So, the world, under several unfortunate circumstances (death of an owner and death of a transmission), bestowed upon me a great deal on a 2008 Chevrolet HHR, a 2LT model with all the bells and whistles, single owner, maintained well (but with an annoying front end racket). This vehicle came to me via a family friend, and I'm the second owner, just went over 72,000 miles. It's not even "modern" but it has features I personally don't understand, being a pleb... such as "heated seats" (which are wonderful).


I am just curious if anyone has advice pertaining to driving and maintaining this model? This is the 2008 2LT.


A big question: does anyone have advice on the most useful OBD computer reader for this engine/vehicle? Also, what about the best maintenance/repair manual for this vehicle, if such a thing exists? ANY help is appreciated.


I've spent my life in smaller cars (often Japanese), so when I stumbled into this HHR, I will say I was excited given the industry standard of "bigger is better." This vehicle thusfar has been great for my job (a few hundred miles in a single day each week is one part of the job). And there's so much space (for a compact size), I can't wait for summer again (living on the coast).

So far, I enjoy how it handles, the mileage is good for the power (and use),

 

Welcome!
There is a link in my sig for a digital Owner Manual. There is also a link to how to diagnose front end noise.
Any reader will work, from the $15 ELM327 modules that interface with a smartphone to the $2000 whiz-bang tablet computers.

One thing to watch for in 2008 models: don't let the car sit with a dead or disconnected battery. The fob receiver is not programmed to retain a charge, so the tire pressure monitors will go crazy (they are related).
Usually you have time to change the battery, but one of those "9 volt minders" is worth the couple dollars (plugs into the aux power outlet).

 

Welcome to the site.

Pretty much everything has been covered over the years on this site about our little trucklets. Do some searching and you'll come across just about every topic.
If you have a specific question that you can't find an answer for, don't hesitate to post it up.

 

 

Yes welcome !!

 

Welcome to the site. As far as I know Hanes makes the only repair manual. I bought mine years ago I guess they are still available

 

as a new HHR owner myself i can tell ya i like it more and more each time i drive it. For OBD readers pretty much any bluetooth unit off ebay should be good. I just got one for like five bucks off gearbest and it worksbetter then the one i paid over a hundred bucks for a few years ago and it has way more features.

https://www.gearbest.com/obd-diagnos...ml?wid=1433363

 

 

 

Haynes, & Chilton also make a manual. But they are about the same.. I have both.. Doh...