You do not have to remove the TB to clean it. Make sure you use "Throttle Body Cleaner". Remove the air intake, spray the cleaner in there and use a clean preferably lint free cloth to wipe everything down while holding the throttle open. That's how my "2006 HHR Service Manual" describes the how-to.

"other than the fact the car will not return to idle speed when shifting out of 1st when the engine has been sitting hot." That does not sound like throttle body to me. Dirty TB results in rough idle. Unless there is really big chunks build up "return to idle" should not be affected at any temp., then it would be always stuck at some point. You are describing an electrical/computer problem, perhaps relating to engine temp. or some sensor malfunction (good luck making it happen for the tech). Unless you have an early 2006 the throttle is controlled by "wire" vs. the old fashioned way. I am not familiar with the turbo, but some computer algorithm may be in play.

 

Thanks donbrew. For the SS crowd, is the process any different?

 

VERY different for the SS crowd. You'll have to remove your coldside pipe to access the TB.

You'll have to remove the bumper, intercooler, and you'll have to remove the 2 mounting brackets that hold the radiator in. Once you've done that, move the radiator out. Now....you should finally be able to get the coldside pipe out and see the TB.

Other people might do it a little different....but I found this is the best and safest way

 

Gee, that sounds like fun. I will have to do that when I get a cold pipe to relocate the stg1 sensor, which pipe do I buy for the relocate ??

 

Tons of fun Sam! Trust me...I'm in the process of doing it all right now. I just installed the brand new harness....just waiting on my cold pipe fomr ZZP. This is the pipe your wanting: http://shop.zzperformance.com/store/...oler-Pipe.aspx

Here is just a preview of what I'm having to do to install the new wiring harness and coldside pipe:

 

So how can the dealer clean it for $30?

 

I went and talked to my dealer, they said they would install the harness if I got it. Maybe I'll talk into putting the pipe in. Without it we are subject to rub. Nice intercooler you have there, where did your hood go ??

 

To clean the TB on an SS or standard HHR? The standard HHR TB is right on top of the engine....very very simple to get to....that's where that $30 number is probably coming from.

The TB on the SS is located in completely different location.

Awesome! I managed to get my harness for "wholesale"...which cost me $299.00 in a box. I was told it would take anywhere from 4-6 hours to have a dealer install it. So...I decided to tackle it myself. It took me about 5 hours....so I saved some money there. I started removing the harness and noticed it was really dark....even with lights. So.....I had a brain fart and thought...."it would be alot brighter if that hood was gone". Took it off myself. Four 13MM bolts...and it was off! And I could see everything

 

Quote: So.....I had a brain fart and thought...."it would be alot brighter if that hood was gone"
Actually,back in my mechanic days,that was true. We used to take off the hoods of customers cars a lot of times. On bigger jobs it made it easier to see and gave you more access room. Plus, no more bumping the back of your head when working from the sides of the engine compartment.

 

But at least 2 of the previous posters that quoted $30 have SS models. Foolmoom Design for one that I remember. Is somebody "special"?