I have a 2007 HHR and the past week the TC light just pops on randomly. When it does the car starts shifting alot harder, almost like it's kicking into place. If I disconnect the battery the light will go away and it will shift normal again, but eventually the light comes back on and it starts hard shifting again. I'm waiting for my tax refund so I can get it fixed but was wondering if anyone else had this issue and if there is a fix

 

Your Check Engine Light (CEL) is on or should be. You need to get the codes read and post them up here. Code numbers only. No descriptions.
The CEL is the reason for the hard shifting.
The TC light means that the TC has been shut off because of the CEL.

FYI. Each time you disconnect the battery it clears the CEL and goes back to normal operation. Once the CEL lights back up it will hard shift again.

 

Which engine? 2.2L or 2.4L with VVT.

 

Just before this started happening, Did you do anything under the hood? If so, you may have forgotten to reconnect the MAF sensor connector.

 

Codes are a must.