2008 HHR SS Limp Mode After Hitting Dirt Curb
 

I had the misfortune of bottoming out the front end in a small culvert with my 2008 SS. Immediately after contact, the engine died and when I restared it was in limp mode. After a few more tries, the car started and was running fine. About 10 miles later, the CEL came on and it appeared there was limited turbo boost. Having loaned out my code reader and needing the car to get to work, I tried the old disconnect the battery to see if the code would clear. Wrong thing to do as now the car will not stay running and is in full limp mode. I will be getting the code reader tomorrow but have never really heard of hitting a hard surface with the spoiler causing an engine problem There is no damage to the undercarriage etc.

Welcome to the site. :thumb:

If you hit the spoiler, it most likely took out the intercooler. Check the plastic end tanks.
If it won't stay running, you could have other problems also.

Yeah, the intercooler is right there. I don't know if it would cause a code, but it could certainly let all your boost out into the atmosphere. That feels like limp mode.

I did that with my HHR SS in the winter, it was BLINDING snow and what looked like a flat plane aka parking lot was actually a culvert and I went right down into it at about 5mph, cracking my front bumper in tons of places but the over sized innercooler and motor started/worked like a charm.

I bet like Fireman said, you broke and end cap and the system cannot hold boost...check that, you dont even really need a jack to check it out, but itll make it easier.

Maybe the sensor on the lower pipe has made contact with the A/C piping or IC on the impact. Might be what set the code.

That's how mine acted when I blew out the lower MAP sensor from the charge pipe. After I cleared the code, **** hit the fan and got worse just as you describe too. I wouldn't try to start the car anymore but but check the lower pipe and i bet you have a crack or blown MAP bracket.

Gonna tow the car home tomorrow and start the process to replace the intercooler. The pipe on the driver side is broken off. Would tow today but it is 107 degrees here in the Sacramento, CA area. Will post some pictures when I take apart. Thanks for advice.

I must be the winner since I guessed right 1st. :D

Goody. Do I win something?

Seriously ksprint. Sorrow about the damage. Hope you don't find anything else broken,but check it real good when you get it torn down.

Can anyone suggest a good place to buy a new intercooler? There are so many sources out there via the search engine. Think I am gonna keep the HHR with stock components.

Thanks in adavance

You could try a "wanted ad" in the classified section here. I recall a few stock intercoolers being for sale in the past.
Maybe someone has upgraded theirs and still has a stock one laying around.

As far as new. Many choices there. GMpartsdirect is one that comes to mind.