I have an 09 HHR with 90k. I'm experiencing a problem with the trans shifting into overdrive. When in winter and the car is really cold, I get on the highway and the trans won't shift into overdrive. At 60 mph the car is revving around 3000 rpm. After I drive a few miles it finally shifts up. Is this normal? Does the trans need to be a certain temp before overdrive will kick in? Is there an additive I can put in the trans that will help this problem or am I doomed to eventually need a new trans.

 

By overdrive are you referring to the 3-4 upshift, or the engagement of the "Lock-Up" torque converter which normally occurs around 42-45mph under light throttle.

These critters will hang onto gears a bit longer when cold to help bring the engine up to full operating temperature sooner.

Give this thread a read and see if it describes what you're experiencing, just click the link below.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/problems-service-repairs-42/no-cold-overdrive-45712/

 

Also........

a slow or non existent shift up, especially the converter, is usually a sign of low trans fluid.

If you think about it, trans fluid when cold is less viscous, as it warms it becomes more fluid, and slightly more in quantity, thus allowing the shift to perform as needed.

Now, checking the trans fluid is a little difficult without a trans fluid dipstick, but it can be done with a little knowhow, a hoist (or jack AND JACK STANDS). There are several threads on this topic if you utilize the search box at the top middle of this page.

Otherwise, a REPUTABLE repair shop or dealer will need to be consulted.

 

Normal...until the eng temp reaches about 160 deg, it will not go into lockup...winter time takes longer to heat up. This is one f the reasons fuel mileage goes down in the cold months.

 

What IgottaWoody says. The transmission wont go into lockup until the transmission fluid is warmed up. Normally no issue in central Florida, but last year I was in upstate NY in the cold weather and noticed no lock up for a long time until the heater started putting out some warm air.

 

The HHR is a five speed, so it shifts into any gear when I want it to. We do have a Toyota, that also has a 'sluggish' transmission when its cold, So I would guess most, if not all newer cars behave that way when cold. When it (the Toyota) was new I took it to the dealer with the complaint, that the transmission was very slow to up shift when cold, to which they said, it was normal.

 

thanks for the info. I will read some of the other posts on this. Just glad it doesn't sound serious.