fastdogs

a couple of weeks ago my check engine light started coming on when I started my car, a 2007 HHR with 64000 miles on it. It would stay on until I turned the car off again; sometimes the TC light also came on. I didn't notice any difference in how the car ran, and it had no problems starting up.
During this period, my key fob also only worked occasionally. When it didn't work, I'd stand there and keep pressing and eventually the locks would open.
Took it to a dealer, they got a code for loss of compression in cylinder3, and want to put in a new cylinder head and gasket. It would be covered by my extended warranty, minus the $100 deductable.
This is the car that drove about 10 miles with no oil when the dealer (different dealer) forgot to put oil in after my "free" oil change when I bought it. I had the oil analyzed and it checked out ok, and I've had no problems with it.
Since the dealer cleared the code, it has not come back on; I drive about 90 miles each day, so have about 270 miles on it since the code was cleared. I checked it at an auto zone and there's not history, so they cleared that.
My question- when the dealer calls and says the head is in, do I take the car in for the work? How do I know that the CEL didn't come on for 60,000 mile service like some cars do?
thanks for any tips
vickie

ChevyMgr

The light does not come on automatically at 60K. And we have replaced many heads due to low compression. Sounds legit to me.

fastdogs

thanks. That gives me a little more confidence- my family tends to think everyone is out to scam them, so that's all I've been hearing. I plan to drive this car many, many more miles, so will be glad to get it done.
They had reprogrammed the key fob while I was there (I had other scheduled service done at the same time) so it's working fine now.
vickie

ChevyMgr

I still use your oil change story as a basis for how strong these engines are.

Comfortably Numb

I'd get it changed. A new head would be considerably more than the $100 it will cost you, and then it is new. It's probably actually a sensor that is in the head but you may never know for sure. I had a very similar problem in a Ranger truck I bought in 1990 and it was probably a sensor in the intake manifold, but warranty took care of it for me.