Hi all,


Great forum, a big thank you to all those that made it possible,

I am looking at buying a 2006 HHR Sport LT 2.4L,

The ECU was stolen from the vehicle some times ago so I can't start it,

Before this week I have never heard let lone seen an HHR so I have no clue about these vehicles even

though I am mechanically minded but mostly diesel orientated ...

where do I start with this!?

1. the ECU's plugs still there - there are three of them

2. the engine - visually looks ok nothing missing

3. the interior and controls all looks ok


The vehicle is in North Africa where there are NO proper GM dealers or knowledgeable mechanics

that can fix this so I will have to work on it myself - hopefully with your help I can get it going.

here are my questions:

1. Please advise as to where I can get a cheap reman ECU? I saw one on Rockauto for $225 plus shipping, is that a good deal?

2. my understanding is that the ECU need to be programmed into the vehicle, that looks like a daunting task

more due to lack of equipment esp the Clean Power Supply?

3. gas like everywhere is very expensive but LPG/CNG is very cheap here - do any of yous know if it can be converted?


I really appreciate any "hand holding" with this from you good people,


Many thanks

 

Welcome to the site, shame people steal things, because that ECU is just a large paperweight. Good news is you can order an ECU programmed to your VIN and have the CSP sensor relearn deleted.
here’s an example

https://www.fs1inc.com/2006-chevrole...plug-play.html

 

Oldblue, you are a life saver! I would have your children if you were close and I was the right s3x! lol
so what you are saying is that I give FS1 the vin number during purchase they program the unit
and then just a question of Plug n Play? assuming everything else in order.

 

Sounds like you need a TCM, too.
The programmed ECM will "work" plug n play. It may throw a "crankshaft not learned", you will need access to a Tech2 or similar computer to learn it.
code.
I trust you have checked for compression before throwing any money around?

 

Donbrew, thank you,
Compression? no idea, the vehicle is a non-starter, how do I check compression?

 

No use wasting money if the engine is dead. Use a compression gauge and a fresh battery to crank it.
First test would be: does it tun over, then does it have compression, and is the spark module still there.
My suspicion is that the modules were "removed" not "stolen" because the car died. broken timing chain, burned valves etc.
An Opel or Vauxhall dealer might be able to help.

 

I don't think the engine will crank without the ECM, will it? So no compression test. You could perform a cylinder leak down test, but you would need a decent air compressor for that.

If you're in the UK, and the car is in Africa, is it really cheaper overall than buying from the USA or Canada? I think I would pass on this one.

 

Donbrew, you mentioned about the TCM, does it need programming as well?

 

Yes.

I would think a diesel mechanic could figure out how to make the starter turn without a computer. Just supply 12V to the solenoid.

 

Hi,
I have a 2006 HHR [vin ...501460] that is missing some control module(s) but I am confused about what is missing,
I have these 3 cables hanging there near the fuse box,
can someone please enlighten me as to what do I need ... TCM? ECU? ...

thanks