I've heard this is not a comlpletely uncommon thing, but when I got my HHR around two years ago, both front amber running/turn signal housings were bubbled from intense heat. I am guessing this came from the bulb and not maybe the sun...? I dunno, I'm just grasping here. Well one of these turn signal bulbs recently burned out, but when I went to replace it, I saw that where the socket and bulb met was a bit burned and melted, (and the bulb's filament was burned out alright) to the point that the socket didn't have enough meat left to positively capture a new bulb. The retainer tabs had been melted down. I'll have to replace the socket, obviously, but unless I find the cause, it's just going to happen again. There were no ID numbers remaining on the bulb I removed, but I was going to replace it with a 3157, which I have made sure is the right bulb. Thanks for any advice. I'd include pictures I took of all of this, but I'm too much of a noob to be allowed to do that. *sigh*

 

I'm going to guess that you have a 2006. The amber turn signal bulbs are used for the DRL. If the damage is bad, you may have to buy new headlight assemblies.

 

ok in your Owner Manual for the correct bulb. Before you say it; look at my sig.

 

You’re correct in the bulb # 3157 LL is specified.
melted sockets, replacement sockets are available from RockAuto, depending on your tastes, black out headlights, B2E black chrome headlights or just stick chrome are available from many suppliers on the web, RockAuto, CarID are supporting vendors on this site.
Changing headlight assemblies is pretty easy , once you pop off the front bumper cover.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...dlights-32354/

 

Guys, guys, guys! I know where to get replacements. The thing is, I need to know why this happened and what can be done about it. The mechanic I just talked to owns an HHR also and said the same thing happened to his turn signal lights. He suggested replacing the socket (which should come with the pigtail) and, of course, the bulb itself. He had no idea why this happens, but at least he said it didn't happen again after replacement. I think the only solution would be to install LEDs instead of incandescent bulbs.

 

It happens because, like I said, they are used as DRLs, and therefore are on pretty much all the time. Someone probably installed the incorrect bulb, one that was too hot. That's why donbrew said to check the owner manual, the proper bulb number is there.

 

06-07 use 3157KX(not sure if that's the same as 3157LL)
08-10 use B2N for clear, 5702KA for amber

Then for some reason, the 11 went back to 3157
2011 uses 3157K for clear, 5702KA for amber

This is from all the owner manuals. The 08-10, is this a misprint? B2N is not a bulb(that I have found), but the RPO for fall edition(or is it spring?). Which, I don't think was even available in these years?

 

Yes the reason it melts is the incorrect bulb in the signal light, and those bulbs are on for the DRL’s . It could happen again , but these lasted 15 years!

 

The DRL's do turn off when the fog lights are on.
At least they do on my '06.

 

That's a good workaround!