Hello,

New member, long time lurker...

My wife and I will be picking up our new 09 HHR SS this weekend and I was wondering about the "Brake Fix". From utilizing the "search tool", I've been able to gather that it is a problem that it primarily affects vehicles with ATs and has a tendency to rear its head in cold weather (mornings). As I understand, the issue is addressed in TSB 09-05-22-001, which basically adds a vacuum pump into the system.

What exactly causes the problem and what are the symptoms? If someone does have a situation that requires the "Brake Fix", is it a free repair/upgrade if the service tech is aware (or you make them aware) of the TSB? If not, estimated cost.

For folks that have the problem on cold mornings, how cold is it? We live in Southern Cal and only have cold mornings of 37 degrees a few times a year.

Very interested in any additional information about the "Brake Fix". Would like to do the Stage 1 upgrade eventually, but if the brakes are funky... what would be the point?

Rich R.

 

The problem is low vacuum in the brake booster at initial start-up when the engine is cold. Cold meaning has been sitting for 4 or more hours. It doesn't necessarily mean cold ambient temperature.

If you start the vehicle and the brake pedal is very hard when applying the condition is happening. After 30 seconds or so the brakes go back to normal because the vacuum is built up from the engine running. After that you would not experience it again until the vehicle has been sitting for an exteneded time.

If you want to tear up the road get the stage kit.

 

be sure to drive it like you stole it, I do.

 

Yes I had mine fixed and it is free.

The problem mostly effects people who let them sit overnight ans drive away as soon as they star the car.

The vacuume leaks down like it does in any car over night but at start up the turbo engine just does not have a lot of vacuume to refill the booster in less than 30 sec.

It can happen any time some claim it is worse in colder air but it really is just the same.

The pedal like pointed out above is hard like a brick. It will stop but you just have to stand on it and if you not ready it may give you a bit of a start.

Just contact your dealer and tell them what the problem is and the TSB. They will confirm it and fix it for free. You may need to take it in and leave it over night so they can confirm it. If so ask for a loaner car.

I would recomend getting it done as I suspect all the new 09 and on will have it in place on ever Automatic HHR SS, Solstice GXP and Sky Redline Tubos.

Also the stage kit is now corrected to work with the brake upgrade. I just read the new install instructions and they have the reflash for the upgrade included.

My kit will be in in about a week so I am ready for spring.

 

Thanks for all the quick replies. This was exactly the information I was looking for. To step around the "hard pedal" issue, it appears that some folks remote start the vehicle for a few minutes.

I'm sooo looking forward to bringing this baby home and I gotta start looking for change under the couch cushions to save up for the Stage 1.

Rich R.

 

Information in another post here indicated that the brake fix is included from the factory on all SS models built this year so check the build date on yours. Mine was built on March 4 and I have no brake problems whatsoever. I've tested it a couple of times (immediate take off after cold overnight sitting) and the brakes are solid as can be. Not sure if it's related to the fix but my car had this glovebox hanger on it when I picked it up:

 

RoadDawg, that is an interesting read... that would be great if the "brake fix" was already included in your ride. Maybe ChevyMgr can chime in here and give some insight on how you might find out for sure. On a slightly (or very) off topic note, if the "brake fix" was already included in one's '09 build, which calibration would you use for a Stage 1 install?

p.s. I grew up in Santa Clara... gooo Sharks!!!

 

That tag was also in my 08 and everyone I test drove.

As for the 09's I would expect since Jan or Feb build most should be getting the fix from the factory.

that is part of what too the fix a whle to come out. Things like this need to be able to be a factory fix and retr then tested tooled up etc. THat is why I kept explaining this is not just some garage fix.

As for the flash, you get two numbers. One for a 09 with vac assiste and one with out. I would assume the dealer will see if yours does have a pump or not then apply the correct flash. I would say you must have the pump update if your auto is working fine.

 

That pic is for an earlier "fix". Before they came out with the vacuum pump, they came up with new programming to activate the ABS system to help when there was insufficient vacuum. It does help but doesn't fully fix the problem. The true fix is the auxiliary vacuum pump that they are installing now.