I changed the clutch in an O7 HHR LT 2.4/Getrag transmission this weekend. After reassembling everything, I can't get the car to start.

I've troubleshot the issue as far as I can without being able to read the specific sensor readings from the computer. When I put the key in, I get the usual chimes and such. When I try to start the car, I get nothing at all.

All of the relays are seated and I've checked the fuses. I've checked for power at the solenoid. Even when the key is turned to start, I never get power to the smaller terminal to tell the solenoid to engage. I checked at the crank/run relay and don't get any change when the key is turned to start.

When the key is on, the security light does go out quickly. The check airbag light comes on and stays on, which it did not previously. I get two new messages in the LCD notification area - Service airbag soon, and Engine Power Reduced.

If I leave the key in run and jump across the solenoid terminals, the car will start.

It sounds to me like maybe I've damaged the ECM. Is there a way to test it before plunking down that chunk of change? Besides re-checking all of the electrical connections, anyone got an idea what else I could try next?

Thanks!

 

"Besides rechecking all the electrical connections" ?

How about the safety switch on the clutch pedal?

 

Yes, besides rechecking all of the electrical connections. I've done that a few dozen times thus far, and will surely do it again and again...

As for the clutch pedal switch: It's present, hooked up, and physically operating fine. I haven't checked it electrically yet, since that would be disconnecting something that I had not already had to work with. I reckon that's on my agenda this evening when I work on it again, though.

Thanks for your response.

 

I would start checking grounds that my have been removed with the clutch in stall. It is very easy to misplace one or end up with a poor connection after a ground wire was removed and reinstalled.

 

Not a ground - I removed 2 grounds in taking it apart, and both are back in place. The primary ground and a ground from the wiring harness both connect to a threaded stud that goes into the tranny above where the starter is, and they are in place.

I have reconnected both of the O2 sensors around the cat, as well as the 2 connectors for the transmission itself. Reconnected the starter wires (2 positive, and the small one to the solenoid post). The large connector that goes to or near the MAF sensor. All 3 of the big connectors to the ECM. All 3 of the connections to the 2 posts on the electrical distribution box.

I've checked the clutch switch now and it is fine. It's also been verified to be reconnected.

I can't find any loose wires hanging. I reckon I'm off to see a mechanic tomorrow to try to get him to run an actual diagnosis.

Thanks firemangeorge and Lucky, I appreciate both of your answers. I'll post again when I have something new.

-Tal

 

Tal-
if you have CEL on, auto parts can read it FREE. And maybe help point you in the right direction..

 

I have the code reader. There are no current codes, just the airbag light and the 'Engine power reduced' (what does _that_ mean) message in the LCD display.

What the code reader from the auto store apparently won't do is read the individual sensor states to perform the actual troubleshooting that's specified in the manual. I can read and reset the CEL codes all day, and read the state of specific sensors that are pre-programmed into the code reader, but I can't get it to read the state of the crank relay, and certainly not to command the state of the crank relay.

I haven't tried troubleshooting the starting system on a car new enough that the ECM and BCM were this integral to the starting process before. If I had the right equipment to read and set the specific sensors, I can see how it'd be tons more convenient than the old stuff - but for right now it's just been frustrating.

-Tal

 

The problem with the car not starting has been resolved. When I moved the underhood fuse box out of the way, apparently at some point I put too much stress on a set of wires going into it and pulled a couple loose. My mechanic (whom I wish I could have afforded to just have do the whole job) found and fixed those.

The symptom they found that got them there was no power to the battery side of fuse #30 in the underhood box, which should have batter power all the time. That feeds the crank relay in #31, which was the root cause.

Unfortunately, that didn't fix the car. I must have done something wrong with the clutch install, because now it doesn't move at all. I'm not looking forward to either removing the tranny again myself or having them do it...