The only real issue was on the 08 and early 09 automatic SS. They have a TSB to install the vaccum pump on these to solve the issue.

It has nothing to do with the Turbo Up Grade at all.

Nothing to worry about. If the SS you find does not have the TSB pump repair then take it to the dealer and they will retro fit it for free.

The pump is standard on all automatics after Dec 08 or Jan of 09.

Once it is repaired it is no longer an issue. The problem happened on all 2.0 Turbo's even in the Sky and Solstice.

 

Have the issue but never had the pump added.....never had an problem with it in 2 years. Its only a cold start issue that doesn't affect normal warmed up driving. Maybe one day...

 

Hey, just before I took my car in, I was losing break pressure too. Whats the fix? BTW, it was in the morning after startup. mine is Manual transmission. I thought it was a fluke but happen 3 times while backing up.

 

I have to admit that I have really been reading into this. One thing I came across that might be helpful is they sell aftermarket electric vacuum kits, but I am neither a mechanic or an engineer so I can't recommend one! I am guessing, that as the vehicle gets older the problem may become more pronounced. Unfortunately, Chevrolet does not offer the additional vacuum pump as a fix for the people who own manual trans vehicles.

I am still debating purchasing a used HHR-SS (a manual one) because of this! On the other hand I have to admit the car is really a blast to drive! Maybe someone in the forum has given up trying to have the factory fix it and done the mod by themselves!


good luck!

 

No one has to make their own fix GM has the fix and it is FREE! This is not a fix for the common mechanic as it also involves the reflash of the computer.

TSB too long to post all information:


#09-05-22-001: Hard Brake Pedal, Extra Effort Needed to Depress Brake Pedal on Cold Start-Up (Add Auxiliary Vacuum Pump) - (Jan 22, 2009)


Subject: Hard Brake Pedal, Extra Effort Needed to Depress Brake Pedal on Cold Start-up (Add Auxiliary Vacuum Pump)


Models: 2008-2009 Chevrolet HHR SS

Built Prior to January 2009 and Equipped with Automatic Transmission



Attention: Proceed with this bulletin ONLY if a customer has brought their vehicle in for this concern. For vehicles in inventory or in the service department for an unrelated customer concern, review Bulletin # 08-05-22-001A to reprogram EBCM built prior to and including VIN Breakpoint 8S653008.


Condition
Some customers may comment that extra effort may be needed to depress the brake pedal on cold start-up.

Correction
Add an auxiliary vacuum booster pump to the brake system using the procedure listed below.
__________________


GM will fix this issue and take care of it as long as it is under 36,000 miles. If not the kit can still be installed and most dealer selling a used SS can make the repair part of the deal.

The manual SS that have had this issue which are very very few most likely have other issues involved.

 

I have an 08 SS 5sp and it does have this issue has had it since new but never took to the dealer as the tsb states its for auto's anyone have the vaccum pump installed on there 5sp cause it would be nice to not have to worry about it. Mine only does it on start up and below 60 deg air temp. When these cars start up they run a warm up cycle and it only makes 5-10 in vaccum during it. When it acts up you can barely stop going down a mild hill even pushing hard with your feet but it is easy to correct just give the engine a small rev before moving and that will usually take it out of the warm up cycle and vaccum will jump to normal. I am the only one who drives my car and thats why I have never dealt with the issued but if GM will fix it for free I might take it in. If anyone else drove the car I would definitly get it fixed.

 

This TSB repair/upgrade can not be done on a 5 speed manual.

 

Is there a fix for us with sticks, I am out of warranty anyways and have to fix the E-Brake issue first but if someone else has the same issue they should know there is a fix for the problem.

 

Like stated no TSB on the 5 Sp as so few ever had the issue when almost all the Auto's did have it.

If the car is in warranty I would keep on the dealer to find a fix. If there are few with the issue to start with and no one takes it to the dealer nothing will ever get done.

GM gets enough complaints they will have to address it. I suspect since the Hardware is made it would only take a new computer flash to make it work on the 5 sp. But that is something GM has to do and if they do not have enough reported problems they will never address it.

 

Mine did it only in the morning on startup and while backing into the street. I let off the brake and pressed it again and worked. But it did it 3 times. I only have 23K on mine. Ill get back to you what the dealer says or does. Mine just started about 2 weeks ago.