Hello all! This is my first post, so don't be too hard on me. I recently purchased a 2009 hhr ls model about 3 weeks ago. The manual states I should use 91 octane, but that is hard to find where I live. My choices are 89 and 93. I've been using 93, but wondered if using 89 would cause engine knock. BTW, I have the 2.2 liter engine.

In another unrelated issue, the car I purchased was completely stock. However, the finance company states that the car should have had alloy wheels, power seats and a pioneer stereo system. Both the finance company and I are investigating this matter, as I am paying for features my hhr doesn't have. What hhr model would have these features short of the SS?

Any help is always appreciated. Thanks!

 

to the forum pcengine92!

To answer your first question, the 2.2 engine requires the use of 87 octane fuel, so that's fine. You may have confused the fuel requirement with the larger 2.4 engine which they recommend using 91 octane fuel to get the best performance. Check out page 5-5 of your owners manual.

The finance company might have incorrect information on the equipment levels of the various HHR models. The 1LT and 2LT could be equipped as you stated, but power seats and factory alloy wheels were not available on the LS. Here's a link to a VIN number decoder that will tell you exactly how your particular HHR is configured. Just click the link and input your VIN.

http://www.compnine.com/vid.php

Hope this helps answer your questions.

 

Welcome to the site!

I have the same issue as you. The maximum Octane grade here in México is 91, and the lower 89. I load almost all the time 89 Grade, and add Techron additive every 1,000 miles. At this time I haven´t issues. About your second question, the model that you refer is the HHR 2 LT

 

Welcome to the forum!

X2 what these guys have said about the models/options.

 

As already stated, the 2.2 does not require premium, 87 is fine.

And as already stated, the LS model did not come with alloys or power seat (don't think the stereo could be upgraded to the pioneer uinit either). Your finance company is looking at an LT model, as those have alloys and power seat standard, the 1LT could get the upgraded stereo and the 2LT had it standard.

 

Welcome to the site. Don't be afraid to ask any questions this forum has lots of good people that will share info and help the best they can. I have a 2.4 and have tried high fuel grades and lower fuel grades in my hhr and I realy can't tell much of a difference in my proformance. I use marathon low grade fuel and put some fuel cleaner in the tank about twice a year Im at 44000 miles and no problems so far.

 

I just got a 2011 2LT with the 2.4 and have been using 89 octane.

so far no problems in almost 2,000 miles in less than a month.

 

 

Thanks for all of the assistance, everyone. 2 more questions, though. One, when should the transmission fluid be changed, and how do I check the power steering fluid ?

 

Our cars have electric power steering, one less fluid to deal with. Our auto trans is sealed but I do believe a fluid change is doable. Owners manual will have intervals if any.