Hi, My check engine light is on and off intermittent on my 2009 HHR 2.4L and my mechanic just told me it was my exhaust sensors (2 of them) are clogged because of dirty oil. I change my oil every 5000 miles when the oil guage says it's down to 30-40%. I was changing every 3000 miles and a mechanic told me I was changing to often. I know I'm a girl but could someone tell me if these sensors are something I can replace, fix etc. or do I need to have the garage do that, and if I don't do that now will it hurt other components of my car. I currently have 85,000 miles on my car and this is really the first major thing that's come up, other than standard oil changes, and air filters. They quoted $304 for the new sensors.

 

What are the codes? That will help. If it's the O2 sensors, they are not hard to replace.

 

What are the code numbers that the mechanics have gotten?

I suspect you actually mean camshaft position solenoid valves (1 exhaust, 1 intake).

 

I don't know the code numbers but now that you have the technical term solenoid valves, exhaust and intake that is what the mechanic said. Does $304 sound reasonable to replace these or are these something my boyfriend could replace if I try to buy them outright?

 

Price is ridiculous!
.6 hours labor (2 bolts after you get the air cleaner off)
parts less than $100.

This link covers everything:
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...13-14-a-28779/

The reason listed in the diagnostic for lazy mechanics is "dirty oil". Anyone that says that is the only cause and wants that much money is a "run the other way" mechanic.

 

THANKS SO MUCH. This is awesome news. Maybe I need to find a better mechanic to work on my car as well. Thanks so much for the help.

 

Welcome to the site, following those instructions is easy and you won't need many tools
I know you can do it!

 

Yea. That was the first repair I had to do on my HHR and without ever touching a major part of an engine before I did the job by myself with very basic hand tools in about a half hour. Also, parts were about 90 bucks for both. 304 is RIDICULOUS for that job. Although, even if it a reputable mechanic, who knows what the book says that they look at for labor/parts. Although limited on space, the engine compartment on the HHR is pretty easy to work with. Easier than my old 99 Chrysler Sebring. YUCK