My wife's 2008 hhr slipped into neutral (not physically in neutral but acted like it was, auto trans) for a few seconds the other day. She said it would just rev and not attempt to move along with the power steering light and flickering dash lights. It only lasted a few seconds the 2 times it did it. I checked the alternator and load tested the battery they both seemed fine. It was charging at just over 14v and the battery was just over 12 with the car off. Any other ideas? I was thinking it may be a intermittent problem with the alternator?

Any help would be appreciated. It goes into the shop on Friday unless I can figure it out before then.

 

My guess is either the hot wire attachment to the fuse box or the fuse box halves coming loose or a loose ground.

Has the ignition recall been done?

This youtube will give an idea.

 

Also check the ground wires just down to the right of the oil filter cap, on the transmission.

 

The ignition recall has not been done. It seems nice and tight with no play.

 

Hopefully the rain stops by tomorrow. I'll give it a shot!

 

Your description is WHY a there is recall.

 

The ignition switch recall can make the transmission disengage and dash lights to flicker?

 

I am assuming that your wife's description is like my wife's. The ignition switch can momentarily turn the engine off making it seem that stomping on the gas is not making the car move. That is specifically the ignition recall. The Power Steering recall relates to the power steering up and turning off.

Both recalls are real and dangerous. People have died.