CHEVROLET HHR 2011 1.G Owners Manual
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A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See“Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluidon
page 6‑30.
B. Pressure Cap. See Cooling System on page 6‑22.
C. Coolant Recovery Tank. See “Checking Coolant”
under Engine Coolant on page 6‑24.
D. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter on page 6‑20.
E. Electric Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System Cooling System on page 6‑22.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
under Engine Oil on page 6‑16. G. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See
“Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 6‑16.
H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See Brakeson
page 6‑30and Hydraulic Clutch on page 6‑22.
I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting
on page 6‑34.
J. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. See Engine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 6‑104.
K. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Out of View). See Jump Starting on page 6‑34.
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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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Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil depends on both the
proper oil specification and viscosity grade:
Specification
Use and ask for engine oils with the dexos™
certification mark. Oils meeting the requirements of your
vehicle should have the dexos™certification mark on
the container. This certification mark indicates that the
oil has been approved to the dexos™ specification.
Your vehicle was filled at the factory with dexos™
approved engine oil. Notice:
Use only engine oil that is approved to the
dexos™ specification or an equivalent engine oil of
the appropriate viscosity grade. Engine oils
approved to the dexos™ specification will show the
dexos™ symbol on the container. Failure to use the
recommended engine oil or equivalent can result in
engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty.
If you are unsure whether your oil is approved to
the dexos™ specification, ask your service provider.
Use of Substitute Engine Oils if dexos™ is unavailable:
In the event that dexos™ approved engine oil is not
available at an oil change or for maintaining proper oil
level, you may use substitute engine oil displaying the
API Starburst symbol and of SAE 5W-30 viscosity
grade. Use of oils that do not meet the dexos™
specification, however, may result in reduced
performance under certain circumstances.
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Viscosity Grade
SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle.
Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W‐30,
10W‐40, or 20W-50.
Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme
cold, where the temperature falls below−29°C (−20°F),
an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this
viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting
an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to
always select an oil that meets the required
specification, dexos™. See
“Specification”for more
information.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils
with the dexos™ specification and displaying the
dexos™ certification mark are all that is needed for
good performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not recommended and
could cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand
cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer's
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
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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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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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To inspect or replace the filter, do the following:1. Disconnect the Mass Air Flow sensor, PCV hose, and both ducts.
2. Pull the entire system from the top of the engine.
3. Turn the system over and place it on a soft, non‐ abrasive surface.
4. Remove the screws that hold the housing and cover together and lift off the housing.
5. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
6. Reverse the steps to reinstall the system. Be sure to reinstall the housing tightly.
{WARNING:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter off
can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to stop
flames if the engine backfires. Use caution when
working on the engine and do not drive with the
air cleaner/filter off.
Notice: If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt can easily
get into the engine, which could damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place when you are
driving.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only reason for fluid
loss. If a leak occurs, take your vehicle to a dealer and
have it repaired as soon as possible.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in the
Maintenance Schedule. See Scheduled Maintenance
on page 7‑3. Be sure to use the transmission fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricantson
page 7‑8.
Notice: Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
fluid may damage the vehicle, and the damages may
not be covered by the vehicle's warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7‑8.
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Manual Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the manual transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the only reason
for fluid loss. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to a
dealer for service. Have it repaired as soon as possible.
You may also have the fluid level checked by your
dealer when the oil is changed. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants
on page 7‑8for the proper fluid
to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. This system does not have its own
reservoir. It receives fluid from the brake master cylinder
reservoir.
See Brakes
on page 6‑30for more information.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the engine to maintain the
correct working temperature.
2.4L L4 Engine Shown, 2.2L L4 Engine Similar
A. Pressure Cap
B. Coolant Recovery Tank
C. Electric Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
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{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:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Do not touch them. If you
do, you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you run
the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you could be burned.
Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.
Notice: Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®can
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant could
require changing sooner, at 50 000 km (30,000 miles)
or 24 months, whichever occurs first. Any repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always use DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant in the
vehicle.
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Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in the vehicle for 5 years or 240 000 km
(150,000 mi), whichever occurs first.
The following explains the cooling system and how to
check and add coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating, see Engine
Overheating on page 6‑28
What to Use
{WARNING:
Adding only plain water or some other liquid to the
cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. The vehicle's coolant warning
system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With
plain water or the wrong mixture, the engine could
get too hot but you would not get the overheat
warning. The engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant. If using this mixture, nothing else
needs to be added. This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down to
−34°F (−37°C),
outside temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C),
engine temperature.
.Protects against rust and corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine temperature.
Notice: If an improper coolant mixture is used, the
engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The
repair cost would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core, and
other parts.
Notice: If extra inhibitors and/or additives are used
in the vehicle's cooling system, the vehicle could be
damaged. Use only the proper mixture of the engine
coolant listed in this manual for the cooling system.
See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on
page 7‑8for more information.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking
the coolant level.
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