First of all Hello to all of you . I am new and a new owner of a 2009 HHR lt flex fuel something happened today I am not sure what to do . I was on a gravel road going up hill and lost traction and the car just quit mashed the gas nothing .. it was running but nothing . backed up hit it again and the same thing
nothing ... got a running start and it made it but it ran like crap thru the gravel and grass being in NC is this common for this car .. if so it will not do well in snow either then ??

 

Not sure what kind of incline you were on. You may need a tranny service

 

Would that be the traction control engaging because it senses the wheels spinning on the gravel?

Try the hill again with the traction control disabled ... read the manual for this.

 

That would be my guess with the info provided.

 

Welcome to the site

I agree it sounds like the traction control was kicking in because of the loose gravel.

If the traction control sees wheel spin it will adjust engine power and apply the brakes trying to limit wheel spin for better traction.

Is some cases on real low traction roads like ice or loose gravel the traction control will over compensate making the engine power very low.

You can disable the traction control with the button on the dash.

If you need a owners manual you can download one here. https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/gene...s-manual-3074/

 

i went back and did what you said it seemed to help but my question which i cant find an answer for is can you drive the car with this off for an extended period of time without harm to tranny. and have any of you driven in sand and snow with the car

 

Correct me if I am wrong, but, traction control is for maintaining traction, not prevention of damage to the trans....

 

also been reading on chips for the HHR for the money which is the best i have the flex fuel motor and need an intake which do you recommend

 

that is why Dog i am here with you experts ..... new to the hhr I am a dodge truck man Cummins all the way this is way new

 

Turning off the traction is actually part of my routine when I get in the car. Turning it off will not do any harm to anything, except maybe the tires if you have a heavy foot off the line.

As far as "chips", there really isn't anything you can do short of a tune. I don't have experience with tunes yet, but from what I've seen on here, either HPTuners or Trifecta would be your best bet. What eng/trans do you have? 2.2 or 2.4? auto or manual?

As far as intakes, people on here have done tests and found that there really isn't much you can do to improve other getting a K&N drop in filter.