"So far, I only have one real complaint about the HHR. I hate the fact that the gear shift is located on the center console and there is no indicator on the dash to show what gear it is in. The dash displays a plethora of information (like the temperature outside!) but they didn't think it would be nice to have it show the gear?"

My 2010 SS will show what gear my 5 speed is in. There is a selected screen available on the RPD unit.
Not sure what it shows for the owners with the auto transmission that have the RPD unit.

Here's mine:

 

My only complaint is it's a safety issue being left to the consumer to resolve. My dog hit the shifter from park, in my HHR with no key in it and it rolled down my driveway, I guess I'm lucky the was no damage to anyone else's property accept my own. This can't even be done in my 69 manual transmission Nova, because the shifter is locked once the key is removed.

 

taz3, that should not have been able to happen because you should have to press the break peddle to release the shifter from the Park position.
t

 

And push the button, and have the key in RUN (maybe ACC).

Somebody has over ridden the interlock system; that has nothing to do with manufacturing. Don't blame GM for someone that did not fix a problem in the correct manner.

It is designed to fail in the LOCKED mode, somebody didn't feel like fixing the problem and just over rode the SAFETY system. We have to edit/correct post about how to do that all the time.

(brake pedal)

 

Donbrew....I was thinking in the same line. And remember it's a "parts" car so it probably is/was not in the best of shape.....mechanically or cosmetically. No telling what the previous owner(s) did to the car.

 

Our other daily driver HHR, was the exact same until I repaired it.

The parts one is in really nice shape, 178,000 km, no rust, interior still smells new, recent new struts bearings and bushings, sadly it's actually the nicest of the 3 I own, but it does have a rod knock and would need brakes all the way around from sitting. If I would have found it before my other 2, I probably would have just changed the engine in it, but it is easier to take the parts I need and make it a parts car, so it's still my only complaint.

 

Fireman, The Auto RPD shows the gear your in (P,N,R,1,2,3,4)

 

Thanks for posting that pic Chad.

Funny. On my RPD, the 1st gear sensor for my 5 speed will not activate and light up till I reach 12 mph.
I guess one of those GM guru's had some edu-ma-cated reasoning for programming it that way.

 

That wasn't an option until 08 or 09 and I think that was for the SS only.
Although they do offer something similar after market, but it's over $300
Tim

 

Yeah even sitting still the first little notch is always lit on mine.. It's just ready to go I guess LOL