Hi. I drive a 2008 2.2L LS with a 5 speed manual tranny.
Here's my 'problem'. Once the engine has warmed up, whenever I shift gears the engine seems to over-rev even though I FULLY release the gas pedal before pressing on the clutch. It's hard to explain what I mean. For instance, if I'm stopped and idling the engine with my foot on the gas pedal to maintain the revs at let's say 2,000 RPM, well if I RELEASE the gas pedal, as quick as I can, it takes a second or two before the revs start to drop. This makes shifting a pain in the butt 'cause since the revs haven't dropped when you start pressing the clutch it sounds like you're slippin' the life out of the clutch. Funny thing though, it doesn't do that when the engine is still cold.
When I first drive off it behaves like all the standards I've driven before. Is there an adjustment for this?? Anybody else have this 'oddity'??

 

It's just slow throttle response. You'll get used to it after a while. If you "blip" the gas pedal your foot can be off before it revs. An aftermarket exhaust and possibly intake should help quite a bit. Other's have had their HHR's professionally tuned and they claim a good improvement.

 

The HHR has an electronic "drive by wire" throttle unlike the more traditional cable actuated throttles. There is a bit of a lag time,it might be adjustable but it would need to be done on the computer program level. This lag seems to be commonplace with electronic throttles as my Mustang has a bit of a lag also. You probably won`t notice it after awhile. If it bothers you it might be fixed by an adjustment at the dealer or by an aftermarket tuner.

 

Always forget about that. Too used to the "old" technology.

It took me a few weeks to be able to shift smoothly, and I had a 5 speed S-10 for three years.

The intake and exhaust should still help the engine be more responsive, but it seems a tuning is necesary for throttle response.

 

Before you invest any money in aftermarket equipment, I suggest you take it to the dealer and have them test the TPS for correct voltage...in and out.

The TPS lag has been a major problem for GM, and usually is due to a faulty sensor.

 

Boy, does this sound familiar! Not only do I get a throttle "hang up" between gears, sometimes I can be driving along at a steady speed, take my foot off the gas, and then put in the clutch, and the engine will actually speed up a bit before loosing r.p.m.! Annoying, and makes it difficult to get a clean shift. Sounds like a trip to the dealership is in order!

 

The throttle down on these new cars is controlled by the computer and modified (slowed) to reduce exhaust emissions.
That's why it varies from cold to hot.

 

Yup, that's not a problem, it's designed that way to cut emissions (making sure that all the fuel gets burned cleanly). My '04 5sp Elantra was the same; it takes some time to get used to (requires a slightly different clutch timing), but you will.

Yves

 

I couldn't have described it better ;-)
Will check with the dealer when I go in for an oil change.
Btw Mithril, are you driving a 2008 model also??
Anybody else having this prblm with a 2007 or 2006??

 

Thanks Snoopy but what does TPS stand for?? T = throttle (right?) P = pedal (maybe?) S = sensor ??? Do I win anything if I guess this right mouhahahahaa