just got it back from a blown head gasket and now I have the reduced engine power/service ESC flashing. Car runs like crap, feels like its gonna drop the transmission everytime it shifts. Just trying to get her back on the road now that she's paid off, already dumped $1900 for the head gasket new brake pads and rotors. Any more cash and it might not be worth it. Help?!

 

Did you consider reading the OBDII for a code before posting?
Somebody probably forgot to hook a wire or vac tube back up. My guess would be the MAF.
What the heck this is the inter-nets so I'll just say it's definitely a broken spratling cone.

 

But I thought you automatically renew the Spratling Cone whenever you do a head gasket replacement, did I miss a revised TSB?

But to be serious, check for things that may have been left loose, as Don said...get the codes pulled, and an unhitched MAF is a real possibility.

 

Just a guess here, but maybe take it back to the people that worked on it?

Asking for help from strangers on the internet, would not be my 1st choice.

 

Nice full attack mode, So much for a friendly place.
Don't even think of posting online before the shop reopens, it was a 9:30 PM post.

Maybe some people should stick with the word game thread.

 

You could try pulling fuse #41(ecm) and #43(ecm transmission) for about 30 minutes for a manual reset. Worth a try in my opinion. Sorry to hear it is not running right..Good Luck!

 

Not full attack mode, but some gentle kidding that followed and preceded some hints, like getting the codes pulled and looking for things that may have been left loose by the shop. (Basically its S.O.P. after engine work to look for things left unhooked, wanna make an HHR run like utter junk, just disconnect the MAF)

My apologies to the OP, hopefully they have taken it back to where the work was done, it's the responsibility of the those folks to make it right....not the members of the forum.

And my apologies to you for causing offense 11BlueJ, it wasn't intended in any way.

 

My car started running like crap today after the temp got above 82F. No CEL, but a new light lit up on one of the knobs on the waterfall what's wrong with it?

 

I think you had the A/C on, I too noticed a mild power reduction and a slightly loping idle today when it hit 86 degrees in DC.

 

I think you got it right man - especially if he experienced chills at the same time. He should see his doctor.