Removal of the alternator on HHR models may be simple if you can just pull it out from the engine while it's unbolted. If you struggle to do this, make sure you follow the directions that give extra clearance steps. To start your job, remove the electrical cable connected to the battery's negative terminal. If fitting the air filter housing and intake tube prevent reaching the alternator, you need to uninstall them first. Take off the right front wheel's nuts, lift the vehicle on steady jackstands, remove the wheel, and disconnect the fenderwell splash covering. Take out the accessory drivebelt, plus the supercharger from 2007 and earlier vehicles with the 2.0L engine, to make the job easier. Unfasten and remove the wire nuts holding the alternator power cables, making careful note of where the cables need to go back. Disembowel the bracket that secures the engine crane above the alternator if you have that equipment. Free the supports holding the radiator uptop to give you space to tilt the entire unit forward a bit when you work. Unbolt and carefully slide the alternator through the top engine compartment opening by removing its three mounting bolts. To create more room to take out the engine, lift it with a jack and wood block, move the engine toward the right side, unscrew the washer reservoir hose, then remove its supporting bolts and fluid lines. Tighten all fasteners during installation, especially the bolts that hold the alternator in place. Disconnecting the battery makes the PCM need to teach itself to work how it did before.