I have a 2011 HHR which for the second time since I have owned it seems to have module issues. This time is similar to the last in that the gauges bounce all over, radio will not shut off or changes stations by it self, messages saying service traction control, esc off , and power steering also appear. The car is sluggish when going from a dead stop to hwy speed. One time the car acted as if it could not shift from a lower gear to a higher gear almost if the transmission could not make up it's mind. The air condition also will not work when this is happening. Any thoughts? Does this seem to be a common problem with HHR's? I have taken it to the local Chevrolet dealer and they are not sure what to fix since they cannot get a good read on the codes.

 

My internet's guess is the top of the fuse box is loose from the bottom (not the cover). Or, the wiring harness connector to the ECM is faulty. Or, the large red wire to the fuse box is loose. Or, a ground wire is loose.

All of those problems have been discussed on the site, and should be easy to find with the search.

 

What was the "fix" for the first instance of the issues?

The symptoms match the fixes much like what Donbrew mentioned. About the only ting I can add, is do a check on the battery - the cars do act pretty weird if the battery is failing. Any auto parts store can throw a load tester on the battery to check it's health - for free.

 

Last time they replaced I believe the steering column and a module which at this time I cannot recall which one it was. I do remember the repair was expensive about 1400.00.

 

Ouch- hopefully that was covered by warranty. If you have the original work order, the module should be listed on it.

How old is the battery in the car? Did you get a chance to get it tested yet?