Basic Information Identification Make: Chevrolet Model: HHR Year: 2008 Body Style: Compact Crossover / Wagon Codes Platform: GM Delta Platform (shared with Cobalt, Astra) Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Crossover/Wagon, targeting buyers seeking a versatile and stylish vehicle with a retro-inspired design. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Scion xB, Kia Soul (later models), potentially smaller SUVs like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 in terms of utility. Key Features Design Language: Distinctive retro, 'hot-rod' inspired styling reminiscent of a customized classic wagon. Versatility: Practical wagon-like cargo space with a folding rear seat and a fold-flat front passenger seat in some configurations. Performance Variant: The 'SS' (Super Sport) model offered a significant performance upgrade with a turbocharged engine. Manual Details Coverage Areas Engine Options Covered: 2.0L Turbocharged Ecotec (LSJ), 2.4L Ecotec (LE5) Transmission Options Covered: 5-speed Manual (F35), 4-speed Automatic (4T45-E) Trim Levels Covered: LS, 1LT, 2LT, SS Page Count Estimated Pages: 350-450 (typical for this era and model) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission operation and fluid checks. Chassis: Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires. Electrical: Lighting systems (headlamps, taillamps, interior), instrumentation, wipers, horn, power accessories, battery, charging system overview. Comfort And Convenience: Climate control (HVAC), infotainment system (radio, CD player), power windows/locks, seating adjustments, keyless entry, remote start operation. Safety And Security: Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems (LATCH), anti-lock braking system (ABS) operation, traction control system (TCS) operation, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake, power steering, windshield washer), tire pressure checks and adjustment, bulb replacement, fuse replacement. Troubleshooting Basic: Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic operation of vehicle systems, troubleshooting common accessory issues. Emergency Procedures: Jump starting the vehicle, changing a flat tire, basic first aid reminders (though not a medical manual). Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive owner-level information covering operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or internal component repair instructions typically found in a service manual. Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF PDF Quality: High-resolution scans or native digital format, optimized for readability and display of images/graphics. Searchability: Likely text-searchable if a native PDF, but may be image-based if scanned from print. Print Quality Printable: Yes, without restriction. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine 1: 2.4L Ecotec Inline-4 (LE5) Displacement 1: 2384 cc (2.4 Liters) Horsepower 1: 171 hp @ 6200 rpm Torque 1: 163 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm Optional Engine Engine 2: 2.0L Ecotec Turbocharged Inline-4 (LSJ) - SS Model Displacement 2: 1998 cc (2.0 Liters) Horsepower 2: 260 hp @ 5300 rpm Torque 2: 260 lb-ft @ 2500-4500 rpm Performance Fuel Type Standard: Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended) Fuel Type Turbo: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended for SS) Fuel System Induction: Port Fuel Injection (LE5), Sequential Fuel Injection with Turbocharger (LSJ) Emission Control: Catalytic Converter, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) Transmission Standard Transmission 1: 5-Speed Manual (F35) Optional Transmission 2: 4-Speed Automatic (4T45-E) Features Traction Control: Available with both transmissions, standard on SS. Manual Clutch: Hydraulic clutch actuation. Automatic Mode: Includes Driver Shift Control (manual shifting capability) for the 4T45-E. Dimensions Exterior Length: 4425 mm (174.2 in) Width: 1791 mm (70.5 in) Height: 1605 mm (63.2 in) Wheelbase: 2680 mm (105.5 in) Front Track: 1534 mm (60.4 in) Rear Track: 1504 mm (59.2 in) Interior Front Headroom: 39.0 in (991 mm) Rear Headroom: 38.0 in (965 mm) Front Legroom: 41.7 in (1059 mm) Rear Legroom: 34.0 in (864 mm) Cargo Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat: 26.1 cu ft (739 L) Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded: 55.6 cu ft (1574 L) Weights Curb Weight Min: 1390 kg (3064 lbs) (LS, manual) Curb Weight Max: 1475 kg (3252 lbs) (SS, automatic) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr: Approx. 1850 kg (4079 lbs) Towing Capacity: Not Recommended / Not Specified Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Driver: ★★★★☆ (4 Stars) NHTSA Frontal Passenger: ★★★★☆ (4 Stars) NHTSA Side Driver: ★★★★☆ (4 Stars) NHTSA Side Rear Passenger: ★★★★☆ (4 Stars) NHTSA Rollover: ★★★★☆ (4 Stars) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System Traction Control: Standard Traction Control System (TCS) Stability Control: Electronic Stability Control (ESC) not standard on all 2008 models, but available/standard on higher trims or later production runs. Tpms: Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags. Seat Belts: 3-point seat belts with pretensioners in front, 3-point seat belts in rear. Upper tether anchors for child seats. Child Restraints: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for rear seats. Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Standard AM/FM/CD player with 6 speakers. Optional SiriusXM satellite radio, auxiliary input jack. Navigation: No integrated...
Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Lighting systems (headlamps, taillamps, interior), instrumentation, wipers, horn, power accessories, battery, charging system overview.
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control (HVAC), infotainment system (radio, CD player), power windows/locks, seating adjustments, keyless entry, remote start operation.
Safety And Security:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems (LATCH), anti-lock braking system (ABS) operation, traction control system (TCS) operation, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake, power steering, windshield washer), tire pressure checks and adjustment, bulb replacement, fuse replacement.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic operation of vehicle systems, troubleshooting common accessory issues.
Emergency Procedures:
Jump starting the vehicle, changing a flat tire, basic first aid reminders (though not a medical manual).
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information covering operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or internal component repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
PDF Quality:
High-resolution scans or native digital format, optimized for readability and display of images/graphics.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if a native PDF, but may be image-based if scanned from print.
Print Quality
Printable:
Yes, without restriction.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine 1:
2.4L Ecotec Inline-4 (LE5)
Displacement 1:
2384 cc (2.4 Liters)
Horsepower 1:
171 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque 1:
163 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Optional Engine
Engine 2:
2.0L Ecotec Turbocharged Inline-4 (LSJ) - SS Model
Displacement 2:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower 2:
260 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque 2:
260 lb-ft @ 2500-4500 rpm
Performance
Fuel Type Standard:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Fuel Type Turbo:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended for SS)
Fuel System
Induction:
Port Fuel Injection (LE5), Sequential Fuel Injection with Turbocharger (LSJ)
Available with both transmissions, standard on SS.
Manual Clutch:
Hydraulic clutch actuation.
Automatic Mode:
Includes Driver Shift Control (manual shifting capability) for the 4T45-E.
Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4425 mm (174.2 in)
Width:
1791 mm (70.5 in)
Height:
1605 mm (63.2 in)
Wheelbase:
2680 mm (105.5 in)
Front Track:
1534 mm (60.4 in)
Rear Track:
1504 mm (59.2 in)
Interior
Front Headroom:
39.0 in (991 mm)
Rear Headroom:
38.0 in (965 mm)
Front Legroom:
41.7 in (1059 mm)
Rear Legroom:
34.0 in (864 mm)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
26.1 cu ft (739 L)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
55.6 cu ft (1574 L)
Weights
Curb Weight Min:
1390 kg (3064 lbs) (LS, manual)
Curb Weight Max:
1475 kg (3252 lbs) (SS, automatic)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 1850 kg (4079 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended / Not Specified
Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
★★★★☆ (4 Stars)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
★★★★☆ (4 Stars)
NHTSA Side Driver:
★★★★☆ (4 Stars)
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:
★★★★☆ (4 Stars)
NHTSA Rollover:
★★★★☆ (4 Stars)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) not standard on all 2008 models, but available/standard on higher trims or later production runs.
Tpms:
Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners in front, 3-point seat belts in rear. Upper tether anchors for child seats.
Child Restraints:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for rear seats.
Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player with 6 speakers. Optional SiriusXM satellite radio, auxiliary input jack.
Navigation:
No integrated factory navigation system offered for 2008 HHR.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking assist sensors were an optional feature.
Connectivity
Usb Port:
Not standard, but some aftermarket head units or dealer-installed accessories might offer this.
Bluetooth:
Not standard for 2008 HHR. Available through aftermarket solutions.
Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) using synthetic oil, or 3,000 miles / 3 months with conventional oil. Monitor oil life system.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed. Typically around 30,000 miles depending on conditions.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Initial flush at 5 years or 150,000 miles, then every 5 years or 150,000 miles thereafter.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect at 7,500 miles, change fluid and filter at 100,000 miles under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require earlier service.
Spark Plug Replacement Le5:
Typically around 100,000 miles (long-life iridium plugs).
Spark Plug Replacement Lsj:
Typically around 60,000 miles (iridium plugs designed for turbo applications).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30, API Certified (GM dexos1™ Gen 2 or equivalent recommended for later specs, but for 2008, SAE 5W-30 API SM or higher is typical).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.7 US quarts (4.4 Liters) with filter (2.4L LE5); 4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter (2.0L Turbo LSJ)
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12346290, Dex-Cool® Extended Life Coolant (Orange)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron® VI (or Dexron® III H)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GM P/N 12345349, Synchromesh Transmission Fluid (or equivalent API GL-4)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid:
GM P/N 89021179, Universal Synthetic Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent ATF DEXRON® III H)
Known Issues
Turbo Lag Ss:
Some early SS models might exhibit slight turbo lag, inherent to the powertrain calibration.
Power Steering Pump Failure:
Occasional reports of power steering pump leaks or failure, particularly in humid climates.
Rear Suspension Noise:
Some owners report creaking or rattling noises from the rear suspension, often related to bushings or shock mounts.
Evaporative Emissions System Codes:
Check Engine Light due to EVAP system faults (e.g., P0442, P0455) are not uncommon, often due to cracked hoses or a faulty vent solenoid.
Water Pump Leaks:
The engine's water pump can be a potential leak point, particularly the seal.
Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Chevrolet Legacy:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from economical cars to trucks and performance models.
Model Evolution
Hhr Introduction:
The Chevrolet HHR was introduced for the 2006 model year, designed by Bryan Nesbitt, who also penned the Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Hhr 2008 Updates:
For 2008, the HHR received minor updates, including revised interior trim options and potentially feature packaging adjustments. The SS model with the turbocharged engine was a significant addition for performance-oriented buyers.
Production
Production Location:
Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico
Production Years:
2006-2011
Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Initial Reception:
The HHR was generally praised for its unique styling and practicality upon release, though some critics noted its platform sharing with more economy-focused vehicles.
Safety Awards:
Achieved good ratings in IIHS and NHTSA crash tests for its segment at the time of release.
Ratings
IIHS Rating Overall:
Good (for frontal offset and side impact tests in many configurations).
Certifications
Emissions Certification:
Meets EPA standards for the model year.
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