UPDATE: Edited post to trim the fat and get to the issues at hand. Apologies to anymore who had trouble with it, it made it hard for the ones trying to help to understand what I was asking. 2009 Chevy HHR Victory Red, Chrome outside trim, black interior trim, Pioneer radio ( or at least the sub in cargo space is badged Pioneer.) Repairs I've completed- (from initial purchase up though to immediately agree repoing from ex)•Rear shocks both sides•Both front wheel hub assemblies•Starter replaced•Entire front end suspension replaced EXCEPT struts and spring and CV axles•Various odds and ends maintenance tiny. repairs to doorv handles and bumper.• Replaced battery 2 times and terminals once. Problem 1- The VF display on factory radio is super dim, to the point that I actually thought it crapped out. But just get diim. Far as can tell radio and all components work fine and the background illumination for central climate control console work fine, very brightI've rolled the dimmer wheel back and fourth a lot. - .Problem 2- battery won't keep a charge, dies completely over night. I've had to replace battery 2 times already so now when I park for any significant timeframe I disconnect negative terminal.. • I've tried locating the cause but can't pinpoint it so far. All grounds are solid nothing looks frayed or damaged. All fuses are seated, bolts tight.-Currently wondering if my broke in half key could be it. I just left the broken off piece in ignition when I park and go inside with transponderi end . Could the computer reading key is l inserted but also noticing the transponder isn't near by be killing the battery? IdkProblem 3- brakes... They go all the way to floor. When I pump brakes with car off they get hard but by time I turn key to on the built up pressure is gone, not after turning key. That a bad master cylinder right?

 

Honestly, I didn’t get very far in this wall of words. I did however read just enough to notice an error. An LS only came with the 2.2 engine. No 2.4 engine in the base LS.

 

The dim radio display could be the dash light potentiometer.
the battery draining problem can be the under hood fuse box is loose, tighten those 4 bolts past any clicks.
you mentioned the CEL is on but don’t say what the codes are. We’re gonna need just the codes , not what the counter guy says at AZ or O’R

 

@Oldblue , ok thanks for that info, nothing I read about dim display mentioned a potentiometer. I'm gonna have to research that for sure. I haven't had, AZ run codes I wasn't aware they do it for free. While ago I was charged for that service can't remember wether but it wasn't worth it they could read the code but couldn't reset codes or whatever the they can do is was ridiculous. Firemangeorge, Your correct, thank you for pointing that out. The trim badge isn't on the lift gate and had assumed it looked more like a (LS) than a (LT). After I read your reply I did a VIN search and discovered it's the 2LT with the 2.4 and built in Mexico. What does the 2 mean on the LT
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2LT was the premium model, usually loaded with power seats , seven speaker stereo, leather steering wheel, bright chrome grille, 17” wheels. It all depends on the order the dealership placed or the rental company, my 2011 is a former rental , no remote start. No sunroof. No leather seats or heated seats.

 

2LT means it has a couple of extras, like chrome exhaust tip and sunroof.
I can't read the wall of words at all. If the problem is the dash lights are always dim the fix is usually that someone cleaned the dash and turned the dimmer knob all the way down. I they brighten and dim while driving they are supposed to depending on the ambient light. Or something is covering the ambient light sensor it could have gone bad (that little bulb in the center of the cash).

A digital Owner Manual via link in my sig.

 

Thanks for the info. My HHR is victory red and the grill, backs of side mirrors door handle and 17 wheels are chrome. Im going to just redo my original post and split each thing up separately. I know I've trudged through posts on here as long or longer than mine but maybe splitting will help thanks again

 

Just to be clear, you could order a sunroof in an LS , 2.2 base model, the_shmoo’s got one in his driveway, and the Pioneer seven speaker amplifier system could be ordered in the LS also, I had one in Oldblue.

Yes go back and edit out the back story and just focus on what is happening now.

 

Any wall that long has the same complaints about readability. In my case I just had cataracts removed and can barely read anything because of distortion, add short attention span and you get "not even trying". I don't have the patience to wade through run on paragraphs. All I can see is 2 full screens full of dark spots.

 

I completely understand I didn't mean anything by it. Idk why I thought the back story would give it context. These little aggravations have completely baffled me and I guess I went from asking for advice to full rant and tangent. I didn't know I could go back and edit it but I will figure out how and do just that thank you