I'm getting tired of coming out to my (garaged) HHR and finding the battery either stone dead, or insufficiently charged to start the car. It's been pretty cold lately.

I'm thinking of installing a trickle charger and plugging the car in overnight.

I was also wondering if there was any experience with putting larger batteries in the HHR.

Thanks,
Ed G

 

Well, no as the compartment is only so big, I suggest you check your battery, depending on how old it is, it could be on it's last legs.
My 3 1/2 year old battery had a dead cell in it, so I would have it checked , many parts stores will test it at no charge. it could also be your alternator, or your serpentine belt.
ensure you get the correct battery for the HHR, with the vent tube connected correctly.
ensure your connections are clean and tight. Check your ground connections at the trans and rad cradle are also clean and tight.

 

Time for an AGM battery...
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/comm...battery-52505/

 

Why?? His stock battery, if faulty, lasted 4 years. About right for a grocery getter in a cold climate. Vehicle probably wasn't driven for long periods or fast enough to insure proper reliable charging. If that is the case, even a AGM will not sufficiently charge. And he can get a good wet cell, for a lot less money than an AGM, that will last just as long. Ask me how I know Waste of money for an economy grocery getter .....IMO.

edgreenberg.......if you replace the battery I would still use a trickle charger at night.....best thing to insure reliability.

 

A group 48 battery should fit. They have the vent (at least at NAPA) and a lot more CCAs.

 

I should have mentioned that the battery was replaced December 2013. The car is a 2011. The terminals were all cleaned, both front and back of car when the battery was changed.

It was -12 degrees overnight before the no-start.

I'm going to check the voltage now that the battery is charged and the car has started. Assuming I don't suspect a dead cell, I'll start with a trickle charger.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Ed

 

Keep us posted Ed

 

Exacty my experience, a 2011 new battery December 2013; died December 2014. Mine was from Wal-Mart.

 

My wife just replaced her battery in her 06. Seriously. I've never heard or seen a factory battery last eight years and it can get extremely cold here. I guess block heaters help.

 

Ed- a 'trickle charger' must not be left on too long or it can over charge it, & boil out the acid. Killing the battery..

I would suggest looking into a "Battery Maintainer" such as a Deltran Battery Tender Jr.
These are smart chargers & you just hook up & forget it.. Once they achieve full charge, they swtch to Float mode, maintaining your battery @ 100%.
Cost for one is about $24. on eBay

I have a couple of these that are old now but still working perfectly. They are .750mA ....

Another option is a Battery MINDer* which I have 1 as well.. 1.5mA

My HHR is still on the OEM battery installed 11/07 (build date)..