I have a 2008 HHR LT with 2.4 engine. The car recently threw some codes for the shift solenoids. I had a mechanic replace both, 2 days later it quit driving while on my way in town. I barely made it to a parking spot. I checked the fluid and it was low so I bought some. I then realized it was leaking the fluid, so I went and got my trailer. When I shifted into reverse it made kind of a light grinding noise like the gears weren't engaging. Also found that the cover plate was slightly cracked. I took it back to mechanic and couldn't get the car unloaded. When we shifted into neutral you could push it, like it was in gear. I was told yesterday it will drive it just doesn't have reverse. Mechanic said it was nothing they did wrong and want to charge me $100 hr to tear apart the tranny to find out what's wrong to fix it. I haven't worked on a tranny before but I am willing to work on this one before I pay all that money to someone else. Any ideas on what maybe wrong and some instructions so I have a better chance of fixing it myself.

 

Hi Jason, to the forums!

You mentioned shift solenoids, so I'm going to guess that you have an automatic transmission. The procedure for checking the fluid level, you're not likely to be able to do in some parking spot.

 

Yes it's an automatic.

 

If you haven't had any training, or worked on an automatic transmission before, you need to just take it to a professional and pay the $'s.

What do you mean by cover plate? Do you mean the transaxle oil pan?

 

Grinding sound- never a good thing to hear from a transmission.
Fluid low enough so it "quit driving' (your words) - not good, probably burned the clutches at the least.
Cover plate cracked- just one more part you'd need.
Shift solenoids- there are more than 2. Should have replaced all of them.

You best bet is a complete rebuild or find a used tranny. A used one would be a lot cheaper.

 

I suggest replace the transmission, used is much less cash.
fastsuv has a how to for changing the solenoids

 

Yes. The automatic transmission is already likely dead.
I have nothing to add to what has already been said. But a humble reminder for the future:
1. going to drive a car - go around the car in a circle, make sure that everything is fine;
2. approaching the car in front - pay attention to the space under the bottom, spots and smudges should alert you. You don’t even need to bend down, it is clearly visible from a distance of 4-5 meters;
3. When you leave the parking lot in reverse, take a look at the vacant space, make sure there are no oil puddles or a path made of oil droplets.
Timely detection will save from large costs.
After a couple of events, I formed this habit for myself, it always helps.

 

I recalled one case, almost a joke.

At that time I worked for an insurance company. One guy came to continue compulsory insurance. Documents were drawn up, followed by a formal vehicle inspection procedure. I go around the car in a circle and see that the entire right side is crumpled. Not just dents, tears / breaking on the metal. And the damage sites have already begun to rust.
I ask the owner why he did not apply for a refund. He sees all this horror and he has a tantrum.
It turned out that in the morning the guy just runs up to his car, jumps into the driver's seat and starts moving. He did not see the right side of his car for several weeks. It is clear that someone crushed him in the parking lot, but who and when is too late to search. The guy lost his money due to inattention and neglect of the daily inspection.