hatch to the lock position
Ground Locations - .................................................. ....https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...cations-56504/
Headlights not working- especially LOW Beam ............. Check the bulbs themselves - it seems most people do not notice that the OTHER bulb has burnt out previously (and have been driving with only 1 headlight). When the second one goes, they assume there is a problem with the headlight system, rather than recognizing that the last working bulb has burnt out.
Heater Fan- fan works only on HIGH, or inoperative - fan motor resistor possibly blown...........Heater Motor Resistor Question(s) - Chevy HHR Network
Ignition Key Stuck - resolving a stuck ignition key............ HELP!!!!!!! Ignition/Key issue - Chevy HHR Network
Jump starting - how to jump-start properly without blowing steering fuse ............ Fuse Blows When Jumpstarting? - Chevy HHR Network
Key Fob repair - contacts worn .................................................. .....................Repair Key Fob Remote's worn out contacts - Chevy HHR Network
Key Fob repair - Broken battery contacts - resolder.......................................... ..Keyfob cold solder repair - Chevy HHR Network
Lower Control Arm/Rear Bushing - replacement including rear bushing .....https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...ol-arms-44378/ and https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/brak...bushing-39002/
P0010/11 P0013/14 - Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Replacement ................Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Replacement (w. pics) - P0010/11 P0013/14 - Chevy HHR Network
Power Steering - died/inoperative - after jump-starting ............................ Fuse Blows When Jumpstarting? - Chevy HHR Network
Power Steering - motor replacement .................................................. ................Power Steering Motor Replacement w/Pics - Chevy HHR Network
Power Steering - off-site, good tech article on how it works................Straightening out GM electric power steering | Search Autoparts
Suspension Noises - determining source of noisy suspension ........... https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...g-pop-s-50648/
Sway Bar - Bushing replacement....................................... ................................Front Sway bar bushings - Chevy HHR Network
Sway Bar - Bushing Sizes............................................. ....................................Sway Bar Diameter - Chevy HHR Network
Sway Bar - end Link replacement .................................................. ....................Clunking issue: Solved! - Chevy HHR Network
Strut and Shock Absorber- replacement (Front and Rear)........................................Spring Install (Dial-up, enter at your own risk) - Chevy HHR Network
CONTINUED IN PART II BELOW
Last edited by whopper; 07-05-2018 at 10:24 AM. Reason: added Gauges and dash lights going crazy
11-29-2017, 05:08 PM
#3
Platinum Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 04-09-2006
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 7,032
PART II
Temperature Gauge - died showing "----" on display - A/C died................................Temp gauge and a/c stoped working - Chevy HHR Network
Tightening Torques ........................................https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...e-items-54648/
Thermostat Replacement - P0128 code infrequently...................................... ..How to save $350.00 + (Thermostat Replacement 2.4L - P0128) - Chevy HHR Network
Transmission - Hard shifting.......................................... ......................................Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Replacement (w. pics) - P0010/11 P0013/14 - Chevy HHR Network
Turn signal - Not cancelling .................................................. ..............................Turn Signal Canceling Failure Fix: Lots of Pics - Chevy HHR Network
Water Leak - A/C Evaporator ........................................Evaporator Drain? - Chevy HHR Network
Water Leak - pass side footwell from above heater - Butyl Patch ........................................Fixed my water leak, last night!! - Chevy HHR Network
Water Leak - Sunroof drains ........................................Water leaks? - Page 29 - Chevy HHR Network
Wheel Bearing - HUB (front) replacement....................................... .How To: Front hub replacement - Chevy HHR Network
Wheel Bolt Pattern - specifications ........................................HHR Bolt Pattern - Chevy HHR Network
Owners Manuals - Download .................................................. .......................Online Owners Manual - Chevy HHR Network
RPO Codes - list of equipment installed on vehicle ........................................RPO Code lists (Options) - Chevy HHR Network
Trouble Codes- Check engine Light ..................................................List of Diagnostic Trouble Codes for 2008-2010 HHR - Chevy HHR Network
Temperature Gauge - died showing "----" on display - A/C died................................Temp gauge and a/c stoped working - Chevy HHR Network
Tightening Torques ........................................https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...e-items-54648/
Thermostat Replacement - P0128 code infrequently...................................... ..How to save $350.00 + (Thermostat Replacement 2.4L - P0128) - Chevy HHR Network
Transmission - Hard shifting.......................................... ......................................Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Replacement (w. pics) - P0010/11 P0013/14 - Chevy HHR Network
Turn signal - Not cancelling .................................................. ..............................Turn Signal Canceling Failure Fix: Lots of Pics - Chevy HHR Network
Water Leak - A/C Evaporator ........................................Evaporator Drain? - Chevy HHR Network
Water Leak - pass side footwell from above heater - Butyl Patch ........................................Fixed my water leak, last night!! - Chevy HHR Network
Water Leak - Sunroof drains ........................................Water leaks? - Page 29 - Chevy HHR Network
Wheel Bearing - HUB (front) replacement....................................... .How To: Front hub replacement - Chevy HHR Network
Wheel Bolt Pattern - specifications ........................................HHR Bolt Pattern - Chevy HHR Network
Owners Manuals - Download .................................................. .......................Online Owners Manual - Chevy HHR Network
RPO Codes - list of equipment installed on vehicle ........................................RPO Code lists (Options) - Chevy HHR Network
Trouble Codes- Check engine Light ..................................................List of Diagnostic Trouble Codes for 2008-2010 HHR - Chevy HHR Network
11-29-2017, 05:09 PM
#4
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Thread Starter
Join Date: 04-09-2006
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 7,032
If anyone has any suggested additions to the above list, please post below a short description and the link to the helpful thread, and I will add it to the above list.
Big thanks.
Ps: just did a housekeeping cleanup to keep this thread short - and had to separate the detail, into two posts due to the limitation on the size of a post.
Big thanks.
Ps: just did a housekeeping cleanup to keep this thread short - and had to separate the detail, into two posts due to the limitation on the size of a post.
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