My dash says Service ESC
also ABS light on.
Can these facts keep OD off?

 

What year and engine HHR ?
Let me guess. The Check Engine Light also on ? What are the codes ?

 

It will make for hard shifting

 

I’m working on similar dash notifications, mine drives normal and shifts fine even into overdrive.

check your rear drum brakes make sure they are adjusted, check your front disc brakes make sure the calipers are free and the pads contact points are clean. How old are the front hubs? They can be the problem also.

 

Another One-And-Done.