Ditto.

 

Are you calling me a "confidence man"?

I think a competent guy with a good computer could diagnose better, the leaving for a day is most likely to find a quiet hour to do an extensive test drive; technically that requires 2 people, one to drive and one to play with the computer.

You could try the lobotomy method; disconnect the ground wire from the battery for 20-30 minutes. See if the codes come back.

Once again, the P0700 only means that the TCM requested the CEL, nothing more.

 

Don new types of scanners can do data logs. Test drive with that on and come back a review what just happened.
and yes the P0700 is just a generic code for the transmission.

 

In this case, I'd rather pay for someone who has experience, rather than pay for someone to gain experience. I'm just not in a position to do that (though I'd kind of like to). This afternoon I talked to a transmission specialist in Cortland who's conversation gave me confidence. I think I'm gonna give him a try.

My HHR is kind of bland and boring, compared to some of the HHR's here. And in the grand scale of worldly concerns, this problem is totally unimportant. I know. And no, it is not rocket science. But Horace the HHR has been a real pal. I am hoping a grand or maybe two will save him. But I wish it could be less, if that is at all possible. Like most anyone, I have my fair share of problems and obligations requiring money and attention. I just can't see sinking too much bread into a car with a Blue Book value of only four grand.

I will report back. And again. if you know a mechanic in the Northeast US who you would trust especially with this kind of repair, I'll take the referral.

And by the way, I heard there is a class action suit against GM for these CEL issues, because they have reduced the resale value of so many of their cars.

Thanks again everyone.