Try the thing I mentioned previously. When it is running and making the noise, pop the hood and see if the engine cover is vibrating and chirping. It sounds like belt noise but it's just that big piece of plastic shaking and chirping. Touch it and the noise stops.

Mine was doing that yesterday and my wife says "The car is not happy with the cold weather"

 

I'll have to check that. Thanks

 

Well the noise came back again while I was out running errands. Checked the engine cover and that wasn't it. Ran it into the dealer and they still think it's a belt problem and are going to try yet another belt. While I was there I also mentioned the new noise I've been hearing in the liftgate. They believe it's the actuator so they are going to lube it up and see if that helps. The other thing I mentioned was the front passenger seat makes a popping noise in the seat back when making a turn. They are going to look at this too when its in. Appt. is for Friday. They offered me a car, which was great, but I told them as long as they took me home and picked me up that would be fine. They're making an effort so thats the main thing.

 

Today most mechanics are just parts changers !!!!!!

 

Ok, well the belt noise has been fixed and the seat somewhat fixed today. Can you believe they still didn't have all the parts needed . So it needs to go back in yet again.
I am quickly losing patience with this dealership. I got home and realized that they had driven my car down a wet dirt road. Why is beyond me when 99% of the roads near them are paved. I had mud caked in the wheel wells, under the running boards, on the tires, up the side of the car. They offered to give me free car washes and I gave them a piece of my mind on them driving my car down a dirt road. As if Black is not hard enough to keep clean.
So I take the washes (Oasis Car Wash) which I really did not want since it is an automated wash. Against better judgement went through anyway. Noticed the guy at the end drying it off looking at the doors so I knew something was up. I pulled out and over to give it a look. Nice swirl marks on both doors. I proceed to the other side and the same thing. Needless to say back around the building I went to complain. The sad thing is the supervisor of the carwash just bought a new black Mazda 3 and took his car through once and noticed a problem and now won't even take his car through it. Now, I am waiting for my complaint to be processed and for them to fix the problem.
Most likely a good detail/buff will take care of the problem but no more automated washes for me. (All Black HHR owners beware). It just really sucks living in Michigan and not being able to use one with our weather.

 

I only take our vehicles through touchless pressure washes.

As for the lack of parts on hand; reading the posts of various members that take their vehicles in for repairs, I am amazed at how many people have to wait for the service department to order the parts for the work to get done.

In the last 8 years, I have only had to wait twice for parts to come in, and both times was because they had to get approval from the regional service manager (instrument clusters, pistons, and motors). For all other repairs (minor and major) the parts were on hand at the dealership.

 

I jinxed myself.

Took the HHR in today, I expected they'd have to order the armrests, but they also had to order the parts to fix the A/C growl.