My brother in law, replaced the Intake Camshaft Position while watching a Youtube video. He also, reset the check engine light. The problem is the check engine light is still on and the car drives sluggish when you first take off. It goes slow that im scared someone will hit me. There is also a loud noise coming from under the hood. I was told its exhaust related, but I dont know what I need to replace. The noise sounds like a school bus while idle and driving. Please help.... Also, I just purchased this car, As Is, on Saturday from a used car dealer.

 

Hi T, to the forums!

It really helps to know what CEL codes are stored, do you have a reader? I'm going to guess P0016 and/or P0017. These codes mention camshaft position sensor in the description. Many people assume that means the sensors are bad. The usual problem when these codes are generated is a stretched timing chain.

If it stretches so much that the tensioner cannot keep tension on it, then the chain will skip links. I believe these are interference engines, meaning if you continue to run the engine, the pistons will hit the valves, in fact, damage may already be done.

The noise you are describing sounds like a chattering timing chain, I do not recommend driving it in this condition. It may also be helpful to post model year, miles, and engine size.

 

Code P0010
2008 HHr LT
​​​​105,778 miles
2.4 engine

 

P0010 is for the intake VVT solenoid, also referred to as Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve. The 2.4 is indeed a VVT engine. Here is a long thread about that
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...13-14-a-28779/

The noise could be the timing chain as I mentioned above, or a broken flex pipe. The timing chain can be checked by removing the valve cover and looking for any slack in the chain. A broken flex pipe can cause many problems, among them are running rich and/or lean, loud exhaust noise(as you have mentioned), and carbon monoxide escaping the exhaust system, potentially entering the cabin. Here is a thread that should help you with the flex pipe.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...ex-pipe-31536/

 

​​​​​I may have over exaggerated with the noise sounding like a school bus. Is it normal for a hhr car to have noise coming from under the hood or should it purr?

 

I'm sure someone with a 2.4 will be here soon to answer that question.

 

Thanks for your help.

 

You're welcome. It really isn't all that difficult to remove the valve cover. It would be good for you to know the condition of that chain.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...er-2-4-a-8554/

 

I'd rather let a mechanic do it so I don't chance messing up my new car. If it is the chain, do you know what's the repair costs?

 

Flex pipe roars like a school bus; timing chain rattles like a diesel engine.

What repair did the brother in law do?

Timing chain is going to be around $1500, flex pipe by a welder around $100,

An HHR should hum.