Hello, long time lurker, first time caller...

I am having a check engine light error code on my 2008 HHR SS. It has ~ 122,000 miles. It is a recent purchase (I still own a 2007 LT since new).
The code is P2188. I had it checked at autozone, and the code came up twice ... "System too rich at idle".

I noticed that when starting the car from cold, it idles up to about 2000 rpm before settling down to about 1000 rpm in about a minute or 2.

... also ... i noticed a leak on my way to autozone. I think it could be coolant... it was a yellow almost yellow green color.

I plan on taking it to the dealer to have all the fluids replaced, and also so they can try to up sell me on a bunch of stuff that I will then know I will need to get looked next (but not at the dealer).

I have a mechanic who has worked on my 2007 HHR LT since new, but is there any sort of "vetting" of the mechanic before he works on the HHR SS? Are there any reputable HHR SS / LNF mechanics in the Southern Califonia / High Desert area? Any other helpful new owner tips?

Thanks for your help and this forum is awesome!!

Edit: Stock HHR SS as far as I have been told.

 

Firstly it is "fuel TRIM system rich at idle". What it means is that the computer is trying very hard to compensate for too much air in the AF mixture I.E.: un metered air, between the Throttle body and the turbo outlet including the charge air cooler.

I don't know why anyone would consider a dealership for simple fluid changes. The yellow/green fluid is probably the wrong anti-freeze; should be Dexcool that is orange.

 

TRIM vs TOO ... I was only copying exactly what the Autozone print out says... I should go correct them.

Thanks for the input regarding the dealer... it was an idea, but it seems like there's a lot of dealer horror stories, so I will stick to my mechanic.

 

Welcome to the site, let’s see now , aside from a fluid leak you have that P2188 code which if we investigate the information highway

https://www.obd-codes.com/p2188

isn’t particularly a turbo car issue, but a dirty filthy MAF issue, which can set off the O2 sensor thinking it running rich.
be sure to use MAF cleaning spray and double check your air filter, if it’s an oil type , ensure you do not soak it with the air filter oil I.E. K&N
I also note to check the EVAP purge valve, if you can blow air through it it’s leaking, but that should set another code.
look at the charge pipes, are the hose connector clamps tight? Any cracks in the them, any cracks or damage to the intercooler?

this would be a great starting point, no dealership to worry about ! Most of them don’t remember working on an SS anyway!

 

I got my car back from the mechanic...

Apparently my leak was from the AC compressor. The fluid was dyed.

And there were actually 3 codes... P0087 , P0089, and the P2188.

My mechanic suspects all the codes are related to the high pressure fuel pump, but he doesn't have the equipment to fully check. He also mentioned that it could possibly be related to a camshaft issue, but again he cant be sure.

I will have to take it to another mechanic for service. I will update later.

 

After doing some research/reading from people on this site with the same codes, replacing the HPFP (High Pressure Fuel Pump) corrected the problem.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/ss-s...-issues-43755/


I have this code reader that is used with my Android phone.
If I remember correctly it will give you fuel pressure values.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong about this.

 

https://www.obd-codes.com/p0087

indicates low fuel pressure.

https://www.obd-codes.com/p0089

low fuel pressure, the fuel pressure regulator is not reading enough pressure.

Now the SS has two fuel pumps, an electric in tank to feed the mechanical HPFP .

as Catman stated the HPFP seems to be the culprit in this case.

RockAuto has them,

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...fuel+pump,6256

or maybe a used one will do, send hellshotrod a PM

 

Hmm. Wonder which one is the correct replacement ? Based on the huge price differences, I can guess which one people would want to buy.

 

I’m glad mine is N/A whoa those are expensive! And then there’s that possibility this might not 100% be the problem!

 

No way I would pay $900+ for a fuel pump, without getting it installed!