So I figured I'd take my 08 LS to an empty parking lot and see how she does with hard braking on snow/ice. Correct me if I am wrong but when you stomp on the brake pedal shouldn't ABS or something kick in and pulsate the brakes and not let you lock them up?

 

If you have ABS, yes. I don't think LS have ABS, and only some LT (not mine). Should be an "ABS" light on the dash at startup.

 

Okay, thank you. We just got it a few months ago and the dealer must have listed ABS by mistake. Should of guessed since they sold us the car with remote start and they didn't even have it listed lol.

 

ABS was an option on all model year HHR's, my two LS's have it, many do not.

If you check in your glove-box you'll see a label that's called the "build tag" its a series of alphanumeric codes signifying the equipment your HHR was built with.

The code for ABS is JL9, if its there you have ABS, if not you'll see code J41 which indicates a non ABS braking system.

If you have ABS, press the brake pedal firmly to the floor and hold it there, you should feel pulsations back through the pedal and hear a rhythmic clicking/thumping as the system works.

 

It says J41

 

My dealer said hat the plastic wheel covers were "mag wheels". hehe.

 

You may have a legal leg IF ABS is listed on the window sticker, or the sales contract.

 

If my paperwork says ABS would they go back and install ABS for free?

 

No, but your State Attorney General may be interested, you might get something back so that they don't have to talk to state investigators.

I don't know if it is even possible to retrofit ABS. If it is, it's probably cost prohibitive. Don't know, just theorizing.