Oh..... and the connectors to the actuators have these little plastic clip-on locks (keep them & put them back on).

 

Went to my local GM dealership and bought the camshaft actuator valve (exhaust) for $54.85. The part number was #12655421. Disconnected the negative post on battery then did everything to get that big air filter housing outta the way! Once I could look down in where the 10mm bolt was I seen quite a bit of crumbled leaves grime ect. Cleaned that out first so nothing would fall in. Bolt was a little snug but turned without too much force. The solenoid was removed with channel locks, I just got a good grip and wiggled straight up from the top. Lubed the new one and it went right in! All in all it took about 20mins. I called a different GM dealer just to see how much they would charge to do this job. They wanted $192 for labor only. Thanks guys, I thought my tranny was going out cause of the symptoms, but with your help was able to save a possible few hundred dollars.

 

See, we are right sometimes!

Be prepared for the other one to pop a code soon.

 

Yeah I'll will be changing the intake side real soon, such a relief knowing it was timing and not the tranny! This has been an awesome experience and another reason to own a Chevy HHR.

 

Good job. Glad it's resolved for you.

 

Awe, I'm so verclempted, I get misty when the fix corrects the issues and saves you money, I need a tissue !! I'm so happy!

 

Good work Haroldir83

Is your 2006 HHR an early model that has an oil cooler?

Did you remember to lay a towel over the rear door lock?

This is a GREAT site!

 

Im not sure if she has an oil cooler? I left the rear door open.

 

Thank you sir, I think the hardest part was diagnosing, it felt like the tranny was going bye bye. But thanks to all the support from you guys quickly turned out an easy fix

 

I know of one HHR that is sitting around waiting to be scrapped because an ASE Certified mechanic could not do what you have done! He has told them the trans and entire valve train is destroyed, he never looked under the covers just by looking at codes and test driving.