I am having a problem with my 2006 HHR. Originally, It was my trans shifting erratically with a check engine light on the dashboard. I replaced the tcm and grounded it to one of the strut bolts on the strut tower. It worked for 2 days. Now, the trans is shifting erratically again and I have no power steering and I have a lock symbol that’s lit on the dash. Anyone care to make a guess at this? I would appreciate it.

 

You did everything but getting the codes.. You probably have a code that is causing the hard shifting.
You don't say which engine; if it is a 2.4L the chances are good that the VVT valves have gone bad.

 

The engine is a 2.2 and the car only has 46000 miles on it.

 

Need the code numbers. No descriptions.

Certain codes will cause the erratic shifting. It’s the computers way of letting you know something is wrong.
My guess is there was nothing wrong with the original TCM. You just cleared the codes when swapping the modules out. They came back after so many key cycles.

 

So I guess I’m going to have to take it to the auto parts store to have my codes read? Also, would that also wipe out the power steering?

 

Either the auto parts store or buy your own reader. There are also apps for smartphones used in tandem with a wireless dongle. I use the Torque app myself.

Power steering. Doubt it’s related to the TCM issue. Have you checked the fuse ?

You grounded the TCM to the strut tower ? Why ? Something you read on Facebook?

 

It should not. Loose fuse box would.

the 4 7mm bolts tighten them up, real tight.

 

Didn’t check the fuse but tightened up the screws. Will check fuse

 

What other stupid advice from farcebook have you followed? Get rid of that stupid ground wire, it does nothing that the ground wire in the harness doesn't do and is dangerous. If it did help the problem is in the wiring.
Has there been a jumpstart? Does somebody think that the underhood fuse box is the battery? The terminal closest to the firewall goes to the power steering it is NOT ground.
Have you looked at fuses? Checked for melted or frayed wires?

 

Already got rid of the ground wire. I have fever jumped a car or been jumped since I’ve owned the car. The wires are in great shape. The car has been garaged since I bought it new. I already had it back to the dealer for the steering issue. They fixed it at their expense. That issue came back at the same time as my transmission shifting issue.