Automatic Transmission Fluid Flush
Platinum Member
Joined: 01-09-2007
Posts: 16,081
From: SE USA
HHR auto tranny service & change the filter requires removal of the tranny pan.. In the Owners Manual states the exact amount & type of fluid to re-fill with..
So one would just need some mechanical skills, some tools, pan gasket, filter & trans fluid.
So one would just need some mechanical skills, some tools, pan gasket, filter & trans fluid.
Member
Joined: 09-10-2010
Posts: 41
From: Michigan
I have had 2 flushes done and I will never, ever, ever have it done again.
Both times, it was done around 35,000 miles and effed up the trans on a 93 Olds and a 99 Ford.
I have been told by a guy that knows his stuff not to take it to a quick lube shop. They race the engine to speed the process which leads to things going wrong.
Best bet is to change out the filter and fluid.
Both times, it was done around 35,000 miles and effed up the trans on a 93 Olds and a 99 Ford.
I have been told by a guy that knows his stuff not to take it to a quick lube shop. They race the engine to speed the process which leads to things going wrong.
Best bet is to change out the filter and fluid.
Senior Member
Joined: 10-21-2008
Posts: 1,831
From: hemet, calif.
never flush the trans.
years ago i had a new Buick had the dealer fush the trans, got about 5 miles away would not shift took it back had to have the trans rebuilt, it just sucks the garbage from the bottom and clocks up a lot of things.
Joined: 07-02-2009
Posts: 3
From: central NH
Had mine done at 62,000 at the dealer about $ 180.00 dealer told me fluid flush only at 50 k if used under certain conditions previously mentioned but filter change only necessary at the 100k .regardless of conditions .now the car has been driven across country and has 68k on it and no prob.
New Member
Joined: 12-07-2010
Posts: 10
From: Arizona
I have an '07 with 303K miles. I have the tranny flushed and fluid replaced about every 50K miles. I live in AZ and use the HHR for work and probably meet all the "severe" use requirements. So far though, the filter has never been changed. I've asked about it and was told there was no need to replace the filter because of the way the flushing works. I don't think I buy that with 300K+ on the car. In about 22K more miles the service is due again & I'm going to insist on the filter replacement.
Senior Member
Joined: 03-19-2009
Posts: 296
From: Connecticut
Flushing a transmission with high miles, that has never been flushed before, is never advisable. It is very rare to see problems after flushing an automatic transmission on a vehicle that has had the service performed at regular intervals. I have seen a first time flush performed on a high mileage vehicle and the vehicle wouldn't back out of the stall. We ended up overhauling the transmission at no charge, for customer satisfaction. Needless to say we refuse to perform first time flushes on high mileage vehicles now. The same is true for engine oil flushes. It is possible that there is a piece of debris stuck in one of the check balls in the valve body. A pressure check would tell a tech if that may be the problem. Also without the flush machine I don't know how a person could flush a transmission on their own.
If I read correctly the recommended service interval is something like 50k, if regular non business use. IMO My HHR is around 24k and will be getting it done in the spring. I'd rather be overkill when it comes to matience.
Senior Member
Joined: 01-13-2006
Posts: 3,000
From: Superior, WI - Over the Hill Warranty Club member
I find it hard to believe no one has more than 100,000 miles on their HHR. Mine is a 2007 LT1 that had 49,000 miles on it when I bought it and it has 117,138 miles on it today. Love it!!