Hey, this is Mike. New HHR owner.

Due to wife's medical conditions, her days of climbing in/out of the truck are about over. Didn't really want a sedan, plus needed some cargo area, so I happened across a 2011 HHR the other day. 118,000, 4k.

With all the recalls GM has had, how does one go about checking to see if any recalls have been done to this truck? Ignition key cylinder, doesn't seem to have a normal accessory position, is this normal? And, of course the engine light came on after about 100 miles. From what I've read on here, that could be a recall condition too. Don't have any local Chevy dealers, closest about 30-40 miles. Thanks in advance.

 

Welcome to the site.

As far as recall info. Just call a dealer and they can look up the info using your cars VIN.
Normal accessory position ? The HHR's ignition doesn't have the old style where you would turn the key backwards. All that is covered in your owners manual. If you didn't get one, here's a link to a downloadable version: https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/gene...s-manual-3074/
That check engine light (CEL) should be looked into. I doubt that it's related to any of the recall notices.

 

Welcome !

 

Welcome to the site! The check engine can be checked at any parts palace like AutoZone or Advanced, please write down the codes and post them here.
At 5 years old there are many issues that come to mind.

 

Any Advance/AutoZone/O'Reilly will read the codes for free. Get the actual number (P0xxx) and post it here.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/gm-r...-status-50716/

I have had a friend ask where the acc position was. It's there, just not marked on the bezel, 1 click back from off.

 

Thanks for the welcomes, Thanks for the info.

I'm going to stop by advance when I get back to town.

My key doesn't seem to turn back, beyond the off position. When it's turned off, the windows, and radio still run?

I'll post the codes when I get them.

Thanks

 

Normal function. It's called RAP. Or Retained accessory power.

Read through the owners manual. All these things you're asking about are explained in the manual.

 

aboard Mike!

I'm the Mike you'll hear about here most of the time, usually good things, sometimes not so good when something goes nuts with the website, etc.

 

According to the recall website, a 2011 is included in the ignition switch recall. From the looks, and feel, of my key cylinder, it hasn;t been replaced. Thanks for the info.

 

Not sure how you determined that. The ones that have the recall work done won't look any different. The ignition switch is not visible any way. The end of the key cylinder is visible but that could have been replaced on the previous "good will" recall several years ago.
They will not replace the key cylinder a second time during the ignition switch recall. Two different parts involved here.
In fact, the new ones don't feel much different. Just a little bit tighter.
As stated above, call a dealer. They can check your VIN and tell you for sure if the recall work was done.