shifter stuck/sticks
New Member
Joined: 06-29-2022
Posts: 28
From: California
Got stuck in park today, I was able to put it in drive using the little access hole in the driver side of the center console accessed by removing the big “U” shaped panel.
When I got home, turned out to be the brake actuator. I confirmed this by the lack of brake lights
and 12 volts at the connector. The actuator was very easy to pry open and clean with QD. Watch out for the switch spring shooting out when you remove the lid. Brake lights and shifting is back to normal now.
edit: Yes I did try spraying WD-40 into the actuator before all of this
When I got home, turned out to be the brake actuator. I confirmed this by the lack of brake lights
and 12 volts at the connector. The actuator was very easy to pry open and clean with QD. Watch out for the switch spring shooting out when you remove the lid. Brake lights and shifting is back to normal now.edit: Yes I did try spraying WD-40 into the actuator before all of this
Joined: 01-10-2022
Posts: 2
From: Colorado
I too have this problem this am .. I have yet to have all the other recalls done, hopefully this issue is covered by drive train warranty .. its 24 outside this am .. I'm assuming the cold has something to do with it .. just hear click click click .. sounds like a combo of the ignition clicking and the shifter.. and after reading several posts .. could be the brake pedal safety switch, or the shifter .. or possibly in the steering column.
Ive already had bearings replaced and the axle snapped under warranty .. now this .. .. hhr got to get rid of this POS car.. before something else falls off
Ive already had bearings replaced and the axle snapped under warranty .. now this .. .. hhr got to get rid of this POS car.. before something else falls off
I agree 100% with you. I have a 2010 Chevy HHR and everything in the world keeps going wrong with this piece of s*** I hate this car
Senior Member
Joined: 09-25-2009
Posts: 159
From: Palm Desert, CA
I had the same sticking shifter, but could hear the solenoids clicking when I pumped the brakes. I removed the chrome trim around the shifter and used WD-40 (with the red straw extension) and hosed the area where the shifter pin is, see the picture at the beginning of this thread. I worked the shifter back and forth a few times and now it works like new. Total time invested- 5 minutes.
Senior Member
Joined: 12-05-2014
Posts: 3,368
From: Northern Ohio
Good move. I might be inclined to follow up with some lock lube. WD-40 likes to dry up and get a bit sticky with time.