Circuit/System Testing

2008 Chevrolet HHR LT, 2.4 P, AutomaticSECTION Circuit/System Testing
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Chevrolet HHR. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Speaker Circuit Malfunction - without Amplifier

  1. Disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate speaker.
  2. Radio ON, test for 5.0-7.5 V between the signal circuit terminal A and ground.
    • If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the radio.
    • If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the radio.
  3. Test for 5.0-7.5 V between the signal circuit terminal B and ground.
    • If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the radio.
    • If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the radio.
  4. If all circuits test normal, replace the speaker.

Amplifier Circuit Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the audio amplifier.
  2. Ignition ON, test for less than 1 V between the ground circuit terminal 5 and ground.
    • If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for a short to voltage.
  3. Ignition OFF, test for less than 10 Ξ© between the ground circuit terminal 5 and ground.
    • If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, test for B+ on the B+ circuit terminal 8 and ground.
    • If less than the specified value, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  5. Disconnect the X3 harness connector at the audio amplifier.
  6. Radio ON, test for B+ between the radio on signal circuit terminal 8 and ground.
    • If less than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the radio.
  7. Test for 0.6-1.0 V between the amplifier mute signal circuit terminal 16 and ground.
    • If less than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the radio.
    • If greater than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the radio.
  8. If all circuits test normal, replace the audio amplifier.

Speaker Circuit Malfunction - with Amplifier

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X3 harness connector at the audio amplifier.
  2. Radio ON, test for 5.0-7.5 V between the appropriate signal circuit terminal listed below and ground.
    • Left front low level audio signal (+) terminal 12
    • Left front low level audio signal (-) terminal 10
    • Right front low level audio signal (+) terminal 9
    • Right front low level audio signal (-) terminal 11
    • Left rear low level audio signal (+) terminal 3
    • Left rear low level audio signal (-) terminal 1
    • Right rear low level audio signal (+) terminal 4
    • Right rear low level audio signal (-) terminal 2
    • If less than the specified range, test the appropriate signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the radio.
    • If greater than the specified range, test the appropriate signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the radio.
  3. Ignition OFF, connect the X3 harness connector at the audio amplifier.
  4. Disconnect the X1 and X2 harness connectors at the amplifier.
  5. Ignition ON, test for less than 1 V between each of the signal circuit terminals listed below and ground.
    • Left Front Speaker Output (+) - terminal 11 X2
    • Left Front Speaker Output (-) - terminal 12 X2
    • Right Front Speaker Output (+) - terminal 10 X2
    • Right Front Speaker Output (-) - terminal 9 X2
    • Left Rear Speaker Output (+) - terminal 2 X2
    • Left Rear Speaker Output (-) - terminal 1 X2
    • Right Rear Speaker Output (+) - terminal 3 X2
    • Right Rear Speaker Output (-) - terminal 4 X2
    • Rear Subwoofer Output (+) - terminal 1 X1
    • Rear Subwoofer Output (-) - terminal 2 X1
    • Rear Subwoofer Output (+) - terminal 3 X1
    • Rear Subwoofer Output (-) - terminal 4 X1
    • If greater than the specified range, test both signal circuits of the affected speaker for a short to voltage.
  6. Ignition OFF, test for infinite resistance between each of the signal circuit terminals listed below and ground.
    • Left Front Speaker Output (+) - terminal 11 X2
    • Left Front Speaker Output (-) - terminal 12 X2
    • Right Front Speaker Output (+) - terminal 10 X2
    • Right Front Speaker Output (-) - terminal 9 X2
    • Left Rear Speaker Output (+) - terminal 2 X2
    • Left Rear Speaker Output (-) - terminal 1 X2
    • Right Rear Speaker Output (+) - terminal 3 X2
    • Right Rear Speaker Output (-) - terminal 4 X2
    • Rear Subwoofer Output (+) - terminal 1 X1
    • Rear Subwoofer Output (-) - terminal 2 X1
    • Rear Subwoofer Output (+) - terminal 3 X1
    • Rear Subwoofer Output (-) - terminal 4 X1
    • If less than the specified value, test both signal circuits of the affected speaker for a short to ground.
  7. Ignition OFF, reconnect all harness connectors at the amplifier. Disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate speaker.
  8. Radio ON, test for 5.0-7.5 V between the appropriate signal circuit terminals listed below and ground.
    • Front door speakers - terminal A and B
    • Front tweeters - terminal A and B
    • Rear speakers - terminal A and B
    • Rear subwoofers - terminals A, B, C and D
    • If less then the specified range test the circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the amplifier.
    • If greater then the specified range test the circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the amplifier.
  9. If the circuit tests normal, replace the appropriate speaker.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.