check transmission fluid CHEVROLET HHR 2008 1.G Owners Manual

Before Leaving on a Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having
it serviced by your dealer/retailer before departing.
Things to check on your own include:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Reservoir full? Windows
clean — inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:In good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:All levels checked?
Lamps:Do they all work and are lenses clean?
Tires:Are treads good? Are tires inated to
recommended pressure?
Weather and Maps:Safe to travel? Have
up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings
while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, nd a
safe place to park your vehicle and rest.
Other driving tips include:
Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
Keep interior temperature cool.
Keep your eyes moving — scan the road ahead
and to the sides.
Check the rearview mirror and vehicle instruments
often.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different
than driving on at or rolling terrain. Tips for driving
in these conditions include:
Keep your vehicle serviced and in good shape.
Check all uid levels and brakes, tires, cooling
system, and transmission.
Going down steep or long hills, shift to a
lower gear.
4-20

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-19
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-23
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-23
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-23
Engine Coolant.............................................5-24
Pressure Cap...............................................5-26Engine Overheating.......................................5-26
Cooling System............................................5-28
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-33
Brakes........................................................5-34
Battery........................................................5-37
Jump Starting...............................................5-38
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-43
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-46
Halogen Bulbs
..............................................5-46
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and Parking
Lamps.....................................................5-46
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL).........5-48
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................5-49
License Plate Lamp......................................5-50
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-50
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-50
Tires..............................................................5-52
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-53
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-57
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-60
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-61
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-63
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-66
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-68
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission uid
level. A transmission uid leak is the only reason for
uid loss. If a leak occurs, take your vehicle to a
dealer/retailer and have it repaired as soon as possible.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in
the Maintenance Schedule. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4. Be sure to use the transmission uid
listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-12.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Manual Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the manual transmission
uid level. A transmission uid leak is the only reason
for uid loss. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to a
dealer/retailer for service. Have it repaired as soon as
possible. You may also have your uid level checked by
your dealer/retailer when you have your oil changed.
SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12
for the proper uid to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. This system does not have its own
reservoir. It receives uid from the brake master
cylinder reservoir.
SeeBrakes on page 5-34for more information.
5-23

(h)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.
(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-24
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(k)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
(l)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter
may require replacement more often.
(m)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your dealer/retailer can assist you with these
checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by your warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15.
6-8

Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-24.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
the spare tire. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-60. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-86.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
rotate the tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-66.
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-33.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the
engine in each gear. The vehicle should start only
in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the vehicle
starts in any other position, contact your
dealer/retailer for service.
6-9

Audio System(s).............................................3-62
Automatic Door Lock.......................................2-10
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-17
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-23
Operation...................................................2-28
B
Battery..........................................................5-37
Electric Power Management..........................3-20
Run-Down Protection...................................3-20
Boost Gage...................................................3-45
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 4-6
Brakes..........................................................5-34
System Warning Light..................................3-35
Braking........................................................... 4-3
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-21
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-46
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-48
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-46
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-43
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and Parking
Lamps....................................................5-46Bulb Replacement (cont.)
License Plate Lamps....................................5-50
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-50
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-49
Buying New Tires...........................................5-69
C
Calibration.............................................2-39, 2-41
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements....... 5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-3
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-125
Carbon Monoxide...........................2-37, 4-22, 4-34
Care of
Safety Belts..............................................5-112
Cargo, Rear Side Door....................................2-12
CD, MP3 .......................................................3-72
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-48
Chains, Tire...................................................5-74
Charging System Light....................................3-34
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-40
2

Light (cont.)
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Warning
Light......................................................3-37
Fog Lamp..................................................3-44
Highbeam On.............................................3-44
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-40
Oil Pressure...............................................3-43
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-32
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-30
Security.....................................................3-44
Tire Pressure..............................................3-39
Up-Shift.....................................................3-35
Lighting
Entry/Exit...................................................3-19
Lights............................................................3-15
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-16
Limited-Slip Differential....................................4-10
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-27
Lockout Protection..........................................2-12
Locks
Automatic Door Lock....................................2-10
Delayed Locking..........................................2-10
Door........................................................... 2-9
Lockout Protection.......................................2-12
Power Door.................................................. 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock............2-10Locks (cont.)
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-11
Loss of Control...............................................4-16
Lumbar
Power Controls............................................. 1-4
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-8
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year.................................... 6-9
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-16
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................6-14
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-40
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-23
Operation...................................................2-31
Manual, Using.................................................... iii
8