I've got a 2009 HHR will a few 'quirks' that I've learned to live with. One of them is most of the time the left channel doesn't work with the radio. It pops in now and then. When it doesn't work, the headlight reminder signal also doesn't work. Due to this, I ran the battery down and needed a jump. No problem. About a week later, I noticed my left rear bulb burned out [turned on the left turn signal and it flashes fast]. I changed the bulb and it didn't fix the problem. Checking things out, I found out that the tailight still works but the brake light doesn't. Since the brake light and turn signal use the same filament, I'm thinking that the problem might be in the wiring to the bulb. Anyone have any suggestions? Also... not that it makes a huge difference [hopefully] but my car was made in Mexico, not USA or Canada. All help is greatly appreciated!

 

First off, all HHR’s were built in Mexico.
check the bulb socket , it might be time to replace it, they do melt!
you may need to replace the turn signal master switch.
check the ground wire , just inside the bulb access door!

Welcome to the site!

 

The radio problem is surely the speakers. The base door speakers are self-destruct mechanisms. They often intermittently at first and then permanently. Replacing them with even the cheapest aftermarket 5-1/4" or 6-1/2" speakers is a big improvement. Just replace all the door speakers. This has been addressed MANY times in these forums.

The brake light is unrelated. First, make sure you have the correct bulb per the manual. Brighter bulbs fit but will damage the socket (and the rest of the tail light assemblies.) This may have already happened. Also, you could try another bulb. Sometimes even new bulbs are defective. Also addressed many times in these forums.

 

Thanks for the welcome!
What made me think HHRs were made in US and Canadian models is that on the cover of the Chilton's Guide, it says, "Covers all U.S. and Canadian models of Chevrolet HHR." You would think Chilton would've known where they were made. Oh well... no biggie.
1. I checked the socket thoroughly and it's not melted.
2. The ground wire is connected with no looseness.
3. The left taillight works fine.
The wiring diagram in the Chilton's guide shows that the yellow wire is for the turn signal and brake filament, brown is for the taillight, and black is the ground. My next step would be to check and see if there's any voltage on the yellow wire. Could it possibly be that there are separate fuses for the left and right brake lights? Just a thought...

Copied from my original post... "... most of the time the left channel doesn't work with the radio. It pops in now and then. When it doesn't work, the headlight reminder signal also doesn't work..." How is this possible?? A while back, the cruise control wouldn't engage. I read somewhere on this forum to check the collision avoidance light for a burned out bulb. Sure enough, I had one and replaced it and the cruise control worked! Could this also be an oddity with the left audio channel and the headlight reminder signal?

--Rick

 

US and Canadian models are different specifications, but built in Mexico.

 

The warning chimes sound come through the left front speaker. If your speaker is not working, then no warning chimes. Key left in, headlights on etc. all have their own warning chime. You can even set the warning chime volume via the stock radio( it's covered in the owners manual)
An oddity ?... No.... Speaker not working then no sound.

 

You might try swapping the left and right bulbs.

Agree, sounds like your speaker is no good, very common problem for HHRs.

 

You may have a bulb problem from a different socket.

 

Thanks for the info. I learn something new everyday... almost. Don't ask me what I learned yesterday... don't have a clue!

--Rick

 

I swapped the left and right bulbs and as it turns out, the new bulb WAS bad! This is the first time ever that I've had a new automotive bulb not work. They just don't make them like they used to! Everything's working good now...

Thanks all for your help!

--Rick