I recently helped a friend change out the engine in his 2010 HHR, 2.2L engine. He showed up with a 2008 2.2L engine. We got it in place and it runs great but we are getting a P0171 code. I have changed the solenoids for the valve timing, the MAF sensor and the upstream O2 sensor. Still getting the code. Not sure if this would be a problem but the large fresh air hose was torn and falling apart when we removed the air cleaner. I taped it up completely where there are no tears showing but was reading that maybe this could be an issue. And, again, this is a 2008 engine in a 2010 car.

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated, I know there is an abundance of knowledge on these forums. I am a novice and looking some help, so if you have comments that will work, please respond. If you have comments that are rude or insensitive, please keep those to yourself. Thanks!!

 

You put a 2008 non Flex Fuel engine in a 2010 Flex Fuel car ?

 

No where in my post did I mention that this may be a non Flex Fuel engine but if it is, how will I know? What do I look for that would tell me it is a non Flex Fuel engine and will it work with a Flex Fuel vehicle?

Thanks

 

Flex fuel in the HHR didn’t start until the 2009 year model.

 

P0171 is probably Sticking/plugged or failed fuel injector Low fuel pressure, weak fuel pump Exhaust leak between engine and first oxygen sensor look at the flex pipe for cracks and the gasket flange area for leaks

 

I have replaced the injectors, but I will check the other things you mentioned. I need to verify the engine year in case it is in fact a non Flex Fuel engine.

Thanks

 

The a\AlGorerythms are different between 2008 non-VVT non-FlexFuel and 2010 VVT FlexFuel engines. FlexFuel and the correct computer adjusts for alcohol content, alcohol content is determined by the amount of O2 sensed. Part of the adjustments are the VVT timing, part is the Fuel injector timing, part is ignition timing
Did you use a ECM from the donor car? Otherwise I don't know how the valve timing is being controlled. That in its self could cause a lot of different problem codes.

 

You stated you changed the valve solenoids , so you might have either a 2.4 2008 or a 2009 to 2011 2.2 with VVT
could you post a photo of the engine in the HHR

unless you put e85 in the fuel tank, I would not be to concerned about that.

 

I may be wrong, but wouldn't the difference between a Flex Fuel and standard 2.2 just be in the fuel delivery system and exhaust? If they are both VVT engines, I don't see where there would be a difference mechanically

 

2006-2008 2.2L is non-VVT. 2009-2011 2.2L is VVT and FlexFuel.
2006-2008 2.4L is VVT. 2009-2011 2.4L is VVT and FlexFuel.