Again, I'm not familiar with the HHR system but a wastegate valve is used to control turbocharger pressure. A turbocharger is a compressor powered by exhaust air flow that pushes air into the intake creating boost pressure where there would normally be vacuum. A turbocharger that works at lower engine rpm will pump too much air at higher rpm and could damage your engine. A wastegate valve directs some of the pressurized air to the inlet side of the turbocharger or out to the atmosphere to control the pressure. The Wastegate actuating solenoid actuates [opens] the wastegate valve to control the boost pressure. If the wastegate valve sticks open or the actuating solenoid holds it open, there won't be any boost pressure until the engine is revved to the maximum. If they adjusted the wastegate actuator the last time, I suspect that the adjuster might be moving or the wastegate valve sticks open sometimes.

 

Thanks Don, based on that information it does describe my symptoms pretty well. I think I will call the dealership and request they start with the actuator solenoid as it does sound like that could be the likely culprit.

 

Stage Kit and Connectors = Problems. If anyone can't see the issue with the stage kit, I don't know what to say to those people. It has nothing to do with Actuators, Turbos, Fuel systems, or else. Pure Connector problem. Mine took a year to start doing the same problem I first had. It was a matter of time before it broke down.

 

So what are you trying to say? They need to replace the connectors or are you saying this is a problem I am going to have to live with. There are many that have no issues with the kit what so ever.

 

Just sayin.. Did you have the problem before the kit or after? Pretty simple math. Some have a great installer. Mine acted up about 4 months after the first install. They messed with the wiring and it went away. Started to act up again after 1 year with the same symptons. Just sayin they should focus on what has been altered.

 

bobiroc, I feel your pain =(

I love my little SS HHR but for the past 3 months I've been having nothing but problems with it. As of right now I have a Open Case file that I'm trying to sort out with GM, with your same exact problem. The first time it went in for service this year, the local Chevy dealer had it for 47 days. It's been in, another 4 times since, (same problem, limp mode) and I just got it back yesterday. They have replaced two sensors, and adjusted the wastegate rod but the prob still happens and mines all stock. Trying to invoke the Lemon law since I'm in CA, but they are giving me a hard time. Stupid Wastegate, lol

 

Well the HHR goes in on the 8th as that is the earliest they had a loaner available but I think the problem has finally gotten to the point where it is happening more. The last few days when I start it up most times I have no boost pressure at all. It has been rather hot and humid so that may be playing a role but there definitely has to be a leak or a valve problem I am thinking. That Wastegate Actuator Solenoid sounds like a good place to start unless someone can think of the things that should be checked that could cause a problem like this.

Let's hope they do not have to keep it 47 days like they did with your HHR Bluonyx otherwise they better give me a better loaner than some low end cobalt. It is so hard to go to something that basic for an extended period of time. If they cannot fix it then a call into GM direct is in order me thinks.

 

I've been chasing the same limp mode or only 0 or <5 lb. boost problem. After 3 visits in the last 9 months (always messing with wiring), On Monday I was told the wastegate solenoid was sticking and needed replacing. Which is fine but here is the catch. The part is on order and no ETA on when any can be delivered. They told me its ok to run the car and will call when one arrives.
What is interesting is that everyone is thinking this is a Stage Kit issue but this can happen on all SS's. I'm just under 60k on the car and this is getting me to think about parts availability for this engne. It's normal for things to start wearing out. Even thou I bought the 100k extended warranty.

 

Well the HHR was dropped off today and they called and said they could not re-create the problem even though I purposely did before dropping it off and showed the service writer there was no boost above 0. It seems I can usually recreate it by cranking up the Air conditioning to MAX and accelerating pretty hard. Overall the car has a noticeable loss of power so I cannot imagine how they cannot notice that. I told them that the last dealer I brought it too and made an adjustment to the wastegate said if it happens again a likely culprit is the wastegate actuator solenoid and he said he would relay that message but I am not feeling optimistic. There has to be some equipment they can use to test the turbo system top to bottom for leaks and power output. I feel like I am just spinning my wheels and getting no where except that my once very powerful car that could spin wheels and burn through rubber can barely get a chirp out of the tires when I floor it now and yet the dealer cannot find a thing wrong.

Wish me luck and good luck to anyone else that is experiencing this issue.

 

Well I picked up the HHR today and once again they said they could not recreate the problem. I wanted to talk with the service manager but he was out but thankfully the dealership owner was in so I spoke with him. Said he would call me on Monday and set it up so they could give me what he calls a black box to ride around with so when the problem happens I can record the data from the computer. Since the car is not throwing any codes and the CEL never comes on. So hopefully that will help me shed some light on the problem.