Just got my 2011 LT home from purchase. Love the ride and comfort. I do have a question. I get in and turn the key to on, I hear a sound lasting 1-2 sec sound from the rear of the car and it idle. Start the car and I hear it again at after you go for a start. You can not hear it over the radio, only when everything is shut off and the car is at a stop engine running. Is this a normal sound for the HHR ? I do not have anything to compare it to so any thoughts?.

 

Most likely what you hear is the electric fuel pump in the tank. It's normal unless it gets really loud or has a grinding sound.

 

Thanks for you reply. Big relief to hear that. I got certified preowned from a good chevy dealer. I know they went over it and the fuel system was check so I did not question it at first. But the more I thought abought it the more I thought I would ask. Never owned a car I could hear the pump run after startup.

 

When I turn my key ON, I hear the El pump, & it will slow down quickly as fuel need is met. Then I start it.. I don't ever hear mine otherwise..

Just my .02

 

I would still go to the service dept, and voice my concerns i.e. get it on record.

My personal experience with dealerships 234 point inspection is pretty dismal. I am absolutely sure it takes them no more than 5 minutes to "certify" a car, most of that time is consumed getting it on and off the lift while ass grabbing goes on. I still have not figured out how they missed the paint missing from every bolt head under the hood of my old 2008.

 

Thanks guys. I thought the fuel pump I was hearing as well but with nothing to compare it with thought I would ask. I will see the chevy dealer tomorrow. I do have a good friend with a 11 same spec as mine. When he gets home in a few days I will go see if his make the same sounds. So far I love this car. Driving It home at 65mph I was getting 34mpg indicated. BIG differance from my old Ford ranger I had for 20years.

 

I have owned three 2011's and never heard the fuel pump from inside.

Maybe I'm hard of hearing. I still hear the dinner call though !!

SF

 

After working on fighters for 25 years I am suprised I hear anything

 

You should not hear the fuel pump from inside once the car is running. If you do, there is likely a problem with it. They are very expensive to replace, so have it checked out while you still have warrantee coverage. I guarantee you won't like the cost if you have to have it done with no warrantee.

 

My good friend Barry came over today with his 11. same spec as mine. I drove it and his sounds the same a mine. He never heard the sound that I thought was in the rear of the car till I pointed it out in mine. then we drove his and we heard the same sound. What we concluded was at idle this 2.2 is not the quiteties motor in the world. And with the radio off you can hear the engine noise bounce around the car and leads you to think the sound is coming from rear. Thanks guys for all you input on the issue.