I'm going to check the transmission fluid condition and level after developing a delayed 1-2 shift literally overnight. Went to drive the kiddos to the bus stop and it would not shift 1-2 until I let off the throttle.

I seen how to check, and that it takes dexron 6 and not dex 3. Now idk if brand matters, but if it's low, has anyone used Valvoline max life multi vehicle? It states suitable for dex 6. And I have some on hand as it's sworn by the ML crowd, and I have close to 260k on my ML using it. Ok to use?

 

Brand doesn’t matter, is there a leak? Puddle under the HHR?

 

I'm checking for leaks, definitely not enough to leave a puddle. I'll have to park on some clean card board overnight see if I get any small drips.

 

Ok, so I could not find any leaks. The level checked ok, once warmed up I got a steady drip out the level check hole. The fluid didn't look too bad, it was still more red than brown, had no burnt smell to it. I wish the pan had a drain plug, I'd do a fluid swap.

Any ideas why when cold 1st thing there is such a delay on the 1-2 shift? I mean, literally took it up to 4k rpm at only partial throttle and wouldn't shift till I totally let off the throttle. '06 with 160k miles. No codes, active or pending.

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Shift solenoids sticking….

 

Hmm, I'll search for a how-to. Hopefully not too difficult. Wonder if it'd be a waste to try a drain and fill before doing the solenoid (s)?

 

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/driv...olenoid-61313/
Save you some time.

 

Thank you for that link! After seeing what a pita it is to change solenoids, I think I'll try a fluid and filter change first. Maybe even add some lubegard red. It has massive awesome reviews and almost no bad ones. Maybe that'll help free it up.

 

You might be the one in a million. Snake oil sometimes works.

 

Changed filter and fluid. Made and immediate difference, but not 100%. Then after driving a week or so, it's back to as good as before.