Another P0014 problem....
 

My g/f's 09 HHR was periodically throwing a P0014 code maybe every 2 months or so but I'd reset the light and it'd be fine till it decided to do it again. Now however it got worse so I got new vvt solenoids and swapped them but the same code coming up. Was a little low on oil and I was getting ready to change it but I just put 1 qt oil in it just to see if that was the problem but then it was very hard to start and keep running and now it's showing both P0014 & P0017 Am I correct in thinking it's probably the chain is stretched and might've jumped a tooth? I got a car in my garage now getting fixed and this will go in next so I can pull the valve cover off and check but was just trying to get a idea first? TIA

Yes, check that chain.

Thanks, it is the original chain with 124k miles so that's probably it.

P0016 will tell you the chain skipped a tooth. Plan on changing the timing chain and balance shaft chain, the guides and tensioners.

Cloyes offers kits without sprockets they rarely need to be changed and that saves money

Thanks, I was hoping for a easy fix but the way my luck is, that rarely happens. lol One more question, I did the chain on my 07 a few years ago. Is this much different being VVT?

No, just the camshaft sprockets are very different, another reason to not include sprockets.

9-4201-SX is the timing chain and 9-4202SX the balance shaft chain kits

In my opinion you, should not try to start it, crank it, or even let a mechanic crank it, until you know the state of the chain cam timing chain. If it’s skipped one tooth, it can skip another and destroy the engine. First step would be to remove the valve cover and inspect. Likely it will reveal a sloppy chain and/or a broken front guide.

Best to tow it to a mechanic with whom you have negotiated a chain job price in advance. Issue warnings and consider disconnecting the battery so that someone doesn’t get the bright idea of trying to start it. A member here lost an HHR when the towing driver tried to start when their back was turned.

Even after a chain job, trouble is possible due to the apparently neglected maintenance.

Finishing the car in my garage now then I'm gonna push it in and pull the cover and see how bad it is.

Well, got the cover off and the chain is fine. Camshaft sensor maybe?

This site is usually pretty good https://www.obd-codes.com/p0017