Lee3333

Are the ABS and traction control linked together in the HHR? I know they are in my wife's 1999 Saturn. If so, perhaps there could be some correlation with the ABS and the infamous T/C problem that I and many others have. And like I said in other posts, it has NOTHING to do with changing the intake, like the dealers try to claim. I know because after I had my problem, I went back to the old setup and it did not help. In addition, I know several other HHR owners that never touched their intake, or did any modifications at all, and they are also plagued by having the T/C light come on, the code thrown, and the rough shifts until they restart their car.

ChevyMgr

Bad TCM will cause this.

Lee3333

Never thought of that. Where is it located, and how can I check it? My problem began 5 years ago, and has gotten progressively worse. In the beginning, it would only throw a code when if I did a burn out, or the tires lost traction in wet weather. As time went on, it would happen if I stepped on the gas too hard. Finally, it began coming on by itself, sometimes while I was coasting or stopped at a traffic light. Very annoying, and the dealer was no help saying he couldn't check it since my vehicle was modified (different air cleaner).

I never heard this possibility before and want to investigate it! Thanks.

ChevyMgr

Moved these posts from the brake job thread.

ChevyMgr

TCM is number 2 in the picture. Requires programming after replacing.

Lee3333

Thanks for relocating this-it was getting a little hijacked.

Now, could you please tell me other symptoms of a bad TCM. I imagine replacing it is costly and so I want to be sure it will solve the problem.

And again, thanks for this new information.

ChevyMgr

Cluster going dead or flashing, speedo stopping or bouncing on it's own, hard shifting, TC or ESC lights, Check engine lights, reduced engine power. All are usually intermittent. A scanner will pick up the data loss from the TCM when the problems occur.

Lee3333

Funny you should say that. Last year I had a problem with the heater control panel. The lights would sometimes flash like crazy. I replaced it, and it was ok for a while but now they are beginning to flash intermittently again.

And thanks again for your quick responses. You are the wizard!

the_shmoo

Had this problem on my daughters 07 Cobalt, traction control and ABS light. Turned out to be front wheel hub bearing.
Also common on our HHR's. Hope this helps.

Lee3333

Thanks for the suggestion. Supposedly, my dealer checked all the hubs but when I get a chance I am going to bring my car to a good friend that owns the race shop that did the fabrication and prep work on my race Jeep. He is a master diagnostician, and hopefully can figure it out (along with the problem of the engine shutting off when I hit a big bump).