Hello, everyone I just bought a 2006 hhr LS in orange.
It's the basic 2.2 ecotech and the F23 trans. I bought it for 1400 bucks with around a 100000 miles on it. The issue I'm having is it was grinding in third and fourth gear. I found out that the transmission fluid was very low So I filled it completely with new fluid. Now, since that's all done I drove it again and it only grinds when I let off the clutch and it still won't go into third or fourth. And fifth is non-existent. First second and reverse work good. And For context, the last owner replaced the clutch and had these issues in parked it. I am really hoping it's not a synchro issue but alas I'm here. Thanks.

 

Also I removed the cables and am buying new ones. Also I'll probably Get the whole new short shifter kit just to replace as much plastic as I can. The shifter cup is also pretty worn.

 

Those might resolve the issues, let us know after you replace them.
Did you drain out the remaining old transmission fluid? Then fill with fresh fluid?

 

I did replace with new fluid, the engine is much happier now

 

This was how much fluid. I overfilled it with dex 3 at 2.6 quarts. Hopefully this low fluid didn't ruin the syncros

 

Doesn't make much difference but, GM upgraded the recommendation to dexron VI.
Where did the fluid go?

 

I have a feeling that the first owners never added fluid. It's also from New Mexico. And I'm here in Northern California, and it's been in really hot areas, so I have a feeling the fluid evaporated maybe

 

To be honest, I might just get a new transmission from DF kit car. No one wants to work on it up here.

 

Install those shift cables you ordered and go from there.

 

That's the plan ill keep in touch 🤞