
Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Section 1 In Brief
Instrument Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Heated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Sensing System for Passenger Airbag . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16 Portable Audio Devices (Auxiliary Input or
USB Port) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Bluetooth
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Performance and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-20
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
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Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Notice:If the keys get locked in the vehicle, it may
have to be damaged to get them out. Always carry a
spare key.
If you are locked out of your vehicle, contact Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program
on
page 8‑6for more information.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statementon page 8‑17for
information regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) rules and Industry
Canada Standards RSS-210/220/310.
If there is a decrease in the RKE operating range,
try this:
.Check the distance. The transmitter may be too far
from the vehicle. Stand closer during rainy or
snowy weather.
.Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left
or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.
.Check the transmitter's battery. See “Battery
Replacement” later in this section.
.If the transmitter is still not working correctly, see
your dealer or a qualified technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter functions
work up to 60 feet (18 m) away from the vehicle.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 3‑4.
With Remote Start
and Remote Rear Doors Shown, Without Similar
/(Remote Vehicle Start): For vehicles with this
feature, press to start the engine from outside the
vehicle using the RKE transmitter. See Remote Vehicle
Start
on page 3‑6for additional information.
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Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the KEY FOB BATT LOW
message displays in the DIC. See“KEY FOB BATT
LOW” underDIC Warnings and Messages
on
page 4‑40for additional information.
Notice: When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter. Static from
your body could damage the transmitter.
To replace the battery:
1. Separate the transmitter with a flat, thin object inserted into the notch on the side.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object. 3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up.
Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Snap the transmitter back together.
Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote start feature. This
feature allows you to start the engine from outside the
vehicle. It may also start the vehicle's heating or air
conditioning systems. See Climate Control System
on
page 4‑18for additional information.
Laws in some local communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require a
person using remote start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low
on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the RKE
transmitter functions will have an increased range of
operation. However, the range may be less while the
vehicle is running.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, see Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System
on page 3‑4for additional
information.
/ (Remote Vehicle Start): This button will be on the
RKE transmitter if you have remote start.
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Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), andturn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. On vehicles with an
automatic transmission, the shift lever must be in
P (Park) to turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/
OFF position.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake
on
page 3‑30.
The steering can bind with the wheel turned off center.
If this happens, move it from right to left while turning
the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If this does not work,
then the vehicle needs service.
{WARNING:
If you have a manual transmission removing the
key from the ignition switch will lock the steering
column and result in a loss of ability to steer the
vehicle. This could cause a collision. If you need
to turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving,
turn the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY):
This position operates
some of the electrical accessories. It unlocks the
steering wheel and ignition.
R (ON/RUN): This is the position in which you can
operate the electrical accessories and to display some
instrument panel cluster warning and indicator lights.
The switch stays in this position when the engine is
running.
If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/
RUN position with the engine off, the battery could be
drained. You may not be able to start the vehicle if the
battery is allowed to drain for an extended period
of time.
/ (START): This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to ON/RUN for driving.
A warning tone will sound when the driver door is
opened, the ignition is in LOCK/OFF or ACC/
ACCESSORY and the key is in the ignition.
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Black plate (23,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Column Lock Release
For vehicles with an automatic transmission, the
following procedure allows the ignition to be turned to
LOCK/OFF and ignition key to be removed in case of a
dead battery or low voltage battery.1. Make sure the shift lever is in P (Park).
2. Remove the cover from the bottom of the steering column.
3. Locate the plunger.
4. Press and hold the plunger while turning theignition key to LOCK/OFF. Remove the key.
Have the vehicle serviced at your dealer as soon as
possible.
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Black plate (25,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after 5‐10 seconds, especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or
−18°C), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor
and holding it there as you hold the key in START
for a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool. When the engine starts, let go of the
key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briefly but
then stops again, repeat the procedure. This clears
the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently until the oil warms
up and lubricates all moving parts. Notice:
The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you do not,
the engine might not perform properly. Any
resulting damage would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater can provide easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm‐up in cold
weather condition at or below −18°C (0°F). Vehicles
with an engine coolant heater should be plugged in at
least four hours before starting. An internal thermostat
in the plug-end of the cord may exist which will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at temperatures
above −18°C (0°F).
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Black plate (33,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
Shifting Out of Park (Automatic
Transmission)
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
.Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever
is in P (Park) with the shift lever button fully
released, and
.Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park)
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal is
applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of a an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery with
low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery.
See Jump Starting
on page 6‑34for more information.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Then press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position. If you still are unable to shift out of P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park),
consult your dealer or a professional towing service.
Parking the Vehicle (Manual
Transmission)
Before leaving the vehicle, fully press the clutch pedal
down, move the shift lever into R (Reverse), and firmly
apply the parking brake. Once the shift lever has been
placed in R (Reverse) with the clutch pedal pressed
down, the ignition key can be turned to LOCK/OFF, then
remove the key and release the clutch pedal. See
Manual Transmission Operation on page 3‑29.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see Towing a
Trailer (Automatic Transmission)
on page 5‑31or
Towing a Trailer (Manual Transmission) on page 5‑37.
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Black plate (43,1)Chevrolet HHR Owner Manual - 2011
ICE POSSIBLE
This message displays when the outside air
temperature is cold enough to create icy road
conditions. Adjust your driving accordingly.
KEY FOB BATT (Battery) LOW
This message displays if the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter battery is low. Replace the battery in
the transmitter. See“Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
on
page 3‑4.
LOW FUEL
This message displays when your vehicle is low on fuel.
Refill the fuel tank as soon as possible. See Fuel
Gauge
on page 4‑37, Fuelon page 6‑5, and Filling
the Tankon page 6‑9for more information.
LOW TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Enhanced Traction System
(ETS) or Traction Control System (TCS), this message
displays and the ETS light or the ESC/TCS light on the
instrument panel cluster flashes when the system is
actively limiting wheel spin. Slippery road conditions may exist if this message is displayed, so adjust your
driving accordingly. This message stays on for a few
seconds after the system stops limiting wheel spin. See
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
on page 5‑10or
Traction Control System (TCS)on page 5‑8and
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Indicator/Warning
Light
on page 4‑30or Electronic Stability Control
(ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning
Light
on page 4‑31for more information.
PARKING BRAKE
This message displays if the parking brake is left
engaged. See Parking Brakeon page 3‑30for more
information.
POWER STEERING
This message displays if a problem has been detected
with the electric power steering. Have your vehicle
serviced by your dealer immediately.
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays when there is a problem with the
airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer immediately.
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