2010 HHR idling problems
 

i have a 2010 HHR with 92k miles. it got in an accident a couple years back, it hasn’t been touched up until recently. i went to try and start it and the idle jumps up to 3000 rpm’s right when you start it and usually dies after a couple seconds. i know the throttle bodies are known for having issues, so i read the codes with a code reader and sure enough it had throttle body and maf codes. however i replaced those along with new spark plugs and brand new gas since it was sitting for a while. all the codes went off and it still does it. i know you can do the throttle body relearn but i can’t keep it running long enough to even do it. if anyone has any information that would help me i’d really appreciate it! thanks!

Check the wiring harness for damage from the accident, is the MAF firmly plugged in?

If you would tell us the actual code numbers then we could point you in the right direction.

All the codes are off, CEL light is off, but the throttle body still surges , been sitting awhile, could be the throttle body got damaged in the accident.

If the OP hasn’t cleared the codes, then they should show as stored or historic.
Plus. If it’s running (or not running) as bad as he says, then it should throw a code or 2 and light up the CEL before too long.
Without any codes we could blindly guess all day long.

New TB and MAF.
Check wires to MAF and MAP. Any chance varmints got into the wires?
TB relearn is simply letting it idle then driving it.

well, i replaced the the maf and throttle body so there are no codes anymore.

well i didnt even need to clear the codes they turned off on their own.

Sorry. Guess you don’t understand how CEL’s and the codes work. Even though the light went off, you can still have codes stored in the memory …..as long as you didn’t erase them with your reader or disconnected the car battery(reboots and clears the OBD system.
My point was to pull the codes again. Even with the light off there could be stored codes.

If the car has been sitting unused for a long time, the battery is discharged or just no good anymore. Take it to the auto parts store and get a free battery load test.

That it is strong enough to start the vehicle is not a good indicator of battery health.

You replaced spark plugs? What brand and part number?
AC Delco 41-103 iridium I hope!

Have you inspected the connector wiring at the throttle body?

well i can’t even relearn the throttle body because i can’t even keep it running long enough. it dies immediately. but i pulled the plugs yesterday to check and make sure i had good spark and the brand new plugs i put in were completely black. if that helps anyone lead me in the right direction.

Which plugs are in there?

Black plugs makes me think the butterfly is stuck closed.

Yes, running very rich.

do you think that maybe the throttle body i got is fualty ? i did get it out of a junkyard. but even beofre i replaced the symptoms were the exact same and didn’t even change once i put the other throttle body on.

You need to put a scan tool on it and see what it's doing.
Need to see what the load devises are doing. MAF is first. See what the PCM is commanding the injectors. Could be they are being commanded for idle which would mean your injectors are bad.

Switch back to the other throttle body, see if there’s any changes. And please , answer me about the spark plugs!