Well after a period of no problems, the tranny went full goofy on me after a longer than usual trip for me. The Zoner pulled the codes (P0700 Transaxle Module Malfunction & P0756 2-3 Shift Solenoid(SS) Valve Performance-Non first or Second gear.) The car will take off when cold but once it warms up it slips from a take off. So tomorrow its of to the Tranny Shop and get the good news!....funny that this was intermittent, makes me wonder if it is a connector/wiring problem??? I'll keep you updated on the results.
Makes me wish for the old Muncie 4 speed days...something I could fix with out a computer dangling from it.

 

Well folks $2,400 later my problem is fixed.
I could have gotten off easier with a junk yard transplant, or an "only replace what we visually see that is in need of repair", but I opted for the total rebuild since I plan on keeping this ride for a long time.

New solenoids, pressure switches, clutch packs, seals, synthetic fluid and a warranty.


I asked what was the frequency of problems with this style Tranny, and he said that it was not a common repair. That most HHR's came in with damage to the transmission pan. They get damaged by road debris.

As to why this was an intermittent problem must be hidden in the dark truths of transmissions with electronics.

 

WOW sorry about that. I have 175,000 on my original '06 tranny and its still going strong. At least yours is fixed thought! How long did it take from drop off to pick up?

 

It was a 4 day process.
I had a place in Indy called Edwards Transmission do the work.
They have satellite shops all around the town, but have one central shop that does the rebuilds. So they pull the tranny and send it to the main shop for diagnostics and repair estimates. I could have had it sooner, but I told them I had a backup ride, and to take their time.
Surprisingly it seems like the thing is more responsive then I jump on the throttle, maybe it's because my billfold is so much lighter. :)

 

Well at least its all good and well. As far as I am aware our tranny is designed in a way where it shifts somewhat harsher than normal when cold and when it is warmed up it smoothed out. At least that is how mine has been since I got it. That hefty chunk of change certainly must have given way to some weight reduction you are right!!

 

It is fixed, awesome!!