
Black plate (68,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Using Softkeys to Control a
USB Storage Device or iPod
The five softkeys below the radio display are used to
control the functions listed below.
To use the softkeys:1. Press the first or fifth softkey below the radio display to display the functions listed below,
or press the softkey below the function if it is
currently displayed.
2. Press the softkey below the tab with the function on it to use that function.
j(Pause): Press the softkey belowjto pause the
track. The tab appears raised when pause is being
used. Press the softkey below
jagain to resume
playback.
Back: Press the softkey below the back tab to go back
to the main display screen on an iPod, or the root
directory on a USB storage device.
c(Folder View): Press the softkey belowcto view
the contents of the current folder on the USB drive. To
browse and select files:
1. Press the softkey below
c.
2. Turn
fto scroll through the list of folders.
3. Press
fto select the desired folder. If there is
more then one folder, repeat Steps 1 and 2 until
the desired folder is reached.
4. Turn
fto scroll through the files in the selected
folder.
5. Press
fto select the desired file to be played.
To skip through large lists, the five softkeys can be used
to navigate in the following order:
.First softkey, first item in the list.
.Second softkey, 1% through the list each time the
softkey is pressed.
.Third softkey, 5% through the list each time the
softkey is pressed.
.Fourth softkey, 10% through the list each time the
softkey is pressed.
.Fifth softkey, end of the list.
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Black plate (79,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Theft-Deterrent Feature
THEFTLOCK®is designed to discourage theft of the
vehicle's radio by learning a portion of the Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN). The radio does not operate
if it is stolen or moved to a different vehicle.
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
Vehicles with audio
steering wheel controls
could differ depending on
the vehicle's options.
Some audio controls can
be adjusted at the
steering wheel.
e+ /e− (Volume): Press to increase or to decrease
the radio volume.
w/x(Next / Previous): Press to change radio
stations, select tracks on a CD, or to select tracks and
navigate folders on an iPod
®or USB device. To change radio stations:
.Press and releaseworxto go to the next or
previous radio station stored as a preset.
.Press and holdworxto go to the next or
previous radio station in the selected band with a
strong signal.
To select tracks on a CD:
Press and release
worxto go to the next or previous
track.
To select tracks on an iPod or USB device:
1. Press and hold
worxwhile listening to a song
until the contents of the current folder display on
the radio display.
2. Press and release
worxto scroll up or down the
list, then press and hold
wto play the highlighted
track.
To navigate folders on an iPod or USB device:
1. Press and hold
worxwhile listening to a song
until the contents of the current folder display on
the radio display.
2. Press and hold
xto go back to the previous
folder list.
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Black plate (81,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Cellular Phone Usage
Cellular phone usage may cause interference with the
vehicle's radio. This interference may occur when
making or receiving phone calls, charging the phone's
battery, or simply having the phone on. This
interference causes an increased level of static while
listening to the radio. If static is received while listening
to the radio, unplug the cellular phone and turn it off.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes
without being damaged as long as it is securely
attached to the base. If the mast becomes slightly bent,
straighten it out by hand. If the mast is badly bent,
replace it.
Occasionally check to make sure the antenna is
tightened to its base. If tightening is required, tighten by
hand until fully seated plus one quarter turn.
XM™Satellite Radio Antenna
System
The XM Satellite Radio antenna is located on the roof of
the vehicle. Keep the antenna clear of obstructions for
clear radio reception.
If the vehicle has a sunroof, the performance of the
XM system may be affected if the sunroof is open.
Chime Level Adjustment
The radio may be used to adjust the vehicle's chime
level. If the radio can be used to change the volume
level of the chime, press and hold the sixth numbered
pushbutton or the sixth FAV pushbutton with the ignition
on and the radio power off. The volume level changes
between Normal and Loud. The selected volume level
appears on the radio display.
Removing the radio and not replacing it with a factory
radio or chime module will disable vehicle chimes.
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Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
allowing realistic following distances eliminates a lot of
unnecessary braking. That means better braking and
longer brake life.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being
driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes.
If the brakes are pumped, the pedal could get harder to
push down. If the engine stops, there will still be some
power brake assist but it will be used when the brake is
applied. Once the power assist is used up, it can take
longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder
to push.
If the vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and
the 2.0L turbocharged engine, it also has a hydraulic
brake boost feature which supplements the power brake
system to maintain consistent brake performance under
conditions of low brake booster vacuum. Low brake
booster vacuum conditions can include initial start up
after the vehicle has been parked for several hours,
very frequent brake stops, or high altitude driving. When
hydraulic brake boost is active, minor brake pulsation or
movement might be felt but this is normal. If brake pedal
feel changes or the brake pedal feels hard to push, the
system might not be receiving the intended brake boost
and the SVC BRAKE SYSTEM DIC message may be
displayed.
Adding non‐dealer accessories can affect vehicle
performance. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on
page 6‑3.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The vehicle might have the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking
system that helps prevent a braking skid.
If the vehicle has ABS,
this warning light on the
instrument panel comes
on briefly when the
vehicle is started.
When the engine is started, or when the vehicle begins
to drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor or
clicking noise might be heard while this test is going on,
and it might even be noticed that the brake pedal
moves or pulses a little. This is normal.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work the brakes at each wheel.
5-4

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
until the ABS activates. Minor brake pedal pulsations or
pedal movement during this time is normal and the
driver should continue to apply the brake pedal as the
driving situation dictates The Brake Assist feature will
automatically disengage when the brake pedal is
released or brake pedal pressure is quickly decreased.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
The vehicle has an Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system which combines antilock brake, and traction and
stability control systems that help the driver maintain
directional control of the vehicle in most driving
conditions.
When the vehicle is started and begins to move, the
system performs several diagnostic checks to ensure
there are no problems. The system may be heard or felt
while it is working. This is normal and does not mean
there is a problem with the vehicle. The system should
initialize before the vehicle reaches 20 mph (32 km/h).
If the system fails to turn on or activate, the ESC/TCS
light comes on, and the ESC OFF and/or SERVICE
ESC message displays.
For more information, seeDriver Information Center
(DIC)
on page 4‑38and Electronic Stability Control
(ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning
Light on page 4‑31.
This light flashes on the
instrument panel cluster
when the ESC system is
on and activated.
ESC activates when the computer senses a
discrepancy between the intended path and the
direction the vehicle is actually traveling. ESC
selectively applies braking pressure at any one of the
vehicle's brakes to help steer the vehicle in the intended
direction.
When the system activates, an ESC ACTIVE message
displays on the Driver Information Center. See DIC
Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑40. This light also
flashes on the instrument panel cluster when the ESC
system is on and activated. Noise or vibration may be
felt in the brake pedal. This is normal. Continue to steer
the vehicle in the desired direction.
When the light is on solid and the message(s),
SERVICE ESC, ESC OFF, or both display, the system
will not assist the driver in maintaining directional
control of the vehicle. Adjust your driving accordingly.
See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 4‑40.
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Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Traction Control System (TCS)
The vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS) that
limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that the front wheels are spinning too much or are
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system works the front brakes and reduces engine
power by closing the throttle and managing engine
spark to limit wheel spin.
This light flashes while
the traction control system
is limiting wheel spin.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working.
This is normal and does not mean there is a problem
with the vehicle.
See Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light
on page 4‑31for
more information. If the vehicle is in cruise control while TCS begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. The cruise control can be re-engaged when
road conditions allow. See
Turn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 4‑4.
When this light is on and
either the SERVICE
TRACTION or TRACTION
OFF message is
displayed, the system will
not limit wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly. See DIC Warnings and
Messages
on page 4‑40for more information.
The Traction Control System comes on automatically
whenever the vehicle is started. It is recommended to
leave the system on for normal driving conditions, but it
may be necessary to turn the system off if the vehicle is
stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow, and you want to “rock”
your vehicle to attempt to free it. It may also be
necessary to turn off the system when driving in off-road
conditions where high wheel spin is required. See If
Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on
page 5‑21.
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Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
To turn the system off or
on, press and release the
ESC/TCS button located
on the instrument panel.
The DIC displays the appropriate message as
described previously when the button is pressed.
Traction Control Operation
Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing engine
power to the wheels (engine speed management) and
by applying brakes to each individual wheel
(brake-traction control) as necessary.
The traction control system is enabled automatically
when the vehicle is started, and it will activate and flash
the ESC/TCS light and display the LOW TRACTION
message if it senses that either of the front wheels are
spinning or beginning to lose traction while driving. For
more information on the LOW TRACTION message,
see Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 4‑38.
Notice: If the wheel(s) of one axle are allowed to
spin excessively while the ESC/TCS, ABS and Brake
warning lights and the SERVICE ESC and/or
SERVICE TRACTION messages are displayed, the
differential could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Reduce
engine power and do not spin the wheel(s)
excessively while these lights and this message are
displayed.
Notice:
When traction control is turned off,
or Competitive Driving Mode is active, it is possible
to lose traction. If you attempt to shift with the drive
wheels spinning with a loss of traction, it is
possible to cause damage to the transmission. Do
not attempt to shift when the drive wheels do not
have traction. Damage caused by misuse of the
vehicle is not covered. See the warranty book for
additional information.
The traction control system may activate on dry or
rough roads or under conditions such as heavy
acceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts
of the transmission. When this happens, a reduction in
acceleration may be noticed or a noise or vibration may
be heard. This is normal.
If the vehicle is in cruise control while the system
activates, the ESC/TCS light flashes and the cruise
control automatically disengages. The cruise control
can be re-engaged when road conditions allow. See
Cruise Control on page 4‑8.
Adding non‐dealer/non‐retailer accessories can affect
the vehicle's performance. See Accessories and
Modifications
on page 6‑3for more information.
5-9

Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
The vehicle may have an Enhanced Traction System
(ETS) that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in
slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it
senses that one or both of the front wheels are spinning
or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system reduces engine power and may also upshift the
transmission to limit wheel spin.
If the vehicle has ETS, there is not an ESC/TCS button
on the instrument panel. To turn the system off, shift to
L (Low) or R (Reverse). There is more information about
how to turn the system off later in this section.
The ETS indicator/warning light flashes and LOW
TRACTION appears on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) when the traction control system is actively
limiting wheel spin. The system may be heard or felt
while it is working, but this is normal. Slippery road
conditions may exist if this message is displayed, so
adjust your driving accordingly.
If the vehicle is in cruise control when the ETS begins
to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. The cruise control can be re-engaged when
road conditions allow. SeeCruise Control on page 4‑8.
The ETS indicator/warning light may come on for the
following reasons:
.The indicator/warning light flashes while the
traction control system is limiting wheel spin.
.If the system is turned off by moving the shift lever
to L (Low), the indicator/warning light comes on
and stays on. To turn the system back on, move
the shift lever back to a position other than L (Low).
The indicator/warning light should go off.
.The indicator/warning light will come on when the
parking brake is set with the engine running, and it
will stay on if the parking brake does not release
fully. If the transmission shift lever is in any position
other than L (Low) and the indicator/warning light
stays on after the parking brake is fully released,
there is a problem with the system.
.If the traction control system is affected by an
engine related problem, the system will turn off and
the indicator/warning light will come on.
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