Hi all, I have a 2007 Chevy HHR with a 2.2. I just recently replaced the PCV hose that connects from the valve cover to the little horn on the air intake. That hose had been cracked and basically undone for several years, someone previously had applied electric tape to keep it all together but that failed.

So I replaced the part without any issue. However now when I start the car I have to crank it once, let off then crank again and then it starts. There is also a smell of gasoline. I have confirmed there are at least no visible gas leaks. I have reseated the MAP sensor. Literally nothing the has changed aside from the hose being changed out. I tightened the rings on the hose that connects the air box and intake.

I'm just at a loss. Has anybody seen this one before?

 

Look for cracks in the air horn where that tube connects.
Any CEL?

 

Look for corrosion on the vapour line from the fuel tank up over the drivers side rear wheel area.
check the MAF sensor to ensure it’s plugged in firmly. Check the Evap purge valve under the hood, it should be closed and you shouldn’t be able to blow air thru it.

 

No cracks in the air horn found
CEL is on, but has been on for years, same code as always P2A01. The flex pipe is broken on the car, has been for quite some time. I would guess the code is related to that.

I have not yet had a chance to test to purge valve or look at the line under the fender. Though I can confirm that the MAF is plugged in securely.

 

You are lucky to be alive; cracked flex pipe = CO in cabin. Ever hear of death by idling in garage? Falling asleep while driving?
As long as that code is active the computer is running in Open Loop mode; meaning it is not using any data from sensors = poor MPG and fouling of plugs etc. and spewing NOX into the atmosphere.
How can you be sure that is the only code?
Have you ever changed the plugs? I am guessing there is a lot of deferred maintenance.
Evidently you don't need smog testing where you live.

GoOgle:

 

Thank you for the information, I am well aware of the dangers. We do not have smog testing here in Indiana. There is a metric crap ton of deferred maintenance because this is the car the I don't drive often and barely have enough to scrape by sometimes. Unfortunately sometimes I have to make due with what I have.

Using my OBD scanner I can confirm that that is the only code being pulled by the computer.

 

Fix the broken flex pipe asap, and possibly your codes will be fixed!

 

Some codes block other tests. So other codes get masked.