George...

First off thank you for such a helpful response.

I did "Jump in" late on this thread because The OP was having the same issue of short drive, then non starting. I had originally posted this issue several years back, and so little was know, so I did not see a solution. Then the problem "Went away" for along time, and has now resurfaced.

I did my due diligence and searched this and other forums to seek a solution.

Of the other HHR forums out there on the web, this one has long been my home. I trust the answers in here better than anywhere else.

Don't worry, I grown accustomed to non answers such as yours, but I REALLY didn't think I would get one in here. Thanks a lot. Do you have any real answers to the question or not?

Don, Really? Do you mean turning the key could be a Operator error?
Or did you have a more realistic answer to an already frustrating problem that is turning into a nightmare?

Did you mean we failed in changing out the pump? What part did we fail on?

PLEASE honestly, I am seeking real solutions and not wise cracks...

I am hoping that the OP can chime in here to let us know what the real solution was and if has gone away and NOT Returned...?

 

OK. I will apologize for trying to help. Do I have any "real answers" ? Sure I do.
My point is your post starts with "desperate need of help". You don't give any info like year model, mileage, engine size etc. You want us to help you without any info other than "that's my problem too". Sorry, I can't help you if that's all you've got.
My suggestion to start the thread over was to get some facts on your problem.
And a FWIW, stating things like "Car simply wont start at all now... It does turn over and actually starts, but abruptly shuts down" is confusing to the readers.
You say,"Won't start at all" but in the same sentence you say, "actually starts"

Sorry, but I'll just bow out from this one. Hope you find some help with your problem.

 

I see... I apologize for my rude answer to your help...

We have a 06 HHR with a 2.4 with 71,000 miles on it, that is exhibiting the same issue. By that I mean it does the same thing as Mamasmad does. It will start, run for a short drive, or a long drive, then when we stop and get out for a brief period, say 5 minutes, get back in, and want to leave, the car will not start and run. Yes, It does turn over, meaning it cranks, it even starts, then abruptly shuts down.

It is as if the computer says "No, not gonna run..." Or like there is no fuel, or no fire....
I don't get a code, and the CEL or SEL or whatever you call it does not come on or stay on. The car just will not start.

But I mentioned it the way I did so you smart folks would know, that it was not a starter motor or battery type of issue.

I am happy to supply any additional info, just ask, PLEASE...
The issue we are having is VERY similar to the original posters issue, that's why I said I was having the same problem.... His description is what we are seeing as well...

I'm sorry if my problem stating is confusing, but it does describe exactly what is happening, "Car simply wont start at all now... It does turn over and actually starts, but abruptly shuts down"

I probably should have said, "The car attempts to start, (Turns over and catches for just a second), but will not continue to run, then abruptly shuts down."
Sorry, but that is exactly what it does in that order.

Does that help? Can I supply anything else?

 

No, what I meant was that the install may have been done wrong. Like a plug not plugged etc. I do not assUme people are dummies, they have to prove it.

Have you explored dirt in the fuel rail?

 

Like I mentioned, I apologize for my rude answers...

I do need help... (Maybe in more than one way, LOL!) Sorry!!!!!

We were VERY through about making dang sure everything went back in to the best of our abilities... We checked and double checked as much as we knew how to... And yes, there is ALWAYS a possibility we messed up, but we tried to minimize that.

We did not have the rail opened up other than a quick press of the valve port to spit out fuel, so we knew it had some there... I don't have a gauge, so I am not sure HOW MUCH pressure we have, etc...

I have a guy coming over in a little bit to see if he can get a code from it, then we may see what the heck...??? or not???

And I am gonna try some ether in the intake to see if that will make it run...

The fuel gauge option was out for me, because my local store's rental copy is checked out, and he did not have one to sell outright...