Hello. I recently bought a 2009 HHR SS 5 speed stick. The shifter is rather stiff and i have to pull the reverse lock to get the car into 5th gear. I drove my buddys 09 cobalt ss 5 speed and his shifter seems much smoother and easier to throw. I can also get his car into 5th gear without pulling the reverse lock up. Anyone had an issue like this?

 

Yup. Needs to b greased or replaced. Mine was like that when i first got it, after breaking the ball and shifter cords the first time, it was like butter.

 

Is this something I could do myself or is a dealer visit required?

 

Just adjusting the cables can also help, they do get stretched over time.

 

Ok well thats not so bad. I was worried it was gonna be motor or trans mounts gone bad. Thank you for your help i will research this further.

 

I have a hard time with 5th sometime, but it is intermittent thing. You're not the only one.

 

This is a constant issue. Its been that way since I purchased the car 2 months ago. i thought it was strange at first. I bought it at Carmax. Took it back to them and they told me it was like that from the factory. at this point I have lost my faith in their technicians so I will not be returning them for service. I'm currently undergoing training to become a technician (hopefully for GM) so this is an issue I'd actually like to try to resolve myself. Gonna take a crack at it Friday at the school with my instructor.

 

I had an very similar situation which I just figured out. Shifting into fifth sucked. take a look at this write up I just posted https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/ss-specific-service-issues-repairs-61/5-speed-shifting-issue-fixed-45395/