Asking the good folks here for some ideas because I'm stumped.

Had a problem about 2 months ago during the February from Frozen Hell here in Cleveland- while cold, the car would pop out of 3rd gear as if I didn't complete the throw. Once warmed, it would stop doing this, and it wouldn't do it every time I put it in 3rd. Did this for about 8 days, then once the weather warmed up, it stopped. Didn't do it for 6 weeks.

Then, all of a sudden this morning, it did it right off the bat. But then I couldn't get the car into 1st, 3rd, or 5th. Would go into 2nd and 4th just fine. I need my car for work, so I was practically in a panic (no 5th means I cant get on the freeway).

Drove it to my service place across town in 2nd and 4th. Car sits for 5 hours, they take a look.... and nothing. Stopped doing it. Hasn't done it for them and they have had it out 3 times. They say they checked the shifter cables (my first thought since it was the 'push up' gears) and they look fine and are not loose. Any ideas? It was a 'cold' morning here but no colder than it has been the last 3 days. Could it be a problem with actual shifter, the plastic assembly? Can/Should I lube the thing and see if that fixes this? It almost feels like it doesn't complete the throw/fully seat when I push it into 1st/3rd/5th. I'll be livid (at no one in particular) if I drive it out of the service center tomorrow and it starts doing it again. Can't lose another day of work. Any ideas welcome. It IS due for a transmission fluid change- just get that done regardless?

 

I would guess you have a sticking shift cable or the cable may be popping in and out of the shifter cable retainer bracket just in front of the shifter itself. (there are 2 cables)

Since you didn't bother to post the year and model of HHR you have, that's my guess.
There are 2 different standard transmissions and shifters depending on your model. Vehicle info needs to be posted when looking for help with a problem.

 

Sorry, 2006 LS 2.2l with 5 speed manual.

 

Sounds like sticky cables and yes I would change the fluid if it is due for a change.

 

Thx for the responses! The mechanic, who I trust, doesn't think its the cables as he inspected them and saw no signs of wear and they were not loose. Although I agree with your gents, this sounds like bad cables. Not sure now. I had checked the connection to the shifter and they were tight there too. I definitely did the fluid change, it was due anyway so might as well see- I just didn't want to pony up $100 only to have the trans torn apart right after that. I think we are finally out of the clear on the cold weather here in CLE (70s finally this weekend) so hopefully I don't see this crop up again soon.

Here is a question- could the issue be in the plastic shifter assembly? Earlier in the winter, the shifter was super, super tight when cold. Even if I heated up the car for 10 minutes, but didn't turn on the heat in the cabin, it was tight. If I turned the heat ON for those 10 minutes, though, the shifter was smooth. That led me to believe it was the plastic assembly that was 'stiff' and needed to heat up, not necessarily the transmission. Am I able to lube this maybe? Or no, since its' all plastic?



BTW OldBlue LOVE the HHR! I had painted my rims and lowered mine too- only I screwed up and used the Goldline springs instead of the Canucks. They 'failed' (the rear springs compressed completely and would unseat when put on a lift) and I had to yank them. I put Moon Eyes on it and it looked sweet for awhile. Oh well. Love what you did, tho, my next idea was those same rims + half moons. I'm liking it!

 

Post #2 & #4?

The cable housing must be secure on BOTH ends, and the cable needs to be properly lubed.

Best to let your "trusted" guy fix it.

Evidently you don't understand basic geometry; if the throw of the arm is longer than the spring there is nothing to hold the spring! Except the bindings (tie wraps) that most people install for that purpose. When you cut the bumpers like the directions say, you loose what was holding them in. I.E. "Lowering" springs are shorter that the stock springs and the springs are held in place by friction ONLY.

 

Lube the shifter up and try it, plastic or not it still is sticking.
Thanks for the nod on my ride, I get a lot of thumbs up and people just pulling up and asking questions
Most fun ride I've owned!

 

Update: it was the shifter cables. took it back in again a day later, again, wouldn't do it once the cables had ' warmed'. Tech who has done the transmission fluid didn't see any warning signs in the fluid. Figured to try the cables. Did so and it shifts like it is new now.

 

Don't want to say we told you so, but.........

Anyhow. Glad you got it fixed.

 

Well then if we can't say I told ya, then how about a you're welcome , now get out there for a cruise in that HHR!!