Hi people, I have a 2008 HHR SS (manual). 80,000 miles. I've had it stored in our heated garage for 18 months and, unfortunately, did not start it. When I started it, I got the message "Engine Power Reduced" and it was barely driveable. I've read about some possible problems and fixes re this code, but I was wondering if it may be related to the lay up? Any help and insight is appreciated. Thanks.

 

First thought is that you need a new battery. First get a code reader and pull the codes. Post them up here, not descriptions, as they can be misleading. If you disconnect the battery first, you will lose these valuable diagnostic codes.

 

Assumeng, that is "P"2119; the test is only run when the car is in "Battery Save Mode" and there is something holding the throttle open a bit (like critter poop,dirty TB, dead battery). Should not cause bad performance.

My suspect is critters have moved in to the air induction system.

 

See if there are any codes stored, doesn't mean the check engine light is on. Or is it ?
Don't assume anything.

 

As for the code P2119

https://www.obd-codes.com/p2119

and your storage of the HHR, clean the throttle body. I would also clean the battery terminals and trickle charge the battery out of the HHR.
look for loose and as Donbrew mentioned, rodent chewed wiring at the throttle body and throttle pedal.
then there is the possibility of stale fuel

 

I missed the code, hidden in the tiny font of the title. Future readers, better to repeat it in the body of the post.

 

Thanks for the responses. Here's a timeline:
Was getting various warning messages for last few years (started mostly after wheel hub replaced) - Service, ESC, Trac Off, ESC Off
Car needed suspension work, etc 18 months ago so temporarily took it off road and stored in heated garage.
Tried to start 15 months ago - battery totally dead - did not replace at time, simply unhooked terminals.
New battery two days ago.
Main problem after starting was car in "limp" mode with message of Engine Power Reduced (secondary problem was brake pedal sunk almost to floor and 10% braking power with pumping - related to lay up?)
Local mechanic noted Code 2119 today and recommends complete brake replacement (discs, rotors, all calipers - brakes were worn 18 months ago, but worked).

Local GM dealer will charge $160 to just hook up OBD and tell me codes!

I'm thinking either the lay up has resulted in some damage of some nature or stale gas that was mentioned in this thread (fifth of a tank of #91 octane).

Thanks again.

 

You could buy your own code reader for as little as $50. Or, if you have a smart phone you get get one of the code reader apps and the wireless dongle for as little as $10.
Stale gas after sitting that long. You can just about guarantee it is.
Most of those "warnings" you see is because of the trouble codes. Things like TC and ESC get shut off by the computer when certain codes are registered. Doesn't mean there's a problem with those systems, only that the OBD system has turned them off.

 

Is there a "P" in that code? If there is there is absolutely NO connection to brakes.

Brakes don't wear out sitting, they do need attention after sitting because of corrosion. Critters love to nest in cars in heated garages, the love to chew on PVC wire insulation and vacuum hoses.

You don't seem to think "other things" are important so you don't mention them. The car is driven by computers, everything could be related to everything else. For instance; the most common cause of ESC/TC Service messages is failing VVT valves. Doesn't seem to have anything to do with Valve timing? If you were a computer it would; if the car is not performing right why do you need ESC?

Are there no big box auto parts stores in Newfoundland? Most of them will read the codes for free.. Or trust your local guy that is too lazy to read past the title of a test.

 

Yeah I missed that too.