2011 CHEVROLET HHR change time

Black plate (31,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Towing a Trailer (Automatic
Transmission)
{WARNING:
The driver can lose control when pulling a trailer if
the correct equipment is not used or the vehicle is
not driven properly. For example, if the trailer is
too heavy, the brakes may not work well—or
even at all. The driver and passengers could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer only
if all the steps in this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
The vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with an
automatic transmission and the proper trailer towing
equipment. If the vehicle is not equipped as stated
above, do not tow a trailer. To identify the trailering capacity of the vehicle, read the information in
“Weight
of the Trailer” that appears later in this section.
Trailering is different than just driving the vehicle by
itself. Trailering means changes in handling,
acceleration, braking, cooling, durability and fuel
economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct
equipment, and it has to be used properly.
The following information has many time-tested,
important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of
these are important for your safety and that of your
passengers. So please read this section carefully
before pulling a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine,
transmission, wheel assemblies and tires are forced to
work harder against the drag of the added weight. The
engine is required to operate at relatively higher speeds
and under greater loads, generating extra heat. Also,
the trailer adds considerably to wind resistance,
increasing the pulling requirements.
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Black plate (35,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This checks the electrical
connection at the same time.
During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid situations that require heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer.
Because the rig is longer, it is necessary to go much
farther beyond the passed vehicle before returning to
the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand
to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
When turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel flash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps also flash, telling other drivers the
vehicle is turning, changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument
panel flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. For this reason you may think other drivers
are seeing the signal when they are not. It is important
to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
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Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
Vehicles that have a FlexFuel badge and a yellow fuel
cap can use either unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel
containing up to 85% ethanol (E85). For all other
vehicles, use only the unleaded gasoline described
underGasoline Octane on page 6‑6.
We encourage the use of E85 in vehicles that are
designed to use it. The ethanol in E85 is a “renewable”
fuel, meaning it is made from renewable sources such
as corn and other crops.
Many service stations will not have an 85% ethanol fuel
(E85) pump available. The U.S. Department of Energy
has an alternative fuels website (www.eere.energy.gov/
afdc/infrastructure/locator.html) that can help you find
E85 fuel. Those stations that do have E85 should have
a label indicating ethanol content. Do not use the fuel if
the ethanol content is greater than 85%.
At a minimum, E85 should meet ASTM Specification
D 5798. By definition, this means that fuel labeled E85
will have an ethanol content between 70% and 85%.
Filling the fuel tank with fuel mixtures that do not meet
ASTM specifications can affect driveability and could
cause the malfunction indicator lamp to come on.
To ensure quick starts in the wintertime, the E85 fuel
must be formulated properly for your climate according
to ASTM specification D 5798. If you have trouble starting on E85, it could be because the E85 fuel is not
properly formulated for your climate. If this happens,
switching to gasoline or adding gasoline to the fuel tank
can improve starting. For good starting and heater
efficiency below 0°C (32°F), the fuel mix in the fuel tank
should contain no more than 70% ethanol. It is best not
to alternate repeatedly between gasoline and E85.
If you do switch fuels, it is recommended that you add
as much fuel as possible
—do not add less than
11 L (three gallons) when refueling. You should drive
the vehicle immediately after refueling for at least
11 km (seven miles) to allow the vehicle to adapt to the
change in ethanol concentration.
E85 has less energy per gallon than gasoline, so you
will need to refill the fuel tank more often when using
E85 than when you are using gasoline. See Filling the
Tank on page 6‑9.
Notice: Some additives are not compatible with
E85 fuel and can harm the vehicle's fuel system.
Do not add anything to E85. Damage caused by
additives would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Notice: This vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be covered under the
vehicle warranty.
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Black plate (16,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance and long life,
careful attention must be paid to engine oil. Following
these simple, but important steps will help protect your
investment:
.Always use engine oil approved to the proper
specification and of the proper viscosity grade.
See“Selecting the Right Engine Oil.”
.Check the engine oil level regularly and maintain
the proper oil level. See “Checking Engine Oil”and
“When to Add Engine Oil.”
.Change the engine oil at the appropriate time.
See Engine Oil Life System on page 6‑19.
.Always dispose of engine oil properly. See “What
to Do With Used Oil.”
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each
fuel fill. In order to get an accurate reading, the vehicle
must be on level ground. The engine oil dipstick handle
is a yellow loop. See Engine Compartment Overview
on
page 6‑14for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
Obtaining an accurate oil level reading is essential:
1. If the engine has been running recently, turn off the engine and allow several minutes for the oil to
drain back into the oil pan. Checking your oil level
too soon after engine shut off will not provide an
accurate oil level reading. 2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the MIN (minimum) mark, add one
liter/quart of the recommended oil and then recheck the
level. See “Selecting the Right Engine Oil” for an
explanation of what kind of oil to use. For engine oil
crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications
on page 6‑107.
Notice: Do not add too much oil. If the engine has
so much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
mark that shows the proper operating range, the
engine could be damaged.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 6‑14for
the location of the engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level somewhere in the proper
operating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in
when through.
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Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in
the trash or pouring it on the ground, into sewers,
or into streams or bodies of water. Recycle it by taking it
to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has the Engine Oil Life System, a computer
system that indicates when to change the engine oil
and filter. This is based on engine revolutions and
engine temperature, and not on mileage. Based on
driving conditions, the mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system
to work properly, the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it indicates that an oil change is necessary.
A CHANGE OIL SOON message comes on. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑40. Change the
oil as soon as possible within the next 600 miles
(1 000 km). It is possible that, if driving under the best
conditions, the oil life system might indicate that an oil
change is not necessary for up to a year. The engine oil
and filter must be changed at least once a year and, at
this time, the system must be reset. Your dealer has
trained service people who will perform this work and reset the system. It is also important to check the oil
regularly over the course of an oil drain interval and
keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since the last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is changed
so that the system can calculate the next engine oil
change. To reset the system:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN, with the engine off.
2. Press the information and reset buttons on the Driver Information Center (DIC) at the same time to
enter the personalization menu. See DIC Vehicle
Personalization on page 4‑45.
3. Press the information button to scroll through the available personalization menu modes until the
DIC display shows OIL‐LIFE RESET.
4. Press and hold the reset button until the DIC display shows ACKNOWLEDGED. This will tell you
the system has been reset.
5. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
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Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
For vehicles with the 2.2L (VIN Code V) or 2.4L
(VIN Code B) engines, you can also reset the system
as follows:1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal slowly three times within five seconds.
3. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF, then start the engine.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comes
back on when the vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat the procedure.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the scheduled
maintenance intervals and replace it at the first oil
change after each 80 000 km (50,000 mi) interval. See
Scheduled Maintenance
on page 7‑3for more
information. If you are driving in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect the filter at each engine oil change. Replace
filter if appears dusty or dirty.
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
See Engine Compartment Overviewon page 6‑14for
the location of the engine air cleaner/filter.
To inspect the air cleaner/filter remove the filter from the
vehicle and lightly shake the filter to release loose dust
and dirt. If the filter remains caked with dirt, a new filter
is required. Never use compressed air to clean the filter.
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealer service
department.
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Black plate (61,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate the tires
as soon as possible and check wheel alignment.
Also check for damaged tires or wheels. See
When It Is Time for New Tires
on page 6‑62and
Wheel Replacement
on page 6‑67.
When rotating the vehicle's tires, always use the
correct rotation pattern shown here.
Do not include the compact spare tire in the tire
rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label. See Inflation - Tire
Pressure
on page 6‑54and Loading the Vehicleon
page 5‑22
. Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System. See
Tire
Pressure Monitor Operation
on page 6‑57.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications
on page 6‑107.
{WARNING:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a
cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be sure
to use a scraper or wire brush later,
if needed, to get all the rust or dirt off. See
Changing a Flat Tire
on page 6‑78.
Lightly coat the center of the wheel hub with
wheel bearing grease after a wheel change or tire
rotation to prevent corrosion or rust build-up. Do
not get grease on the flat wheel mounting surface
or on the wheel nuts or bolts.
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Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Once a Year
.Starter switch check. SeeOwner Checks and
Services on page 7‑6.
.Automatic transmission shiftlock control function
check. See Owner Checks and Serviceson
page 7‑6.
.Ignition transmission lock check. See Owner
Checks and Services on page 7‑6.
.Parking brake and automatic transmission P (Park)
mechanism check. See Owner Checks and
Services on page 7‑6.
.Throttle system inspection for interference, binding
or for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high
effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate
accelerator or cruise control cables.
.Underbody flushing service.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
40 000 km/25,000 Miles
.Passenger compartment air filter replacement
(or every 24 months, whichever occurs first). More
frequent replacement may be needed if you drive
in areas with heavy traffic, areas with poor air
quality, or areas with high dust levels.
Replacement may also be needed if you notice
reduced air flow, windows fogging up, or odors.
Your dealer can help you determine when it is the
right time to replace the filter.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
80 000 km/50,000 Miles
.Engine air cleaner filter replacement. See Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6‑20.
.Automatic transmission fluid change (severe
service only) for vehicles mainly driven in heavy
city traffic in hot weather, in hilly or mountainous
terrain, when frequently towing a trailer, or used for
taxi, police, or delivery service. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid on page 6‑21.
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