I bought a 2011 hhr about a year ago. It has about 64000 miles on it. At times the needles bounce around, the radio will change stations by it self, at times I cannot shut the radio off or turn it on. The power steering will go out and come back on randomly. Also it has started telling me the esc is active when the roads are dry and yet the car acts as if they were slippery.
The car will show that the esc needs to be serviced most of the time, however it also will show there are problems with the power steering, tell me to service the traction or that the esc is off, that the fuel level is low, these messages will change often and it usually happens when the needles are bouncing around. Any thoughts as what the issue is, I have heard several different things from a body control module needing to be replaced to issues with the fuses. I don't want to spend a lot of money having someone try to fix a bunch of different things trying to figure out what it is.

 

From the sounds of it, you may have a problem with the underhood fuse box or the wiring connections located underneath it. Start your HHR and with the hood open, slap or thump the fuse box, this will sometimes trigger the symptoms you're describing.

The fuse box is a two part design with an upper and lower section, make sure both halves are seated firmly, and check the wiring connectors for looseness.

And to the forum!

 

Major accident? BCM, or fuse box does sound on the right track. New/used BCM is not incredibly expensive, but you do need a GM shop to program it I guess about $100.

 

The car has not been in a major accident as far as I know.

 

CarFax would tell you about accidents.

Does not sound like a problem for a novice trouble shooter. Professional help is probably needed.

Try pushing down on the top of the fuse box, and all of the fuses to make good connections as 843de suggested, after that invest in a shop.

 

I truly apologize that your vehicle is giving you so much concern. I can totally understand how that can be very frustrating. Could you please private message me your name, address, phone number, vehicle identification number, and current mileage. This will allow me to research the right information on your vehicle and see if there's any known concerns.

Thank you,

Jessica L.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

Warranty?

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warranty

 

I'd let Jessica L research your V.I.N. for you, you never know.