Info - HHR - New Model Features and Service Guide

This is a special bulletin to introduce the new Chevrolet HHR. The purpose of this bulletin is to make you familiar with the vehicle's features and describe the action that your Service Department will need to take to ensure that you are able to fully service this exciting new model.

The purpose of this section is to familiarize you with the technical aspects of the vehicle. It is important to know the HHR is built from the same platform as the Cobalt.

Engine

Standard on the 1LS and 1LT is the 2.2L (RPO L61) DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine -- VIN Code D. The L61 produces 144 horsepower and 155 lb/ft of torque.

Standard on the 2LT, and optional on the 1LT, is the 2.4L (RPO LE5) DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine -- VIN Code P. The LE5 produces an estimated 172 horsepower and 164 lb/ft of torque.

Both engines are equipped with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) for responsive acceleration and the GM Oil Life System for optimum oil change frequency. Maintenance free features include 160,000 km (100,000 mi) platinum-tip spark plugs and 240,000 km (150,000 mi) coolant. Refer to the Owner's Manual for the appropriate maintenance schedule.

Transmission / Transaxle

The HHR is available with two transmission options.

Standard is the Getrag F23 5-speed manual transmission. The Getrag features a synchronized reverse gear, two overdrive gears for fuel efficiency and a long-life clutch.

Optional is the 4T45-E 4-speed automatic transaxle. The 4T45-E features DEXRON® VI transmission fluid and includes the Remote Vehicle Start system. The shifter indicator is PRNDIL. Selection of "D", "I" and "L" should be used as follows:

Suspension

The HHR offers two levels of suspension. The 1LS and 1LT are equipped with the FE1 touring suspension. The 2LT is equipped with the FE3 suspension. Both suspensions feature strut-type front suspension. The HHR has a semi-independent twist-beam rear suspension system consisting of the following components:

The rear axle to vehicle alignment is achieved through alignment holes located in both the left and right axle bracket and underbody. Whenever the rear axle is removed for service, it is important that the rear axle is re-installed in its proper position relative to the centerline of the vehicle. Rear camber and toe are not adjustable.

Electronic Power Steering (EPS)

The HHR features rack and pinion steering, with Electric Power Steering (EPS). EPS has a variable ratio, which optimizes the steering effort for a variety of conditions. More assistance is applied for low-speed maneuvers such as parking, while the power assistance tapers off at highway speeds for a firmer, more direct feel. The advantages of EPS are:

The system uses the body control module (BCM), power steering control module (PSCM), toque sensor, discrete battery voltage supply circuit, EPS motor, serial data bus, and the instrument panel cluster (IPC) message center to perform the system functions.

Electrical Architecture

The electrical architecture of the vehicle is GMLAN and requires the use of a CANDi module to communicate with the Tech 2®. There are potentially 17 different modules that can be found on the HHR. SI Document ID # 1625934 provides a list of modules, as well as links to schematics, repair instructions and programming/set-up information.

Battery/Charging System

The battery is located in the spare tire well, under the floor in the rear cargo area. Use the remote positive terminal in the engine compartment for jump-starting the vehicle.

Theft Deterrent

The HHR is equipped with Passkey III+ theft deterrent system. Passkey III+ uses a radio frequency transponder in the key that matches a decoder in the vehicle. Passkey III+ is a passive system -- it works when the key is inserted or removed from the ignition. If Passkey III+ senses the wrong key is being used, it prevents the vehicle from starting. The following components contain codes or passwords, or must learn codes and passwords for the Passkey III+ system to allow the vehicle to start:

Important:  If any of the components are replaced, a learn procedure must be performed. If the parts are replaced and a learn procedure is not performed, the engine will not crank.

There are two available methods to perform the Theft Deterrent Programming/Learn procedure (refer to SI for both procedures):

The Passkey III+ decoder has the ability to "learn" the transponder value of a new or replacement key. Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle. The following procedure should be used for programming additional keys:

Programming additional keys:

Important: 

•	If the original key is not available, either the 10-minute or 30-minute Theft Deterrent System Release procedure will need to be followed -- refer to SI Document ID # 1415256.

•	Verify the new key has a "+" stamped on it.

1. Insert the already programmed key in the ignition and start the engine.
2. Turn the key to LOCK, and remove the key.
3. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to the RUN position.

Important:  This step must be accomplished within 5 seconds of the original key being turned to the LOCK position.

4. The security light will turn off once the key has been programmed.

DIC / Personalization Features

The DIC is controlled through two buttons located on the left side of the steering wheel. The ignition must be in the run position for the DIC to function. The button with the page icon is used to scroll through the vehicle information mode displays. The following vehicle information is available.

Note: To reset the information while it is being displayed, press the arrow button.

Important:  If a warning message is displayed on the DIC during normal operation, the arrow button can be used to clear the display screen for further use. However, this will not resolve the concern or erase any DTCs.

The button with the arrow is used to select a mode option or acknowledge a message. Press both buttons (the page icon and arrow) at the same time to enter the Menu (Personalization) mode. Use the page button to scroll through the personalization features. The arrow button is used to toggle between the available options for each feature. The vehicle personalization features include:

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) / Remote Vehicle Start

Remote Keyless Entry is standard on all HHR vehicles. Utilize the DIC Vehicle Personalization to enable/disable horn chirps and flashing lights.

Important:  To warm or cool the vehicle, the customer should set the desired temperature and blower speed prior to exiting the vehicle. Upon using the Remote Start, the desired cabin temperature can be achieved.

Remote vehicle start is standard on all HHR's equipped with the 4T45-E A/T. This allows the vehicle to be started up to 60 m (197 ft) away. After a remote vehicle start, the engine will automatically shut off after 10 minutes if the key is not inserted into the ignition switch and turned to RUN. The maximum number of remote starts between ignition key cycles is two.

Radio

The HHR is equipped with the new GM Black Tie Radio. The three radios offered are:

The US8 and US9 radios are equipped with a 3.5 mm (0.137 in) stereo jack. This is an input jack in which a MP3 or I-Pod can be connected and played through the vehicles speakers. The US8 and US9 radios are also equipped with a cooling fan to dissipate the heat generated by the radio amplifier. The fan will turn on when the radio internal temperature is above 21°C (70°F), and will turn off at 18°C (65°F). The fan will continue to run with the key off until the radio temperature is at or below 18°C (65°F).

Although the antenna lead resembles those used on the other radios, there is an important difference. The antenna connector has internal fingers that grip the center portion of the socket on the rear of the radio chassis. The main circuit board can be damaged if the antenna lead is pulled to disconnect it from the radio chassis.

To disconnect the antenna lead, slightly push the antenna lead toward the radio to relieve the tension on the internal fingers. Then pull back on the spring-loaded locking ring and remove the connector from the radio.

Due to the configuration of the connector, it is recommended that the new test adapter (tool # EL-47749) be used with a multimeter to test the antenna lead.

Available Accessories

Several GM Accessories are available for the HHR. These accessories are designed to complement and function with other systems on the HHR. Accessories are available/installed through the dealership or through a GM approved Accessory Distributor/Installer (ADI) (U.S. Only). Refer to the following chart:

Painted Condensers

GM determined that painting the condenser improves the appearance through the lower fascia air intake and when the hood is open. Early built vehicles will NOT have the painted condensers. It is important to note that there is no functional difference between these two condensers, only appearance.

Towing

Important:  The HHR CAN NOT be "dolly" towed. Dolly towing the vehicle may cause damage due to the low ground clearance to the tailpipe.

The HHR may be towed recreationally ("dinghy towed" -- behind another vehicle). The following steps should be followed to prepare a vehicle to be "dinghy" towed:

1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition key to ACC to unlock the steering wheel.
3. Shift your transmission/transaxle to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Release the parking Brake.
5. To prevent the battery from draining while the vehicle is being towed, remove the #8 Ignition Switch, Pass-Key III+ fuse from the floor console fuse block .

For those vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle and proper trailer towing equipment, the HHR has a maximum 450 kg (1,000 lb) towing capacity. Refer to section 4 -- Weight of the Trailer and Weight of the Trailer Tongue in the Owners Manual for complete information.

Wipers

There are three wiper modes: Pulse, Low and High. In the Pulse mode, it is important to note that the wiper timing will fluctuate with the vehicle speed. If the vehicle speed is less than 80 km/h (50 mph), the wipers will toggle anywhere between low and 3 seconds between wipes. In certain weather situations, if the vehicle speed is less than 80 km/h (50 mph), the customer may find it necessary to switch the wipers to the Low mode.

Chime Volume Control

The chime volume is controlled through the radio. The volume can be switched between "Normal" and "Loud." To adjust the volume, turn the radio off and press and hold the #6 preset button for two seconds.

Power Mirrors

The power outside rearview mirrors may be adjusted using the controls located on the door panel. It is important to press the control button at the 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, or 9 o'clock position in order to move the mirrors. If the control button is pressed between these positions (arrows), the mirrors will not move.

BCM Set-up

A new body control module (BCM) must be programmed with the proper regular production option (RPO) configurations. The BCM stores the information regarding the vehicle options and if the BCM is not properly configured with the correct RPO codes, the BCM will not control all of the features properly. The Tech 2® software will automatically prompt you with the RPO available for the vehicle.

Cruise Control Telltale

There is not a cruise control telltale on the I/P. When the cruise control is active, the indicator light on the switch will be lighted.

Parking Brake

Caution:  If the lever is not pulled up far enough, the vehicle may roll.

If the front passenger seat back is folded down, the armrest may make it difficult to grab and pull up on the lever to set the parking brake. Grab lower on the lever or raise the seatback so that the parking brake can be set.

Automatic Headlamp Control

The HHR is equipped with an Automatic Lamp Control system which automatically turns the headlamps and other exterior lamps on at dusk or when necessary. The exterior lamps can also be operated manually. The I/P backlight is not integrated in the headlamp switch. The automatic lamp control system must determine if it's dark enough to turn the I/P backlights on.

Important:  In rainy weather, etc., the customer may comment that they manually turned on the headlamps, however, the I/P lights did not come on. It is important to note that the I/P backlight will only turn on when indicated by the Automatic Lamp Control's light sensor. This condition is not related to the headlamp switch function, BCM or I/P function. This is considered a normal condition and no parts should be replaced.

The following new tools are essential to service the HHR:

Important: The LE5 engine essential tools will not be shipped immediately. The LE5 engine is on Exchange until 10-16-2005.

The PDI form was revised to ensure special attention is paid to the following areas:

For Dealers in Canada, the PDI form is available for download from the "GM World of Warranty" on the GMinfoNET.