I'm not sure if it ever did this before or not, because only time I used "I" gear much was for downhill. But on mine I notice that on acceleration it holds 2nd gear until 4000rpm regardless of type of acceleration (spirited or normal/easy). Is this normal for "I" ?

 

Yup. Sure is. Some people on here have expressed their pleasure at using "I" to achieve a more "spirited" feel to their HHR. I'm like you ... I only use it on hills and in similar situations.

 

there's an "I" gear?

 

Yes, do a search - there was a big thread on this about 6 months ago - covers everythings to be said about the I gear. I kind of liken it to starting out in 2nd gear to get out of snow, mud without spinning the wheels, but it does seem to have a fun feeling to it when driving. I suspect you are using a ton more of gas however - watch how high it revs, as you are eliminating the overdrive aspect of the car.

 

D-I-L : Drive, Intermediate, Low. It's in the manual.

 

I must be in a hurry to drive the thing, never noticed.

 

Okay, just seemed unusual that it would hold 2nd to 4000rpm even with very light throttle.