Has anyone experienced hard starting (long Cranking) with your HHR. This problem is intermittent at present. Sometime starts immediately, Other times it cranks for about 5 seconds while starting. Any known fixes or TSB concerning my 2.4? Seems to be more prevalent with key start not remote. Any response appreciated

Mine starts right up with no problems.

Take it in!

I have the same thing going on. I've also noticed that some times it will rev funny right after I start the engine. Can't take it in for 2 weeks as the dealer is over booked. I'll live with it for now.

Mine has just started doing the same thing.

I am just starting to notice the same with my 2.2 so we are going to the dealership to find out what's up, will also see if there is a deal to be made with this zero financing issue, might be a two HHR family by the weekend...

Try feeding the Hampster...he's probably pi$$ed!

No problems here

never had a problem cept for after i disconnected or changed out the battery. the first start after was long both times i took off the cable off the positive post

you might check the positive post on the battery in the back and see if it is coming loose
if it did that would recreate what happened to me.

No problems here either.

never had a problem cept for after i disconnected or changed out the battery. the first start after was long both times i took off the cable off the positive post

you might check the positive post on the battery in the back and see if it is coming loose
if it did that would recreate what happened to me.

Thanks CJ. I'll look at that tomorrow

Mine did it again yesterday, that about 5 times in 3 days. I wnat to get it in to the dealership, but if they can't duplicate the problem, they can't fix it. I'm trying to get more info before I take it in, for this problem and a noise AC compressor.

Seems to happen after I've driven short distance and car sits for an hour or two. 1st start cranks and cranks but always eventually starts. After 1st start -starts immed. I have a service appointment after the holiday next week. I'll post any findings assuming my dealership will find findings. Seems to be more prevalent this week and might be tied to our recent rainy,humid,warm temps.

I agree with Cruz, my 2.2 does seem to experience the long cranking during the most humid times, and it is rare, even in the humidity of Illinois.

New development on earlier posting. Same hard starting now occurs during remote start. Vehicle driven under 10 miles,parked for a few hours,tried to restart using remote. Pressed the remote button on key fob for about 5-6
seconds. Cranked and cranked then finaaly started. 3500 miles on vehicle-
taking in Weds. next week to dealership Has occured everyday for a little over a week.

Took HHR in Weds. Of coarse weather was cooler. Car started normally.GM service did find faulty fuel pump. Replaced fuel pump and HHR starts perfectly every time. Temps reached 90's here in Michigan and it seems that problem has been corrected. For those experiencing the same problem, have your dealerships check the fuel pump.

I noticed that if I let the fuel pump run the full time then when it stops I start the car it will start just fine. Still taking it to the shop.

In my case fuel pump wasn't holding prime. Since new pump installed everything A O K. So far.

Seems to happen after I've driven short distance and car sits for an hour or two. 1st start cranks and cranks but always eventually starts. After 1st start -starts immed. I have a service appointment after the holiday next week. I'll post any findings assuming my dealership will find findings. Seems to be more prevalent this week and might be tied to our recent rainy,humid,warm temps.

exact same problem here. Dealer cant figure it out. The ECM has been updated fully. I will have it back to them to fix water leak soon. I gonna see if they can figure out the hard start somehow

Cruz, thanks for the info, I called my service manager and they are bringing my HHR in tomorrow to check the fuel pump and ECM...

mine has done it a dozen times or so in the last 15k miles, but I attribute it to not actually holding the key in the cranking posistion long enough and the ECU taking control and keeps cranking until it starts.

Its nothing bad really, it always starts anyways.

It happened to me twice but only when I used the automatic start.

Glad to be able to help. It's been pretty hot here lately and HHR starts great

I have the same problem and it is the fuel pump. If you turn key on and let the fuel pump build up pressure then it starts fine.

I have the same issue with our 2.4

It goes to the dealer tomorrow for this issue and an oil change. Thanks for the posts, hopefully they will fix it. It sounds like the fuel pump issue.

Don

I have heard that if you continually run your gas level down to empty, (less than a 1/4 tank) it will effect your fuel pump.... any comments on this?.... I had a 2001 GMC Jimmy, which i used to continually run till almost empty and i had to change my fuel pump last year.

I have heard that if you continually run your gas level down to empty, (less than a 1/4 tank) it will effect your fuel pump.... any comments on this?.... I had a 2001 GMC Jimmy, which i used to continually run till almost empty and i had to change my fuel pump last year.
That can definitely cause problems when the tank gets very low. Although I'm sure the gas goes through a filtrations system before it reaches the station, some sediment still exists and will go into your fuel tank where it settles in the bottom of your fuel tank. When it runs very low, that sediment is sucked up through the fuel system and can cause various components to clog. My boyfriend nags me for just that reason when he sees my gas gauge hovering near 1/4 tank. :lol:

Mine almost never see's under 1/2 a tank.
Cheaper to fill it up then.LOL

mine has been acting up for the last 500 miles ( I only have 760 on it)

They rescheduled our appointment for the starting problem. We havea couple of other issues, like poor radio reception (there is a TSB on this) and also some of the seal around the windshield is screwing up.

I will keep this thread posted on what they fix on ours..

Mine does it alot. Took it to the dealer on Monday and they couldn't find the problem. Tuesday afternoon it happened twice. Back to the dealer. I like the car, just hate dealing with the dealer.

I tell ya, this group is so on the ball with good info...I'm also having the hard start issue, been a few weeks now and I 1st felt it had to be the fuel pump or filter....EMC ? the acronym is not coming to me...what does EMC stand for...thanks !

I think you mean ECM Electronic Controle Module (computer)

I think you mean ECM Electronic Controle Module (computer)

yeah, that too ! :D

thanks !

Read this post a couple times just to see there's a problem.

DOING THAT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM!!!

Now I have the hard start issue. Same thing here I don't hold the key, I basically just bump it. It's tries to start for about 3 sec and stops. Then the second time it fires right up. I had it parked for an hour and a half today and then remote started it as I walked up. Sounded like intermitant firing from the exhaust, but finally stumbled to a smooth running condition.

First thing I thought of was the fuel pressure bleeding down. This is going to be very annoying if your trying to remote start to warm the car up.

Anyone know if there is a TSB yet? Also, you guys that do have the cars with this problem. When did you purchase it. Maybe it's a bad run of pumps.

I took it to the dealership on Wednesday for the A/C line change, and had them order a fuel pump also. It stayed the night and I hope to get it back today. After printing out this form, they found that the fuel pump has a problem with the pressure bleeding off or not holding pressure. I had to tell them what the problem was. Thanks for all the HHR members. They are also ordering a new center storage box, becaust the latch just broke. I only have 6300 miles on it. What next? I know there can be problems with any new car, ant that what warranty is for, but it is a inconvince to have to keep going back to the dealership for repairs. Next time, I will make a list and have all repairs done at one time. I hope it's done today. I got a Colbalt as a rental, it's like the HHR (ha,ha)

I have tons of problems with mine and I only have 900 miles on it.
whisle from both mirrors, loose spoiler, misaligned fender and running boards, part of the front bumper pops up (by the headlight), bad headlight switch, bad fuel pump, and the worst.....bad CV joint in the passenger axle (half-shaft).

as for the remote start and this fuel pump issue it wouldn't be a problem because all remote starts I have seen (including the HHR), the ignition turns on before starting specifically to insure there is enough fuel pressure before starting.

I have tons of problems with mine and I only have 900 miles on it.
whisle from both mirrors, loose spoiler, misaligned fender and running boards, part of the front bumper pops up (by the headlight), bad headlight switch, bad fuel pump, and the worst.....bad CV joint in the passenger axle (half-shaft).

as for the remote start and this fuel pump issue it wouldn't be a problem because all remote starts I have seen (including the HHR), the ignition turns on before starting specifically to insure there is enough fuel pressure before starting.

I also have the bad fuel pump and both my CV joints are clicking, but I know what thats from. Shhhhhh Know one tell my dearler and there shop what I've been doing.LOL

as for the remote start and this fuel pump issue it wouldn't be a problem because all remote starts I have seen (including the HHR), the ignition turns on before starting specifically to insure there is enough fuel pressure before starting.

Well that's what it's designed to do, but mine still cranks for about 5 sec before starting. That's quite a while when your staring at your watch and listening to your new engine wear itself.

(copied from other post)

A TSB just came out for the fuel pumps. I'll have a copy of it tomorrow to post up. My pump is getting ordered but arrival date is unknown as these are in high demand.

BTW they wanted me to take the car back until the part came in. WTF ever. Needless to say I have a nice rental until my pump comes in. I just let them know nicely that I was not going to cause any needless wear on a new car. Mine was VERY rough on startup though.

mine is actually getting worse and I am taking it in tommorow. I guess I will be driveing my 73 firebird for a while.

It's happened to me twice this week. Wonder if it's a temperature or a/c issue. Never happened when the weather was cooler. Also have developed an a/c "grinding"? noise. Time for a check-up!

Well... no TSB yet... They thought there was, but alas there is not. I'm still waiting for my pump....It's been a week thus far!

Any news on this issue. I would like some info befor I go to the dealer.:confused:

Update - I had mine checked while at the dealer this week. No codes printed, unable to duplicate. It only happened once so I don't think I will dwell on it any longer.

I bought my HHR in February, and I am loving it. But I am having a problem with the vehicle starting. It starts sometimes with the ignition key and the keyless fob, but it's like it continues unto a longer start than usual sometimes it does not start and sometimes it does. First time I took it back they replaced the keyless fob. Took it home and the same day it did it again, so I gave it some time figuring it would correct itself. Took it back again, for the same problem, my husband, niece, a friend, they all heard it do this, but the dealer could not replicate what it had done, so I have it back again, and it does it from time to time. I have my husband's camera and put it on video each time I get in the vehicle and guess what it does not do it, but it has happened when I forgot to turn the video on. I wanted to give proof to the dealer, so they would believe me, I guess I will continue doing this. I was thinking they were trying to wait until the warranty runs out, but I have the Elite Plus warranty so its on the vehicle up to 100,000.00 miles. Any suggestions as to what to do next? I guess just keep running it? I am afraid it will mess the vehicle up eventually. Thank You!

It is my understanding that this issue is due to the fuel pump loosing its prime and there is supposed to be a TSB issued for this. I think you would want to get it corrected as soon as possible since it is putting more wear and tear on your starter. I am experiencing the same issue, but I have not taken my car in yet either. There seems to be no ryhme or reason to when the hard starting happens either

i took mine in and they could not replicate the issue. Suprise! Anyway, it is driving me nuts. AS is the leak that they "fixed" too. I dont balme my dealer, but GM corporate needs to step it up a bit and either fix the proble the 1st time or replace the poblem all together..

Can you tell me what a TSB is? Does this come from the dealer or GM. I guess I will try to catch it doing it on video,and then maybe they will believe me but I doubt it since they have to replicate the problem. No error codes came up on it either. They kept it overnight because I thought well maybe the cold start would cause it to do it, but no it did not. Like you said I have no idea when its going to do it. Well I guess I will keep running it until I get it on video so they can hear it. Thanks.

I just noticed I replied back to the wrong person, but hopefully you can still help me with the TSB. Thank You.

A TSB is a Technical Service Bulletin. here is a link to a list that has been put out so far. I can't find one concerning this prob yet.:confused:

http://chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1919

Hope this helps you out.

I have the same hard starting problem. It started about a monthe ago. I bought the car on Feb. 14 and it has 13500 miles on it now. I took it to the dealer but they were unable to recreate the problem suprise surprise. They did a check for any TSB releating to this issue but to this date none exists. I will take the car back and have them look at the fule pump.

Thanks all for the forum.

Joe

5150 drop your HHR there over night then meet them in the morning and tell them to start it...mine always fails after sitting and that should be enough time it is for mine. I am taking time this week to go in and discuss this isue and I am taking a copy of the TSB for the paint chipping. I will let you know what the outcome is...

I have the same problem and im at 800 miles. But it is consistent. I go days without driving it, then when i climb in to start it, it takes awhile for it to go ahead and crank over.

Well the dealer said they could not duplicate the problem. That is a bunch of bull. I don't really like the dealer anyway. They don't seem to go that extra mile. They just want to get the cars out of there as fast as they can.

I received the survey from GM about our service at the dealer. I made sure in the comment section that I mentioned that I believe GM knows there is a starting issue on 06 HHR's and they need to correct the problem. Also that the reason I brought it in there was not resolved.

We need to take it in there again, because now it is getting impossible to get the keys out of the ignition at times. I will once again bring up the hard starting issue. It is embarrassing when the car won't start the first time in public parking lots. Here you have a brand new nice looking car and it won't start...pathetic

Don

It's probably because they are not waiting long enough. Did they check the fuel pressure, and especially the loss after the car turns off?

You are probably correct. They did not mention anything about the fuel pressure. I even brought them messages from this thread.

In fact that is something I wouldlike to chane myself. I need to take the time and see if I can tell if there is a spot to attach a fuel pressure guage.

I believe we will be taking it in to the dealer this week for the "can't get the keys out of the ignition" problem.

Don

dhickey, where in Illinois, you are part of a very run oriented region if you wouldlike to become involved please contact me. I will post the results of my visit to the dealership by the end of the week...

I am in Galesburg, Il...not too far from you :-)

It will be intersting what your outcome is. If they fix it, I have no problem driving to Peoria to get ours fixed..

Don

Well we dropped our HHR of last night to the dealer for the hard starting problem and for the "can't remove keys from the ignition" problem.

I left a letter telling them the the hard starting problem is reproducable and most likely it will happen the first time they try to pull it into the shop. Also that they need to let is sit for a little bit.

I will post here with the results. I am guessing that they will come back with the same thing as last time. "We need to wait until it acutally fails before we can fix it".

While we were there, we took a look at the lot. They had about six 2007 HHR's on the lot. The gray color was actually very pretty at night. I haven't seen it in the daytime. They really didn't have a heavily optioned one like we have. They had about 3-4 2.4's and a couple 2.2's.

Don

dhickey...

I'm in the GRAIL, Impala SS club here in STL. We come up there for a charity car show at some park every year... Maybe I'll have the wife tag along in her HHR next year and we can have a mini gathering.

BTW as I recall the fuel pressure schrader valve is just above the oil filter plug area. It was very simple to check with the cheapy screw on gauge. Our was dropping like 10 lbs in 5 sec. Ours was pretty bad. 7 days for a new pump and good as new. That's been our only major complaint.... well except for the two major door dings while it was waiting for the pump. Thus far we've had the hood and two rear doors repainting. Only 2 payments and 3000 miles!!!

Well we got our HHR back today from the dealer. They said they adjusted something to fix the keys not coming out of the ignition. My wife got the car home and she still has problems getting the keys out of the ignition...Soooo

As far as the hard starting, I didn't get to talk to the service guy, but he told my wife they ordered a fuel modulator (her words). They said that they saw fuel pressure dropping. So we have to take it back when that part comes in, and we will have them try again to fix the keys not wanting to come out of the ignition..

So that is my update for this week. I will let you know when they replace the parts and whether or not it fixes the hard starting issue.

Don

dhickey,
I am going in some time either Thursday or Friday to start the fuel pump issue. I have also printed the TSB for the paint chipping. I am getting ready to design my running boards and brackets and make them over the next couple weeks, when they are finished and ready to mount I will have the repaint done...

I think he meant fuel pressure regulator... I think this system only has a supply line, no return. Thus a failed regulator would only give you an INCREASE in pressure if the fuel pump check was holding it's pressure. What a bunch of dumbarses.

Do you have a fuel pressure gauge? Check it as soon as you get it replaced, before you even leave the lot after they replace it. Then you can tell them to order you a new pump like they should have done the first time.

Personally I made them give me a rental car due to the fact that I was NOT going to add more wear and tear to my car due to chevy's crappy pump.

Ya I think I will stop by somewhere and pick up a fuel pressure guage on the way home. I just wish I had a service manual to go with this car. I asked Haynes if they were going to produce one and they told me not at this time...

Thanks

Don

i get that when I use the remote start sometimes

It should be running between 50-55 psi. Make sure you have it there when you pick it up.... Before you sign the car out test it. Show them if it drops pressure and make sure they give you a rental since they don't have the pump in stock anywhere!

i get that when I use the remote start sometimes



There is a reprogram for the remote start to address this, had it done first. Still had the problem and they found that the pupm was losing pressure, just picked it up with the new pump installed, I'll keep everyone posted if that fixes it for me.

Ok, I have more information. The part cmae in for our HHR and I have a part number.

This is what they ordered..

GM PART # 15850486
CATEGORY: Fuel Tank Meter Sender/Connector
DESCRIPTION: MODULE KI

Doesn't really sound like a fuel pump, GM list is $320

I am trying to get a better description.

Don

Ok, I have more information. The part cmae in for our HHR and I have a part number.

This is what they ordered..

GM PART # 15850486
CATEGORY: Fuel Tank Meter Sender/Connector
DESCRIPTION: MODULE KI

Doesn't really sound like a fuel pump, GM list is $320

I am trying to get a better description.

Don

I just looked at my service invoice and it's the same part #, and the only one, Service Manager told me over the phone they replaced fuel pump. That has to be it.

I just looked at my service invoice and it's the same part #, and the only one, Service Manager told me over the phone they replaced fuel pump. That has to be it.
Thanks that is great news!!!

We have an appointment Monday to replace this part...I hope this fiasco is finally over..

Don

I hope this does the trick too, now to that water leak........:confused:

Well they replaced our fuel pump....However when they were done the fuel gauge read empty. So now they ordered that part and it won't be here until Thursday...They set my wife up with an Impala (of course she is having HHR withdrawals).

We don't know yet whether the fuel pump fixed the problem or not. Or whether they fixed the shifter interlock issue where we could not get our keys out of the ignition.

Thanks

Don

We drove our call all day today and every single time we went to start it, it started right up. The fuel pump definately fixed our hard starting issue.

Now if they would fix the shift interlock issue, we will be happy...They have tried twice now. We still have times that we cannot getthe keys out of the ignition..

Don

Okay, so I am having the same problem, as I stated before, so I need to go back to the dealer and tell them to check the fuel pump? Because it seems like it fixed your problem, of the hard starting. And then if this is the problem, tell them to order this GM PART # 15850486
CATEGORY: Fuel Tank Meter Sender/Connector DESCRIPTION: MODULE KIT
Because my vehicle still does it on either the electric start or the ignition start, and I just have not taken it back again because they can't duplicate the problem. It does it randomly and of course not for them. Also, would this make the gas mileage lower, because my gas mileage goes back and forth between 24 mpg to 26, and of course I like the higher amount. Also, I was told that the stems that the put on the vehicle that are green that tell you when the tire is low, that the air leaks out of them, has anyone heard this problem, because I still have them on my vehicle, came with the 17 polished chrome wheel. Thank You.

Yes,

That is the part they replaced on ours. It definately fixed the hard starting (long cranking) issue. I don't have the paper work in front of me, but they put a fuel pressure guage on it and it had over 50lbs when it started and then dropped immediately to like 10 when they shut it off. Or something like that. I think someone else posted simular information earlier in this thread.

I am not sure about the fuel mileage, but we are not getting even close to what others have posted in this forum. My wife, who is a the primary drive does have a lead foot though...

Hopefully on our October trip I can get a better idea on our milage.

Don

Well your wife and I are about the same, I am a lead foot too. But I try to put it on cruise when I can, and that helps. I get between 24-26 mpgs, but I guess too maybe it depends on the grade of gas you put in. With gas prices coming down here, I might try to get a higher grade, because I use the middle grade. Just keep me posted about the hard starting I am curious to see if it has cured it or not, and I guess this trip you are taking should tell. Because I again have taken it twice for the same problem, and they can't duplicate it, so I have kind of put it off until the starter goes on it I guess, but I have the extended warranty. But anyway, thanks for the information, and have a nice trip and drive safely.

Just wanted to let you all know that since the dealership changed the fuel pump, vehicle starts great. No problems.

Thats great. I wonder if GM will ever release a TSB...

Mine goes in tomorrow again for the "can't get the keys out of the ignition" issue. I have printed out messages from the other thread on that issue. Hopefullly it will be fixed and we can stop going to the dealer for issues.

Today I talked with the service manager since I gave them a few bad ratings on the survey that GM sent me reguarding the first time I had it in there for the hard starting issue. He wanted to discuss the issue with us. No problem, I really didn't fill out the bad rating to hurt them, I was more pissed that GM won't fess up to the fuel pump issues. Anyway we got that straightened out.

Our car has started great since they replaced the fuel pump too.

Don

Well I am kind of pissed off too, pardon my words. Because I have had it back twice, 1st time replaced key fob, which did no do the trick, took it back again, and they could not duplicate problem. Isn't there something about the lemon law, that if you take it back a third time they have to replace the car? Hmm, I have been waiting for someone to tell me if replacing the fuel pump actually works, so I guess I have to make another appointment and run it back in there again, because the vehicle still does it, by ignition start and by the key fob. I am glad the dealer is right across the street from where I work, although its a pain in the butt to keep running it over there. But by taking a copy of this forum and the part numbers to replace the fuel pump do you think that will convince them? I guess once they hook it up, they ought to see that is the fuel pump. Thank You all for your responses on this much appreciated.

Kitt,

Thats what I did. I took certain posts fom this forum and the part number to the fuel pump. They finally decided to replace the fuel pump (after 3 times there) and that solved the hard starting problem. It has started quickly ever since they replaced the pump...

Don

Well I am kind of pissed off too, pardon my words. Because I have had it back twice, 1st time replaced key fob, which did no do the trick, took it back again, and they could not duplicate problem. Isn't there something about the lemon law, that if you take it back a third time they have to replace the car? Hmm, I have been waiting for someone to tell me if replacing the fuel pump actually works, so I guess I have to make another appointment and run it back in there again, because the vehicle still does it, by ignition start and by the key fob. I am glad the dealer is right across the street from where I work, although its a pain in the butt to keep running it over there. But by taking a copy of this forum and the part numbers to replace the fuel pump do you think that will convince them? I guess once they hook it up, they ought to see that is the fuel pump. Thank You all for your responses on this much appreciated.



Our fuel pump has been replaced and we haven't had a starting issue since!!!:thumb:

They replaced mine and have had no problem to date.

Great news,that is what i want to hear,but it seems like after the third time they should of realized what is was??? hmmm..but I will run mine over probably on tuesday and hand them all the little notes from everyone on here and say you need to replace the fuel pump, but they will have to test it of course, which is fine, because my vehicle seems to be doing it more and the vehicle too me sounds louder?? unless its my imagination and sometimes it shakes a little bit too,then straightens out..so off to the dealer we go..i will let you know what they say about mine, because sounds like everyone has had success and I am hoping I will too. Thanks for everyone's comments, I truly appreciate them all. Take care and have a great week..God bless you all!!

Great, thanks Don, as stated in the other post I will take comments off of here and take them with me, and hopefully they will get the problem fixed, and I will miss my vehicle though. I just wanted to tell you and everyone who reads this that I found a great wax, its liquid synthetic polish, its called Ice and its made by Turtlewax, it really makes the vehicle shine, and you can even use it in the sunshine. I got it here in Maryland, at Target, great stuff, does not leave any residue on the vehicle at all, use it on everything. Just wanted to say again, thank you for the information appreciate it. Take care and have a great day.

Well I took the vehicle back to the dealer finally they could fit me in and she tried to get it to do the hard starting, and what do you think happened.. we all know what happened. So I told her you need to check the fuel pump, and I left it in their capable hands. So I got a call back later, and guess what? Its the fuel pump, have to take it back Monday as they had to order the part. GM really should come out with a TSB. So when I pick it up Monday afternoon I will let you all know if it cured my problem, I am sure it will. Back thanks again to everyone. Have a great, great weekend. Take care and God bless you all and keep you safe..

Didn't see mention of this in this thread...

Long Crank TSB: 06-06-04-045

http://www.alldata.com/tsb/General-Motors/1158044400000_1159945200000_06-06-04-045/60451.html

Didn't see mention of this in this thread...

Long Crank TSB: 06-06-04-045

http://www.alldata.com/tsb/General-Motors/1158044400000_1159945200000_06-06-04-045/60451.html

There is a stickied thread of TSBs here

http://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1919

I got my Orange HHR back on Tuesday. Monday the part did not come in from West Virginia, the fuel pump that is. The vehicle now runs great, starts with the key fob like it is supposed to, so far so good. Thank you all. Can you tell me where I can get seat covers for my hhr? They are the light grey leather and i am afraid they will get marks all over them. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I would like to make some mods to start off slow and add things in, any ideas? Thank You.

I think there are a lot of us looking for seat covers. I saw one set somewhere but they we $199. That is not worth it to me...

Do a search here for seat covers. There is a thread on that topic...


Don

I have an interesting one. I have had this problem for a few months now and my car has been back twice. I did show the service guy the information posted from the forum; I will not even go there what he had to say. I see everyone is having their fuel pump replaced to resolve this issue. I brought my car back on Tuesday for two issues. The first being intermittent / long starting and the second was a problem with the temp gauge. The digital temp reading displayed three dashes and the gauge needle was at the bottom of the gauge. Anyway, when I brought my car in for service they said my starting issue was related to the temp gauge. The reading from the gauge goes to the computer which tells the car how much fuel should be dispensed. The service guy said when it’s cold more fuel and hot less fuel therefore creating my problem. Can't say for sure if this is true, my car is back in the shop today because the temp gauge is not working again. I will provide feed back on this issue when I get may car back and see if their statement is true. Oh, I forgot they said the fuel pump was checked and the psi was ok but they did not provide a reading.

Mine has done it quite a few times (I also have random problems with the remote start.) Even though I told them it was interm, the dealer was unable to duplicate the problem THEREFORE it doesn't exist. YOU BASTARDS!!

I am, first, waiting on a part to fix the air conditioner noise and then I will be taking it to a new dealership.

Here is one way I used to tell what was going on..Our car had a very hard time starting the first time we turned the key...

However, Every single time, I turned the key to "on" (without engaging the starter) and let the fuel pump prime the system, the car started right away, So try turning you key to the on position, wait about 5 seconds and then start your car. If it starts then it sounds like you have the same problem as I did.

If what the service manager thinks is true, you car would still have issues starting if you waited 5 seconds. If it starts right away you can tell him to stick his theory up his tailpipe...

They replaced the fuel pump on our car and it has had no issues starting since then..

Good luck

Don

I demanded they replace the fuel pump and told them it is the 4th time with the hard start issue. Delaware law is 4 times for same issue, it is a lemon. Low and beold the fuel pressure was low... so in goes the new pump, the car starts better than ever!

Well now I feel even better about my dealer, I went in told them I had the known fuel pump issue and they didn't even try to recreate the problem, they just replaced the fuel pump...I also stopped at the bodyshop concerning the TSB on the paint chipping and the bodyshop foreman said sure we will schedule it, order teh gravel guards and get it in...Gee I guess that answers any questions of where I will buy my '07 panel !!!

Just wanted to update everyone since I have not been on here in a while. Vehicle is running great, now that the fuel pump was replaced. I had to take it again to the dealer, the keys were getting stuck in the ignition when I shut the vehicle off, i could not get the keys out of the ignition. I did it to me every time I turned it off, and I had to keep turning the vehicle on and off, reverse and forward until I got the keys out, otherwise, it would not lock and the radio would be on. Took it to the dealer and told them what was going on, and they replaced a sensor in the gear shift panel, I think they said, so its fixed. But just wanted to share with others in case this happens to them. But I still love my orange HHR, does pretty good in the snow that we have had so far, but find out what it really does on Tuesday when we get lots of snow. Again,just wanted to share, and thanks again for a wonderful website to get into God bless you all!

Hopefully...got some news here. I have a 2006 2.4, about 17,500 miles. About the last month or so, I had intermittent starting problems. Starter began to crank, then nothing...sometimes the starter continued to crank, but no luck. Sounded as if the engine was not getting gas. After about twenty minutes or so, the engine would turn over, and everything was fine. Secondary problem...when the radio was off, radio signals intermittently came through the system. If I were to turn the radio on, the system would crack very loudly. Took it in in to the dealership this morning. Got word back that the problem was traced back to the fuse block. They ordered a new one and will install tomorrow...I'll let you know if that works out.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/blackwelsh13/Smileys/bf54f4bf.gif to the site HHRmun!

Glad to be here...from the looks of things, I've been rather late in arriving to the scene! Had my ride since last March and have been loving it! This is the first time I've had a problem, but still no excuse for not joining in the fray!

:welcome: were all happy you found us now we need pic's of your ride cause we like to look at pic:one: it makes us smile :D