Hi Guys.
I am hoping you can help me here. Ever since I bought my 2006 Chevrolet HHR, I noticed a subtle hesitation when I took off from a light. Whenever I buy a new (used vehicle), I always do a tune up, changing the plugs, wires and oxygen sensor. Since then, I have also changed alternator, ignition control module, ignition coil and thermostat (mostly to address issues at time). Through it all the hesitation has persisted. Recently I visited my folks down in Vegas (temperatures around 110 F) and the hesitation turned into stalls at least three times. I believe the elevated temperature is aggravating the situation. The strange thing is through it all, I never got an engine light. After the last stall in the middle of an intersection, I plugged in the scan tool and found two codes, P0341 and P0520. I believe that the P0520 (oil pressure sensor code) is just a result of the engine stall (but I could be wrong), so I focused on the first code, P0341. The P0341 reports as Camshaft position sensor. Now I read through other posts and found that some users reported that on the 2006 2.2L engine there was no Camshaft position sensor while other users posted a diagram where the Camshaft position sensor is supposed to be. So, I went online and both Rock Auto and Amazon both show the part for my engine but I opened my hood and can see the port where the sensor is supposed to be (with no sensor). Based on the code, it seemed like it was a low risk diagnosis to just replace the Camshaft Position sensor but since it doesn't seem to exist, I am not sure what I should do. I know when I owned a Saturn S, I had a similar problem in which I ended up replacing the Crankshaft position sensor (which I believe the computer uses to express the camshaft position). Please give me your thoughts?

My car is 2006 Chevrolet HHR LT has a 2.2L with automatic and currently has about 141,000 miles.

 

P0341 on a 2006 2.2L is usually the Ignition Control Module. If not that then one of the wires or connections to the ICM or ECM, maybe wrong plugs. Don't use any plugs other than ACDelco 42-103, they are good for at least 100,000 miles, others don't perform correctly.

The camshaft position is calculated by the ICM, no sensors. Later years have a different ignition system. The 2006 has a "wasted spark" system, 2 cylinders spark on every power stroke, the position is calculated by the resistance of the spark plug (there is a difference if it causes a burn or not).
Make sure fuse #45 and relay #26 under hood are seated good.

I would consider changing the oil pressure sensor and inspect the wire.

 

Thank you Donbrew. So, I saw your original post and checked the fuse and relay. I noticed the relay was a bit pushed up on one side, so I pushed it flat with the panel. I don't think it would be the ICM because that has been changed (actually twice since last time I brought to a mechanic for this issue, they went and changed it without asking me). I am not sure how I would go about checking the wires. Visually, they look fine but if there is some kind of break in the line, not sure how I would check for that.

I noticed the update you made to your post regarding the spark plugs. I am using E3 spark plugs. Could that be the issue? I tried the part number you referenced but nothing pulled up. AC-DELCO makes a bunch of different plugs. My guess is it would be an Iridium plug. Does it matter which one? If it is the plug, I would shoot down to the Autozone and go do it today.

I also wanted to ask about the oil pressure sensor just to understand how system works. I always thought oil pressure sensor was mostly for alert purposes. Are you thinking that my pressure sensor may have contributed to the stall? Does the computer have some type of safety cutoff that kills engine if sensor detects extreme high or low pressure?

 

For stumble/stalling you want to be sure the TB is clean.

 

Fat fingers, 41-103. and a definite YES. E3 is a definite problem.
Not sure if the oil pressure would shutdown the engine. it might.

 

Hello Again Donbrew.

I think it may have been the relay, So right after I saw your post, I checked the relay and like I mentioned before, pushed it all the way in. After you mentioned about the spark plugs possibly causing my issue, I drove over to the Autozone and bought the spark plugs. The whole way there and back, no hesitation and definitely no stall. I decided to drive around just to see if it was really necessary to change the plugs. Seems like the RPM at idle is much more stable than before and even with AC running no hesitation from a stop. I will keep you posted if the issue comes back but at this point I am leaning towards returning the plugs for now.

Thank you so much for all your help. You are an absolute marvel.

 

Our engines really hate anything other than the ACDelco plugs. Plus they last a lot longer; recommended interval is 100,000 miles but they have a history of much longer. There are a lot of HHRs running around with the original plugs.
I strongly suggest you change them.
You should push on all of the fuses and relays in both fuse boxes. They work loose, especially if the box has been removed; the bolts in the underhood fuse box may be loose; they need to be tightened way past where you think they are tight. They will click when far enough.

 

I concur with the post, install proper AC Delco 41-103 iridium spark plugs and clean the throttle body, with CRC throttle body cleaner, remember do not manually move the throttle butterfly plate! Also clean the MAF sensor with CRC sensor safe for MAF . Closely inspect the wire harness connector to the ICM for loose or bent pins. Same for the under hood fuse box.

 

Good to see the spark plug change did the trick. I was going to ask if you had this trouble before the initial spark plug change and what plugs you put in.

P0341 seems strange. Your profile says you have a 2006 2.2L. I don’t know why that motor would throw that code.

 

They haven't changed to the proper ACDelco spark plugs yet.