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Problems/Service/RepairsIf you have a problem with your HHR, want a tip on repairing or performing a particular service to you HHR here is the place to post!
I have been lurking for a bit, but looks like a have a bad reason to join and post.
My wife was driving her HHR the other day, got about 5 miles from home and it died. We pulled it back home with the Suburban.
The starter would run, but it would not crank the engine. I figured the starter was bad, so I replaced it. It still will not crank or start. It's not loose, the Bendix Gear is not skipping across or off the flywheel. I checked the relays, checked any codes with a scan tool (grasping now, I know) and cannot find anything. The battery is fine. It simply spins but will not engage with the engine. I am out of ideas. Anyone got any good ones before I tow it to a shop in shameful defeat?
Oh, I forgot. It's a 2011 automatic with 75xxx miles.
Maybe it's turning the crankshaft only. The timing chain may have broken. Remove the valve cover and have a look. Do not crank the engine over anymore! Hopefully, catastrophic damage has not already happened.
Timing chain issues are usually preceded by a check engine light. Many people tend to ignore the CEL, a very bad idea!
Last edited by RJ_RS_SS_350; 02-05-2023 at 12:15 AM.
I was going to do this today, but the pulley does not match up with the hole in the wheel well. I can see it, but it is about 1/2" too low to get a socket on.
While it is spinning the starter also seems to be slow. I will check the wires going to it for voltage drop in the morning. I have read a few things about that on here and I am wondering if it is turning too slow to throw out the Bendix Gear.
I will look into that once this is solved. Thanks. This engine has already been more trouble than my 08 Cobalt. I had it for 10 years and 265,000 miles with never a day of trouble until my younger brother tried to wrap it around a tree. Nobody hurt, except my car.
02-04-2023, 04:30 PM
to the forums!
