Hi All. First new post thread so be gentle. A little back story: My wife and I own a 2009 HHR LT Automatic. We really like it. Suits us (to be specific her) just great. We bought it used in October 2012 and have had no real problems with it until August 2013.

My wife was leaving our suburban neighborhood (low speed situation, perhaps 20 mph) when she experienced the ESC light come on and the car shuddered like it was trying to stop itself. The car then returned to normal and let her finish her errand.

From what we read online, this is how the ESC should behave if the car detects it is out of control (fishtailing, etc.); however my wife indicated she was not speeding or driving aggressive.

I looked around the TSBs and it seemed unexplained events involving the ESC stored a code. I got out my code reader and checked the HHR. It displayed no stored codes, all was OK. I took the car for a drive and could not replicate the issue.

Before I take it in (for the key ignition issue) I wanted to attempt have an educated discussion with the service people. Anyone else experience such a symptom with the ESC?

Thanks in advance.
JON.

 

Until you get a CEL, there just isn't much to look at. However, check your brakes and specifically your brake fluid. Don't top off the brake fluid, it is a gauge of pad wear. The ESC might come on when the fluid shift around when negotiating parking lots if it's low.

 

x2 -

I haven't seen that before here, but the dealer might be able to pull out other codes if your code reader is limited to primarily engine related codes. I'd mention it to them when in for the key issue, and see what they can spot. Or see if one of your local autoparts stores will do a scan for free (assuming they have a scanner that reads ABS codes etc.).

and WELCOME!!!

 

X3

And to the forum!