Hey guys, I'm new around here as I just had my HHR SS delivered last week.

I'm curious and slightly concerned with the way the shifter is behaving, and I can't find any info about it. Now I can't exactly say what causes it because its happened at random times, but mostly when the RPMs are high. Sometimes the shifter will just refuse to go into gear. Like theres a mechanism that completely disengages the shifter.

Now when I first had it happen I figured I would just live with it, I'm not trying to race the car or anything, but today it almost got me killed when it happened merging onto the freeway I tried to shift from 4th into 3rd and it refused and wouldn't let me have any gear for a solid 10-15 seconds by which time I've gone from 45mph to 30mph on the freeway nearly getting slammed by a semi.

Can you guys tell me what this is and if its a problem or can be disabled? I'm taking it in tomorrow to have some warranty and recall work done so I guess I could be patient and ask them, but I would like to have your opinions/thoughts.

 

I see that yours is a 2008.How many miles? The shifter has cable linkage,so it could just need adjustment.Also some others on this forum have had issues with the plastic retainer clips located just in front of the shifter under the console. Yes,have the dealer check it out!There is no "secret lock out".
My own 2010 SS has not missed a gear yet. Also, these transmissions are a little "clunky" when shifting but that seems to be the norm for the SS.

 

If it's under warranty, take it to the dealer and get them to fix it. My 2010 SS had the same problem when I took delivery of it. After driving it around town for a day, I decided it wasn't normal and had the dealer look at it. They ended up having to replace the shifter mechanism.

 

Thanks for the replies! I'm on my way out the door to the dealer right now. Good to know its not the normal functionality.

 

I can't speak for the lock out, but my 2008 HHR Shadow Edition is a bit clunky shifting. That is a norm.. but the lock out is NOT.

 

As an update, I still have no clue what was wrong with the shifting, the dealership said they couldn't get it to do it. But while it was in for other work I had them check what sounded like a bad throwout bearing. Turns out there is a "major" problem with the transmission and it might need replaced. So I don't know if this might be the problem but I'm a little pissed that a 3 year old car is having major transmission issues but thankful I still have warranty left. Also a little pissed that for the 3 weeks I've owned the car its been in the shop for 2.

Anyway, If I ever get the thing back I'll let you know what I find out.

 

One of the gambles of buying a used car.You just don't know how the previous owner used(or abused) it.
Hope they get it fixed soon and get you back on the road.These cars are really fun to drive. I still get the every time I get behind the wheel.

 

So do I firemangeorge.
Don't 'spose you have lights on your HHR do you?

 

Uh oh. Copied from the TSB thread (see the last paragraph):

#PIP3932A: Transmission Fluid Leak Slipping Clutch Or Broken Axle Shaft - keywords crack housing shift slip - (Jul 21, 2008)


Subject: Transmission Fluid Leak, Slipping Clutch or Broken Axle Shaft


Models: 2005-2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS

2008 Chevrolet HHR SS

2004-2007 Saturn Ion Redline

Equipped with a 5-Speed Manual Transmission (RPO MU3)




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This PI was superseded to update models and model years. Please discard PIP3932.


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The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:
Some customers have commented about transmission oil in the clutch housing, slipping clutches or broken axle shafts on this model. An analysis of several of these failures has revealed that the problem is due to excessive front wheel hop during WOT acceleration events.

Excessive wheel hop transmits a torsional shock load into the transmission case. This causes the case to crack and transmission fluid to leak into the clutch housing. See photos below.

Attachment 3411

Attachment 3412

Attachment 3413


Recommendation/Instructions:
Stiffer axle shafts and hardware will change the system harmonics and help prevent wheel hop. These planned changes will not be available until the 2008 model year.

Note: Be advised that failures of this nature are abuse. They are NOT defects in materials or workmanship for which General Motors would be responsible and should not be covered under the terms of the new vehicle warranty. Vehicles with this complaint should be inspected by the dealer and Area Vehicle Manager. A product report should be submitted on each.

 

No lights.I'm a paid professional,not a volunteer. I don't do that job on my off days. My SS may be "fire engine red" but will never be used as one.