Okay so I searched and did find related threads to this issue. But i never really got a clear answer. Is this not normal or is it normal? I bought the car with 113k miles it's at 117k now. Just recently noticed this. It's exactly as it is in this video. And it's very annoying driving at 40 mph (the route I take to work .

 

Not to say anything in particular, but 40MPH is about the speed the transmission goes into lock up. You might be experiencing gear searching where the computer can't make it's mind up which gear to be in. Or, you are just paying too much attention to the RPM.

 

At 40 MPH , normal it's the transmission deciding to lockup!

 

Normal x3

 

Here is the Apply-Release programming. It's based on MPH and Throttle position. Should help figuring it out.

 

Here are a couple of bits from GM that might help:

 

Also good information. The newer PWM apply makes it much smoother.

 

I've got it figured out, I just have to live with it! 9 year old HHR with 215,000 miles, I don't even notice it anymore!

 

That's the spirit

 

I believe that every car, no matter the make, model, or year, has its own little quirks that owners learn to live with. without the jumpiness around 40 or the occasional lurch at idle it just wouldn't be an HHR!