Restore Crisp, Reliable Shifting to Your Chevy HHR
From the Service Bay: The Case of the Hesitant HHR
A customer recently brought in a 2009 HHR with a classic complaint: after about 20 minutes of driving, the transmission would refuse to shift out of 2nd gear and the transmission warning light would flicker. A quick scan pulled a generic P0700 code, which simply tells you a transmission fault exists. From experience, I knew to look deeper. The fluid was clean and full, and the wiring harness looked fine. The intermittent nature of the problem, worsening as the engine bay heated up, was the key clue. It pointed straight to a failing 2006-2011 HHR Transmission Control Module. We installed a VIN-programmed unit, and the car was shifting perfectly on the first test drive. This simple swap saved the customer from a costly diagnostic runaround at the dealer.
What does VIN programming do for me?
VIN programming configures the module with your vehicle’s exact software and calibrations before it ships. This ensures it communicates perfectly with your car’s engine computer and other systems right out of the box, eliminating the need for expensive dealership programming.
Is this a difficult part to install myself?
Not at all. For a 2006-2011 HHR, this is a very DIY-friendly repair. The module is easily accessible in the engine bay, and the replacement requires only basic hand tools and about 30 minutes of your time.
Will this part fix my P0700 check engine light code?
In many cases, yes. The P0700 code is a general code indicating a fault has been detected within the transmission control system. If the root cause is a failing TCM, replacing it with this programmed unit will resolve the issue and allow the code to be cleared.
Is there a core charge for this part?
No, there is no core charge. You are not required to send your old, faulty module back to us, which simplifies the process and saves you money on shipping.