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Hit a huge rock in road and busted oil and trans fluid pans, car started to sputter..

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Old Feb 21, 2023 | 07:25 AM
  #1  
BigBrad75's Avatar
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Joined: 02-21-2023
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From: Kentucky, USA
Hit a huge rock in road and busted oil and trans fluid pans, car started to sputter..

Like the title says I hit a big ol rock that was right in the middle of the road and I thought everything was fine but then the HHR (2010 2.2l 210xxx miles) started sputtering so I pulled off immediately and shut it off. Had a look underneath and both the oil pan and the trans fluid pan had some pretty good sized leaks, significant enough that they both drained completely within probably 10 to 15 min.

my question is, what caused the car to start sputtering? Is my engine done for? Or will replacing both pana most likely get me back to running like a champ like she was before?

Thanks in advance to anybody whom might have some insight into this situation. I did use the search but couldnt find anything like I'm experiencing? Thanks so much
Old Feb 21, 2023 | 07:38 AM
  #2  
Oldblue's Avatar
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Welcome to the site, you can replace the oil pan , and oil filter, replace the transmission fluid pan and filter, the transmission will take almost 7 quarts of Dextron VI get a new GM gasket. You should be ok, look at the old transmission filter for impact damage.
Old Feb 21, 2023 | 07:46 AM
  #3  
BigBrad75's Avatar
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From: Kentucky, USA
Originally Posted by Oldblue
Welcome to the site, you can replace the oil pan , and oil filter, replace the transmission fluid pan and filter, the transmission will take almost 7 quarts of Dextron VI get a new GM gasket. You should be ok, look at the old transmission filter for impact damage.
That's great to hear! Still a job and a half, but better than totaled. I was just reading threw oil related posts, and one of the more knowledgeable folks here (can't remember which one) said that when the oil pressure bottoms out that the computer shuts off the fuel pump as a safety measure? If that's correct then I'm guessing that's what caused my HHR to start sputtering. Would you agree?
And thanks for the input I truly do appreciate it
Old Feb 21, 2023 | 07:54 AM
  #4  
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I would try to turn the engine over with a bar before I spent the time and money on other work.
How long after impact did the engine run? A minute or 2 of oil starvation might be ok; more not so much.
Old Feb 21, 2023 | 07:55 AM
  #5  
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From: Phoenix
I agree with your statement.
These little trucklets will tell you if something is wrong,
Old Feb 21, 2023 | 08:00 AM
  #6  
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From: Davison MI
No oil light?
You would be wise to check that engine for internal damage before putting any time or money into trying to fix it first. When you go low on oil and continue to drive until there's engine problems you most likely will need to rebuild or replace the engine. The trans may be fine.
Old Feb 21, 2023 | 08:01 AM
  #7  
BigBrad75's Avatar
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From: Kentucky, USA
Originally Posted by donbrew
I would try to turn the engine over with a bar before I spent the time and money on other work.
How long after impact did the engine run? A minute or 2 of oil starvation might be ok; more not so much.
Maybe five minutes max. As soon as it started missing a little I immediately pulled over and shut it off
Old Feb 21, 2023 | 08:06 AM
  #8  
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From: Kentucky, USA
When I pulled it over and shut it off it still had a few quarts worth of oil I'd say. I laid there on the ground beside it watching it all leak away. I'm hoping the computer shut off the fuel pump due to the low oil pressure. Makes sense, and that's exactly how it started acting, like it was about to run out of gasoline...
Old Feb 21, 2023 | 08:50 AM
  #9  
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1st thing to do is call your insurance company.
Old Feb 21, 2023 | 09:00 AM
  #10  
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From: Davison MI
Originally Posted by BigBrad75
Like the title says I hit a big ol rock that was right in the middle of the road and I thought everything was fine but then the HHR (2010 2.2l 210xxx miles) started sputtering so I pulled off immediately and shut it off. Had a look underneath and both the oil pan and the trans fluid pan had some pretty good sized leaks, significant enough that they both drained completely within probably 10 to 15 min.

my question is, what caused the car to start sputtering? Is my engine done for? Or will replacing both pana most likely get me back to running like a champ like she was before?

Thanks in advance to anybody whom might have some insight into this situation. I did use the search but couldnt find anything like I'm experiencing? Thanks so much
Drained completely.



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