Transmission fluid change
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,448
From: Fredericksburg,VA
Dexron VI is a lifetime formula only needs changing if used in very severe duty, then at 100,000 mile intervals. Anything else is by personal choice, its your money. The color after use is no indicator of wear, it will be black after several thousand miles.
All of this info; capacities, service intervals etc is in the Owner Manual.
ALL HHR automatics now use Dexron VI, even the ones that came from the factory with Dexron III and the Owner Manual says Dexron III. Every parts books say 2006 models get Dexron III with a footnote that nobody reads about Dexron VI..
All of this info; capacities, service intervals etc is in the Owner Manual.
ALL HHR automatics now use Dexron VI, even the ones that came from the factory with Dexron III and the Owner Manual says Dexron III. Every parts books say 2006 models get Dexron III with a footnote that nobody reads about Dexron VI..
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 05-24-2019
Posts: 241
From: next to my neighbor
I did my trans filter change myself and was surprised that it was such an easy job. I have a very knowledgeable parts person who set me up with everything. fluid type, filter, gasket and even told me where to pour it in. He also said to go online to confirm the amount of fluid it takes and he was spot on with the amount. Tools needed were two car ramps and a basic socket set. I think I was done in less than 15 minutes. Did this 54,000 miles ago and planning on doing it in another 20k or so. Trans has been flawless and zero leaks.
I am curious what is a flawless transmission for an HHR ? Do you feel the HHR shifts or is it totally unnoticeable and smooth? And do all the gears shift the exact same ?
Also what is the best RPM to maximise the transmission life? I usually try to keep the RPM at less than 3 all the time.
I feel my HHR shifts, although it can go unnoticeable, if I focus on the shifting it is clearly giving a backward motion, sometimes a little bumpy, but just slightly. It goes like this : From 1st to 2nd it is smooth with a slight backward motion, 2nd to 3rd is a little bumpy, and usually the higher gears shift almost totally unnoticeable.
Last edited by ScareDe2; May 19, 2022 at 12:57 AM.
Premium Member
Joined: 03-12-2017
Posts: 1,245
From: Phoenix
I've noticed that if I let off of the accelerator during a shift it is quite noticable.
Under normal acceleration, the shifts can be felt but they are very smooth, not bumpy.
I've also noticed that if I'm climbing a hill or under harder acceleration the shifts are more solid feeling.
Now things change with the shift selector in 'I'
In the end , the tranny shifts like it is supposed to .
"All is well"
Under normal acceleration, the shifts can be felt but they are very smooth, not bumpy.
I've also noticed that if I'm climbing a hill or under harder acceleration the shifts are more solid feeling.
Now things change with the shift selector in 'I'
In the end , the tranny shifts like it is supposed to .
"All is well"
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 05-24-2019
Posts: 241
From: next to my neighbor
I park flat on the floor of my garage, I reach up under the car , use a 1/4 “ drive ratchet, 12” extension and 11mm socket. Once I remove the plug and am happy with the level, with the car running in neutral, wheels blocked! I use a floor jack to lift the passenger front corner, place a jack stand and put the plug back in place, squirt a little brake parts cleaner and wipe up.
there should not be much fluid coming out.
Do Not turn the engine off ! The fluid will flow out! As the torque converter stops spinning.
there should not be much fluid coming out.
Do Not turn the engine off ! The fluid will flow out! As the torque converter stops spinning.
I tried to use jack stands and this is complicated when you don't know where to put the jack stands, the front car with the engine weights more so if the jack stands is not close to the wheels the car balance uneven. One of the jackstand even dug inside the asphalt.
So you tell me if I understand correctly, I can just lift the car passenger side, let the car run in neutral, wheel blocked, unscrew the plug, then take back the car on its 4 wheel, and watch while I fill the transmission with some fluid until some splashes out, then relift the car passenger side, screw back the plug and that's it. All these step without ever shutting the engine.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 05-24-2019
Posts: 241
From: next to my neighbor
I did that. Added 500ml to begin with. Tried to see something dripping. Nothing. Added another 250ml. And the plug test hole stayed dried. I got a lil scared then am I doing it the wrong way... If the garage is not lying that should sum to about 6.75L now. What would you do?
The car was running for a good 10-15 minutes, changed gears a couple of times, was level and in neutral position (N). Nothing not even one small drop came out of the plug hole.
The car was running for a good 10-15 minutes, changed gears a couple of times, was level and in neutral position (N). Nothing not even one small drop came out of the plug hole.
