I just went to Auto zone got a regular thermostat for hhr 2011 and I have 68890 miles

 

Thermostat is the LAST item to consider as the problem.

I would look for vacuum leaks first; if you have a hard start condition.
You already cleaned the MAF

Test the fuel pressure; I am thinking the most likely cause in your case is the fuel pump/regulator.

 

MAF connections could be loose, definitely the wrong thermostat.
That'll throw a P0128 code eventually, but wait for it.

 

I haven't done anything else to the car now the light is out again if anything like before it comes back on after I drive it for awhile.

 

Carry on, if it illuminates again, have the code confirmed again. Don't assume it's the same.

 

Gotcha thanks

 

The on again/off again nature is why my guess is the fuel pressure regulator in the fuel pump.

A faulty MAF, especially wiring, has it's own set of codes.

With no other symptoms noted the other causes are remote possibilities.

A friend of mine threw money and parts at his P0172 for a couple of years before the fuel pump finally died; oddly enough no P0172 after it was replaced with no other work done.

 

Wow thanks thats good to know