Engine Tune Up Questions
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 02-05-2023
Posts: 13
From: MN
Engine Tune Up Questions
I bought my 2009 HHR in early January, expecting to drive it through the balance of this Minnesota winter. The last week of January, the right front caliper failed, losing pressure and fluid. I did a front brake job (rotors, pads, and one caliper) the first weekend of February. I am hoping to wait until spring to do more work on it including tuning up the 2.2 L engine.
When I change the spark plugs, should I replace the coils? Are there brands of plugs and coils that are preferred? Brands to avoid? I bought a Bosch air filter for it. What other things should I include in the tune up?
I need to get the OBD scanned to see what is lighting the lamp.
Thanks,
When I change the spark plugs, should I replace the coils? Are there brands of plugs and coils that are preferred? Brands to avoid? I bought a Bosch air filter for it. What other things should I include in the tune up?
I need to get the OBD scanned to see what is lighting the lamp.
Thanks,
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,083
From: Welland,Ont Canada
How many miles on the HHR?
the ignition coils are ok, reuse them.
The spark plugs , use only AC Delco 41-103 Iridium plugs, do not attempt to gap them.
air filter is fine, the CEL isn’t, have the codes read and write them down, post those codes here, do not purchase any parts, we’ll give you guidance about them.
Not much to really tune up these days
to install the spark plugs , anti seize is optional, only tighten to 15 ft lbs, or finger tight , then 1/4 turn , that’s it.
the ignition coils are ok, reuse them.
The spark plugs , use only AC Delco 41-103 Iridium plugs, do not attempt to gap them.
air filter is fine, the CEL isn’t, have the codes read and write them down, post those codes here, do not purchase any parts, we’ll give you guidance about them.
Not much to really tune up these days
to install the spark plugs , anti seize is optional, only tighten to 15 ft lbs, or finger tight , then 1/4 turn , that’s it.
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,533
From: Fredericksburg,VA
Most big box auto parts stores will read the codes for free. Don't bother with the description get only the code NUMBER and ask here. The descriptions the scanners give are misleading.
If the CEL came on right after the filter change you probably forgot to plug the MAF back in.
If the CEL came on right after the filter change you probably forgot to plug the MAF back in.
Senior Member
Joined: 03-29-2022
Posts: 1,241
From: Davison MI
I bought my 2009 HHR in early January, expecting to drive it through the balance of this Minnesota winter. The last week of January, the right front caliper failed, losing pressure and fluid. I did a front brake job (rotors, pads, and one caliper) the first weekend of February. I am hoping to wait until spring to do more work on it including tuning up the 2.2 L engine.
When I change the spark plugs, should I replace the coils? Are there brands of plugs and coils that are preferred? Brands to avoid? I bought a Bosch air filter for it. What other things should I include in the tune up?
I need to get the OBD scanned to see what is lighting the lamp.
Thanks,
When I change the spark plugs, should I replace the coils? Are there brands of plugs and coils that are preferred? Brands to avoid? I bought a Bosch air filter for it. What other things should I include in the tune up?
I need to get the OBD scanned to see what is lighting the lamp.
Thanks,
Senior Member
Joined: 12-05-2014
Posts: 3,368
From: Northern Ohio
Frequent traditional "tune ups"is no longer necessary, though some garages will happily charge you for one. Even the air filter can go as much as 100K.
Have a look at the air filter before you buy one for all you know, it's been changed fairly recently.
Pull just one plug and have a look. For all you know, they've been changed recently. But if they're not AC Delco 41-103 (iridium), change them. Then they're good for 100,000 miles or more. If they are, measure the gap and take a picture and post
Don't mess with the coils unless they're giving you trouble, and they're probably not unless someone already replaced them with aftermarket.
Change your oil before 50%. Always. If it's past due, take it to Wallyworld tomorrow.
Have a look at the air filter before you buy one for all you know, it's been changed fairly recently.
Pull just one plug and have a look. For all you know, they've been changed recently. But if they're not AC Delco 41-103 (iridium), change them. Then they're good for 100,000 miles or more. If they are, measure the gap and take a picture and post
Don't mess with the coils unless they're giving you trouble, and they're probably not unless someone already replaced them with aftermarket.
Change your oil before 50%. Always. If it's past due, take it to Wallyworld tomorrow.
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,083
From: Welland,Ont Canada
If they measure the gap , the would risk breaking the whisker off and ruin the spark plug. Please do not attempt to measure the gap, just look for soot or brown deposits on the plug.
Or seeing as the PO paid for those plugs, put in a new set and be sure they are good to go.
Or seeing as the PO paid for those plugs, put in a new set and be sure they are good to go.
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,533
From: Fredericksburg,VA
With Iridiums you can see the tiny whisker, it is either there or not there. I've never seen the gap change from use, I have ruined a few when attempting to measure the gap, before I got it through my head that "pre-gapped" means you don't need to do it. !00,000 miles on 41-103s is the low end, I would bet there are a lot that have never been changed.
