<Insert nodding head emoticon> XXL is correct, give it a try. Go out and start your vehicle and try this. Put the key in the ignition, turn it right as normal to start and as fast as you can let go of the key. One you engage the starter circuit, the PCM takes over and releases it when the engine starts.

 

Harper, your car set a code. Unless you erased it, it is still there and you need to take the car into the dealer to have it fixed. The ignition circuit will crank the engine for about 5 seconds on all HHR's since production. THis is normal. THere is a bullitin on this telling the customer that this is normal.

 

Yeah it had a code of P0087, Low Fuel Rail pressure. THat could be about anything from a blocked fuel line to a bad pump to a blocked filter. I'm worried I'm gonna get the old "couldn't reproduce the problem" at the dealer. I see what happened with the ignition. That is not really what I'm concerned with. Just thought it was kinda wierd not ever seeing a car with intelligent starting. My primary interest is if there is a known issue with the car that would cause the starting problems. I read an old string from 06 in the general HHR forum where people were having a problem with the same symptoms. Short drive, come out an hour later and no start. They blamed it on a bad pump but I would think there would be different type pumps involved between a standard HHR and a SS.

 

Do you have to drive it everyday or do you have a extra car to drive? If I had a extra I would put it through the paces. Do your worse and see if something happens, then take it to the dealer.

 

Less than 2 weeks old, the dealer had to replace my fuel pump. Called it a "Heat Soak" issue. Sorta like the old carburetor perculation problem.

No problems since....6600 miles...

Cajun

 

thanks for the info xxl and zo6, i tried it and your right.

thats why i love this site, thought i had a bad starter with 5600 miles.

 

Another innovative item to note on the ignition switch is that after the PCM takes over the cranking sequence, you will never get the old starter grind. I am talking about someone attempting to start a car after it is running and the starter drive teeth grind onto the flywheel while it is turning. That little problem is now gone.

If you turn your key to start after the car is running no grinding noises will occur.

 

Took it in first thing this AM and the dealership called about 2PM. It is a bad fuel pump. They will have a new one in the morning. I tried to get it out of the service advisor as to how they diagnosed it. She didn't provide much info. I hope that this isn't just a "throw some parts at it". I would think at the price of these parts and the ability to diagnose being so technically advanced compared to the old days, that they really do know. Even if it is a "let's keep slapping new parts on 'til it's fixed", that's better than "sorry, we can't reproduce the problem". Although my wife might think different, as long as they keep putting new parts on, I'm not gonna bi*ch. That might change the first time my wife is stranded late at night on the hiway. Thanks to all for listening to my whining.

 

Designed with my wife in mind.

 

Yeah, for that code, the diagnosis is simple. Document # 1957290 in the manual, says step 1, to verify correct low side fuel system pressure. Step 2, remove the high pressure pump assembly and visually inspect the lobes on the camshaft for wear.
a. If the lobes are normal, replace the mechanical fuel pump assy.
b. If the lobes are worn, replace the camshaft.