Be careful!
Thread Starter
Joined: 03-22-2013
Posts: 1
From: Michigan
Be careful!
We love our 2011 HHR LT2 dipped in leather with almost every option. How ever we've run into what I think is an unacceptable problem. At 67440 miles we need to replace the timing chain! Oil changes on time dealer maintained cared for like our third child!
After doing some research on this and other forums we've found this engine has many problems especially with timing chain tensioner and guides (yes even the new one) failing or performing poorly without throwing the P00016 code.
We'd like Chevy to reach out to us as we have experience with other cars and NEVER had this problem this early in the engine life cycle. We had an AUDI A6 that required timing chains every 100K and we did it because it was what was required. Our 2002 Pontiac which we gave away at 179k still has the original timing chain!
We are really questioning what to do after repair. It's competitive right now and maybe we should look outside the GM family again as a result of this disappointment. I know it's one year after warranty is done but 67k? wow.
After doing some research on this and other forums we've found this engine has many problems especially with timing chain tensioner and guides (yes even the new one) failing or performing poorly without throwing the P00016 code.
We'd like Chevy to reach out to us as we have experience with other cars and NEVER had this problem this early in the engine life cycle. We had an AUDI A6 that required timing chains every 100K and we did it because it was what was required. Our 2002 Pontiac which we gave away at 179k still has the original timing chain!
We are really questioning what to do after repair. It's competitive right now and maybe we should look outside the GM family again as a result of this disappointment. I know it's one year after warranty is done but 67k? wow.
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 39,900
From: Welland,Ont Canada
Welcome to the site, the front guide has been known to break there are many threads about the timing chain on the Jbody site the G5 site the Cobalt site and many more.
This site is not run by GM or Chevrolet for that matter, we have all dealt with the quirky Ecotec in our own manner.
My 2003 Pontiac Sunfire GT has the original timing chain at 225,000 miles my HHR I just changed the timing chain as a preventative measure at 235,000 miles.
This site is not run by GM or Chevrolet for that matter, we have all dealt with the quirky Ecotec in our own manner.
My 2003 Pontiac Sunfire GT has the original timing chain at 225,000 miles my HHR I just changed the timing chain as a preventative measure at 235,000 miles.
Moderator
Joined: 05-01-2014
Posts: 8,499
From: California
Moved to a new thread, as it is not related to the other thread.
Hi brcwolff,
to the forums!!
I can't speak as to other forums, but I don't think we've seen too many low mile timing chain problems here. Many, many, many, probably millions of vehicles, made with these ecotec engines since about 2000, and, as with any vehicle, there are going to be a few with a problem. And most of what you see on forums is the ones that have issues. Not so many who just love it, most never have any reason to research anything about it.
Sorry to hear that your engine has had this issue, but this site is not affiliated in any way with GM, so posting here will certainly not get their attention.
Hi brcwolff,
to the forums!!I can't speak as to other forums, but I don't think we've seen too many low mile timing chain problems here. Many, many, many, probably millions of vehicles, made with these ecotec engines since about 2000, and, as with any vehicle, there are going to be a few with a problem. And most of what you see on forums is the ones that have issues. Not so many who just love it, most never have any reason to research anything about it.
Sorry to hear that your engine has had this issue, but this site is not affiliated in any way with GM, so posting here will certainly not get their attention.
Last edited by RJ_RS_SS_350; May 25, 2017 at 06:02 AM.
Platinum Member
Joined: 04-09-2006
Posts: 7,043
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Welcome to the forum.
Can you explain exactly WHY the timing chain had to be replaced? I gather it didn't generate the P0016 code which is the general indicator that there might be a timing chain issue. Was it just a recommendation by a mechanic or did it break, guides or tensioner, etc.?
And yeah RJ is correct - we are not affiliated with GM at all - and they don't monitor this forum anymore.
Can you explain exactly WHY the timing chain had to be replaced? I gather it didn't generate the P0016 code which is the general indicator that there might be a timing chain issue. Was it just a recommendation by a mechanic or did it break, guides or tensioner, etc.?
And yeah RJ is correct - we are not affiliated with GM at all - and they don't monitor this forum anymore.
Senior Member
Joined: 09-16-2013
Posts: 1,408
From: Tampa, Florida
Going on a whim, but I bet this member had a separate issue and got scammed into having the chain replaced. As for this platform having "many" problems" I would strongly disagree. Many have surpassed the 200K mark, some 300K, and a few 400K. Alot of them with the factory chain still spinning strongly. I have 204K currently with original chain. You may have had the all too common knock at startup indicating a worn timing chain tensioner. I would have a conversation with who replaced the chain and find out why it "needed to be done."
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 39,900
From: Welland,Ont Canada
Did you read my post? Hmm.
You say just out of warranty,? The car is 6 years old the timing chain would have been covered under the the three year bumper to bumper but I don't believe the 5 year power train . It's considered a wearable part.
You say just out of warranty,? The car is 6 years old the timing chain would have been covered under the the three year bumper to bumper but I don't believe the 5 year power train . It's considered a wearable part.
Platinum Member
Joined: 12-06-2009
Posts: 11,718
From: Alabama
Oldblue. A timing chain would be covered by the 5 year/100k mile powertrain warranty. It is considered an internal lubricated part.
ChevyMgr had an old post which listed all the covered parts. I recall that pretty much anything internal fell under the powertrain warranty.
ChevyMgr had an old post which listed all the covered parts. I recall that pretty much anything internal fell under the powertrain warranty.
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 39,900
From: Welland,Ont Canada
Ah, if that's in writing then it must be so. However a year out of warranty still.
Parts wear, parts brake, we either fix them or expect somebody else to fix them for free.
My 1984 Audi 4000, had head gasket issues just after the warranty ran out , they didn't pay for any of the repairs. I did the work myself, then sold the car 6 months later.
Parts wear, parts brake, we either fix them or expect somebody else to fix them for free.
My 1984 Audi 4000, had head gasket issues just after the warranty ran out , they didn't pay for any of the repairs. I did the work myself, then sold the car 6 months later.
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,448
From: Fredericksburg,VA
Audi has a belt, 2002 4 cyl Pontiac is basically the same engine.
Curious first post after joining 4 years ago.
I don't own any GM stock; so I don't care about your buying threats.
I am tired of people thinking "Dealer Maintained" means anything. Those technicians change brands on a days notice.
My grandson thinks that the obvious wear on the tires on the right side of his RAV4 is normal, because he gets his oil changed and tires rotated at the Toyota dealer and they never mentioned it. He got all defensive when I mentioned he should have the hubs inspected.
Curious first post after joining 4 years ago.
I don't own any GM stock; so I don't care about your buying threats.
I am tired of people thinking "Dealer Maintained" means anything. Those technicians change brands on a days notice.
My grandson thinks that the obvious wear on the tires on the right side of his RAV4 is normal, because he gets his oil changed and tires rotated at the Toyota dealer and they never mentioned it. He got all defensive when I mentioned he should have the hubs inspected.
