Page 251 of 430

Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
An emergency like this requires close attention and a
quick decision. If holding the steering wheel at the
recommended 9 and 3 o'clock positions, it can be
turned a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing
either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and
just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have
avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving
at all times and wear safety belts properly.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the edge of a
road onto the shoulder while driving.
If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the
pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the
accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer
so that the vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement.
Turn the steering wheel 8 to 13 cm (3 to 5 inches),
about one-eighth turn, until the right front tire contacts
the pavement edge. Then turn the steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.
5-13
Page 286 of 430

Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
The tethered fuel cap is located behind a hinged fuel
door on the passenger side of the vehicle. If the vehicle
has E85 fuel capability, the fuel cap will be yellow and
state that E85 or gasoline can be used. SeeFuel E85
(85% Ethanol) on page 6‑8. To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly counterclockwise.
The fuel cap has a spring in it; if the cap is released too
soon, it will spring back to the right.
While refueling, hang the tethered fuel cap from the
hook on the fuel door.
{WARNING:
Fuel can spray out on you if you open the fuel cap
too quickly. If you spill fuel and then something
ignites it, you could be badly burned. This spray
can happen if the tank is nearly full, and is more
likely in hot weather. Open the fuel cap slowly and
wait for any hiss noise to stop. Then unscrew the
cap all the way.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or overfill the
tank and wait a few seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the nozzle. Clean fuel from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. See Washing
Your Vehicle on page 6‑95.
6-10
Page 287 of 430

Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
When replacing the fuel cap, turn it clockwise until it
clicks. Make sure the cap is fully installed. The
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed. This would allow
fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 4‑33.
The CHECK GAS CAP message displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) if the fuel cap is not properly
installed. See DIC Warnings and Messages
on
page 4‑40for more information.
To close the fuel door securely, push the door to the
closed position.
{WARNING:
If a fire starts while you are refueling, do not
remove the nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by notifying the station
attendant. Leave the area immediately.
Notice: If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get
the right type. Your dealer can get one for you.
If you get the wrong type, it may not fit properly.
This may cause the malfunction indicator lamp to
light and may damage the fuel tank and emissions
system. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp
on
page 4‑33.
6-11
Page 303 of 430

Black plate (27,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
If no coolant is visible in the coolant recovery tank, add
coolant at the pressure cap as follows:
1. Remove the pressurecap when the cooling
system, including the
pressure cap and
upper radiator hose,
is no longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise.
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss
means there is still some pressure left to be
vented.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap and remove it.
3. Add the proper DEX-COOL coolant mixture to the coolant fill port, up to the base of the port. See
Engine Coolant
on page 6‑24Engine Coolant for
more information about the proper coolant mixture. 4. Rinse or wipe any spilled coolant from the engine
and the compartment.
5. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the COLDFILL (A) line.
6. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but leave the pressure cap off.
7. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
6-27
Page 316 of 430
Black plate (40,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Driver Side Shown
7. Locate the vertical headlamp aiming screws, which are under the hood near each headlamp assembly.
The adjustment screw can be turned with a
6 mm hex socket.
8. Turn the vertical aiming screw until the headlamp beam is aimed to the horizontal tape line. Turn it
clockwise or counterclockwise to raise or lower the
angle of the beam.
The top edge of the cut-off should be positioned at
the bottom edge of the horizontal tape line.
9. Make sure that the light from the headlamp is positioned at the bottom edge of the horizontal
tape line. The lamp on the left (A) shows the
correct headlamp aim. The lamp on the right (B)
shows the incorrect headlamp aim.
10. Repeat Steps 7 through 9 for the opposite headlamp.
6-40
Page 318 of 430
Black plate (42,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
To replace the headlamp, turn signal, or parking
lamp bulb:1. Turn the wheel to access the wheel well.
2. Remove the fasteners located on the wheel liner. To access the headlamp and the turn signal/
parking lamp bulbs. 3. Reach in behind the wheel well liner and locate the
bulb to be changed.
4. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull it straight out of the lamp assembly.
5. Pull the old bulb straight out of the bulb socket.
6. Push the new bulb straight into the bulb socket until it clicks.
7. Push the bulb socket straight into the lamp assembly and turn it clockwise to lock it into place.
8. Reinstall the wheel well liner using fasteners.
6-42
Page 319 of 430
Black plate (43,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
(CHMSL)
To replace the center high-mounted stoplamp bulb:1. Open the liftgate. See Liftgate on page 3‑11.
2. Remove the center trim located near the top of the
liftgate.
3. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull it straight out of the lamps assembly.
4. Pull the old bulb straight out of the bulb socket.
5. Push the new bulb straight into the bulb socketuntil it clicks.
6. Push the bulb socket straight into the lamp assembly and turn it clockwise to lock it into place.
7. Reinstall the center trim.
6-43
Page 320 of 430
Black plate (44,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps
A. Stoplamp/Taillamp/Turn Signal Lamp
B. Back-up LampTo replace one of these bulbs:
1. Open the liftgate. See Liftgate on page 3‑11.
2. Remove the cover in the rear cargo area of the
vehicle to access the bulbs.
3. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull it straight out of the lamp assembly.
4. Pull the bulb straight out of the socket.
5. Install a new bulb. When installing the bulb socket into the assembly, line up the tabs with the slots in
the bulb assembly.
6-44