Problems/Service/Repairs If you have a problem with your HHR, want a tip on repairing or performing a particular service to you HHR here is the place to post!

Car will not stay running

Old Jul 31, 2017 | 06:12 PM
  #11  
donbrew's Avatar
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Before the new battery it ran? The only change was the battery and suddenly it stalls?

Yes, there is a relation to the battery. There are several computers involved and several relays and several sensors that all rely on electricity.

It would be cheaper to go buy a code reader, less than $100 at your local auto parts big box store.
Old Jul 31, 2017 | 06:19 PM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by donbrew
Before the new battery it ran? The only change was the battery and suddenly it stalls?

Yes, there is a relation to the battery. There are several computers involved and several relays and several sensors that all rely on electricity.

It would be cheaper to go buy a code reader, less than $100 at your local auto parts big box store.
If i wasn't still making payments on this car I'd sell it. But it would make a great fishing car(has a hitch, storage area for poles, etc) i may just have to break down and take it to a dealer to have it fixed. Long gone are the days of being able to reach sparks plugs with out taking the top of your engine off or sitting on your head to reach them, or, having the battery where you can access it, or do repairs without a computer. Uhghgh.
Old Jul 31, 2017 | 07:15 PM
  #13  
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Is it under warranty? That is the only reason to go to a dealer.

Obviously you have not done any mechanical work on your HHR. It is one of the easiest cars to work on, as long as you aren't askeered of it.

The spark plugs are under the air cleaner, do you pay dealership labor prices to change the air filter? You don't have to get under the car and get a oil soaked sleeve to change the oil filter. Why would you need to have regular access to the battery? VWs used to have the battery under the rear seat. Some Dodges have it under the wheel well; you have to take a wheel off then remove the fender liner then wiggle the thing through a tiny opening.

The HHR is as easy to deal with as an air cooled VW. The computer is a diagnostic tool,not a repair tool.

You can get a OBDII reader that you read with your Android phone for about $10.
Old Jul 31, 2017 | 07:21 PM
  #14  
Cena's Avatar
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Originally Posted by donbrew
Is it under warranty? That is the only reason to go to a dealer.

Obviously you have not done any mechanical work on your HHR. It is one of the easiest cars to work on, as long as you aren't askeered of it.

The spark plugs are under the air cleaner, do you pay dealership labor prices to change the air filter? You don't have to get under the car and get a oil soaked sleeve to change the oil filter. Why would you need to have regular access to the battery? VWs used to have the battery under the rear seat. Some Dodges have it under the wheel well; you have to take a wheel off then remove the fender liner then wiggle the thing through a tiny opening.

The HHR is as easy to deal with as an air cooled VW. The computer is a diagnostic tool,not a repair tool.

You can get a OBDII reader that you read with your Android phone for about $10.
the ONLY thing I've done on this car is replace the timing chain and tensioners. Im basically a Chilton/Haynes fix it myself kind of woman if its going to save me money. If i know what's wrong, ill give it my best shot to fix it. It's just figuring out what needs fixed.
Old Jul 31, 2017 | 07:27 PM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by Cena
the ONLY thing I've done on this car is replace the timing chain and tensioners. Im basically a Chilton/Haynes fix it myself kind of woman if its going to save me money. If i know what's wrong, ill give it my best shot to fix it. It's just figuring out what needs fixed.
previous car repairs/maintenance I've done: oil change, serpetine belt, manifold gasket, exhaust manifold gasket, spark plugs, repair fuel lines, water pump, alternator, exhaust replacement. So, if i know what to do, i usually can get it done. Electrical, i don't mess with. Anywho, got to get to work. Thank you.
Old Jul 31, 2017 | 08:08 PM
  #16  
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Just because there is fuel coming out of the fuel rail valve does not mean the fuel pump is working correctly.
Maybe it has just enough to start, then loses pressure and the engine dies.
You may want to test the pump pressure.
Old Jul 31, 2017 | 08:20 PM
  #17  
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Sitting since May, starts but won't stay running, sour fuel and or a low charged battery, these trucklets love a fully charged battery, tight connections and grounds.
Looking forward to those codes.
Old Jul 31, 2017 | 09:30 PM
  #18  
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Originally Posted by Oldblue
Sitting since May, starts but won't stay running, sour fuel and or a low charged battery, these trucklets love a fully charged battery, tight connections and grounds.
Looking forward to those codes.
Yep, yep! Very good possibility! Could it be a security thing?
Old Aug 1, 2017 | 08:44 AM
  #19  
J W Davis's Avatar
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From: Hurst Texas
I feel for her, got to admire her "spunk" and willing to roll up her sleeves!
Old Aug 3, 2017 | 03:05 AM
  #20  
SuKi's Avatar
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From: Ventura, CA
Code reader

Seriously though, a code reader is good to have, and as previously stated they are inexpensive. Someone said less than $100, but many are less than forty. And by the sound of your previous maintenance and repairs, you have the capability to fix this once you find out what it is.

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