Black plate (26,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
How to Add Coolant to the Cooling
System
{WARNING:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough.
Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
Notice: This vehicle has a specific coolant fill
procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could
cause the engine to overheat and be severely
damaged.
{WARNING:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can
start up even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
{WARNING:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn the surge tank
pressure cap —even a little —they can come out
at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the surge tank pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and surge
tank pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn
the pressure cap.
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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.
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Black plate (28,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
8. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiatorfiller port may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper DEX-COOL coolant mixture
through the fill port until the level reaches the base
of the fill port.
9. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during this procedure, if coolant begins to flow out of the
fill port, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
10. When the engine has cooled, check the coolant in the coolant recovery tank. The level in the coolant
recovery tank should be at the COLD FILL line
when the engine is cold.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of engine
overheating.
You will find a coolant temperature warning light and a
coolant temperature gauge on your vehicle's instrument
panel. See Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
on page 4‑32andEngine Coolant Temperature Gaugeon page 4‑32for more information.
You may decide not to lift the hood when this warning
appears, but instead get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program on page 8‑6. If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle
is parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fans are
running. If the engine is overheating, both fans should
be running. If they are not, do not continue to run the
engine and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:
Engine damage from running the engine
without coolant is not covered by the warranty.
Notice: If the engine catches fire because of being
driven with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly
damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
If Steam Is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
{WARNING:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is
no sign of steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
(Continued)
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Black plate (30,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to
read the manufacturer's instructions before use. If you
will be operating your vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it. Add
washer fluid until the tank
is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 6‑14for
reservoir location.
Notice:
.When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer's instructions for
adding water.
.Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze
and damage the washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system. Also, water does
not clean as well as washer fluid.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for fluid
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
.Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system and paint.
Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder and, on manual transmission
vehicles, the clutch hydraulic system use the same
reservoir. See Engine Compartment Overview
on
page 6‑14for the location of the reservoir. The
reservoir is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down:
.The brake fluid level goes down because of
normal brake lining wear. When new linings are
installed, the fluid level goes back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake and/or clutch hydraulic
system can also cause a low fluid level. Have the
brake and/or clutch hydraulic system fixed, since a
leak means that sooner or later the brakes and/or
clutch will not work well.
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Black plate (52,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Cold Tire Pressure:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi)
or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Inflation - Tire Pressure
on
page 6‑54
.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification Number (TIN), an
alphanumeric designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. See
Loading the Vehicle
on page 5‑22.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
front axle. See Loading the Vehicle
on page 5‑22.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear
axle. See Loading the Vehicle
on page 5‑22. Intended Outboard Sidewall
:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT‐Metric) Tire
:A tire used on light
duty trucks and some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned number ranging from 1
to 279 that corresponds to the load carrying
capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure
:The maximum air
pressure to which a cold tire can be inflated. The
maximum air pressure is molded onto the
sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
:The load rating for a tire
at the maximum permissible inflation pressure for
that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight
:The sum of
curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity
weight, and production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight
:The number of
occupants a vehicle is designed to seat multiplied
by 150 lbs (68 kg). See Loading the Vehicle
on
page 5‑22
.
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Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Rotation of New Tires
To maintain ride, handling, and performance of the
vehicle, it is important that the first rotation service for
new tires be performed. Tires should be rotated every
12 000 km/7,500 miles. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑60.
Scheduled Maintenance
When the Change Oil Soon Message
Displays
Change engine oil and filter. See Engine Oilon
page 6‑16. An Emission Control Service.
When the CHANGE OIL SOON message displays,
service is required for the vehicle as soon as possible,
within the next 1 000 km/600 miles. If driving under the
best conditions, the engine oil life system might not
indicate the need for vehicle service for more than a
year. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least
once a year and the oil life system must be reset. Your
dealer has trained service technicians who will perform
this work and reset the system. If the engine oil life
system is reset accidentally, service the vehicle within
5 000 km/3,000 miles since the last service. Reset the
oil life system whenever the oil is changed. See Engine
Oil Life System on page 6‑19.
When the Change Oil Soon message displays, certain
services, checks, and inspections are required.
Every Engine Oil Change
.Change engine oil and filter. Reset oil life system.
See Engine Oilon page 6‑16andEngine Oil Life
Systemon page 6‑19. An Emission Control
Service.
.Engine coolant level check. See Engine Coolanton page 6‑24.
.Engine cooling system inspection. Visual
inspection of hoses, pipes, fittings, and clamps and
replacement, if needed.
.Windshield washer fluid level check. See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 6‑30.
.Windshield wiper blade inspection for wear,
cracking, or contamination and windshield and
wiper blade cleaning, if contaminated. See
Windshield and Wiper Blades
on page 6‑96. Worn
or damaged wiper blade replacement. See
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on
page 6‑46.
.Tire inflation pressures check. See Inflation - Tire
Pressure on page 6‑54.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑60.
.Rotate tires if necessary. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑60.
7-3
Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
.Fluids visual leak check (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). A leak in any system must
be repaired and the fluid level checked.
.Engine air cleaner filter inspection. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 6‑20.
.Brake system inspection (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).
.Steering and suspension inspection. Visual
inspection for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear.
.Body hinges and latches, key lock cylinders, and
rear compartment hinges lubrication. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on
page 7‑8. More frequent lubrication may be
required when the vehicle is exposed to a
corrosive environment. Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth makes them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
.Restraint system component check. See Checking
the Restraint Systems on page 2‑73.
.Fuel system inspection for damage or leaks.
.Exhaust system and nearby heat shields
inspection for loose or damaged components.
Additional Required Services
Every 12 000 km/7,500 Miles
.Rotate tires. Tires should be rotated every
12 000 km/7,500 miles. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑60.
At Each Fuel Stop
.Engine oil level check. See Engine Oilon
page 6‑16.
.Engine coolant level check. See Engine Coolanton page 6‑24.
.Windshield washer fluid level check. See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 6‑30.
Once a Month
.Tire inflation pressures check. See Inflation - Tire
Pressure on page 6‑54.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑60.
.Sunroof track and seal inspection, if equipped. See
Sunroof on page 3‑48.
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Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
.Evaporative control system inspection. Check all
fuel and vapor lines and hoses for proper hook‐up,
routing, and condition. Check that the purge valve,
if the vehicle has one, works properly. Replace as
needed.An Emission Control Service. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency or the California
Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not
nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability
prior to the completion of the vehicle's useful life.
We, however, urge that all recommended
maintenance services be performed at the
indicated intervals and the maintenance be
recorded.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
160 000 km/100,000 Miles
.Spark plug replacement and spark plug wires
inspection. An Emission Control Service.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
240 000 km/150,000 Miles
.Engine cooling system drain, flush, and refill (or
every five years, whichever occurs first). See
Engine Coolant
on page 6‑24.An Emission
Control Service.
.Engine drive belts inspection for fraying, excessive
cracks, or obvious damage (or every 10 years,
whichever occurs first). Replace, if needed.
Owner Checks and Services
Starter Switch Check
{WARNING:
When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle
could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or
others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular brake. See Parking Brake on page 3‑30.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. For automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work only
in P (Park) or N (Neutral). If the starter works in any
other position, your vehicle needs service.
For manual transmission vehicles, put the shift
lever in Neutral, push the clutch pedal down
halfway, and try to start the engine. The starter
should work only when the clutch pedal is pushed
down all the way to the floor. If the starter works
when the clutch pedal is not pushed all the way
down, your vehicle needs service.
7-6