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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!
So I have noticed it seems I may be having transmission problems, mainly loss of power no slipping or hard shifts at moment. 09 LS 2.2 Only 115,000 miles. Recently replaced driver axle and seal. Added some transmission fluid, checked and seems to be full. Now the weird part I noticed I gain power back when I use the AC. Would anyone think this is due to transmission fluid needs replacing due to leak & causing transmission to overheat? The fan is running while the ac is running which means it could be cooling the transmission? This is all that I can think of, new NGK plugs & new Delphi coils. The passenger axle has started to beat and bang as well so I am going to replace that in a few days as well. Thinking I should change the fluid as well.
Engine runs perfect very very well. I can tell the power loss is due to the transmission. Now that I think about it when using 85 fuel (which makes it run cooler) the car does fairly better as well, so maybe this also points to a overheating transmission.
That transmission is overkill for that car, but you have a few hills in KY so fluid change at over 100K is a good Idea.
There would have to be something very wrong with the transmission for it to cause "power loss." Anything dragging inside would turn to heat. As to how that could be remedied by turning on the A/C, I see where you're coming from, but I'm skeptical. If it's not shifting correctly I can see how that could e perceived as power loss. But properly shifting to high gear asap to maximize fuel economy reduces responsiveness and could also be perceived as power loss.
How did you determine the correct amount of fluid to add? Did adding the fluid improve anything? Too much fluid can cause problems.
Does what you describe happen immediately upon commencing a trip, or does it happen only after you've been driving awhile and everything's heated up?
What kind of driving conditions, at what speeds? Could you elaborate on exactly what's happening that you're perceiving as power loss?
What exact p/n plugs did you use? Why did you change the coils? What exact p/n?
Using E85 actually increases the rated HP of that motor slightly, but it can have a significant impact on the driving properties because of big changes in spark and cam timing. Have you scanned for codes?
The spark plugs should be AC Delco 41-103 Iridium plugs.
the transmission fluid should be up to the fluid level plug on level surface , operating temperature.
The power issue could be the timing chain getting stretched.
That transmission is overkill for that car, but you have a few hills in KY so fluid change at over 100K is a good Idea.
There would have to be something very wrong with the transmission for it to cause "power loss." Anything dragging inside would turn to heat. As to how that could be remedied by turning on the A/C, I see where you're coming from, but I'm skeptical. If it's not shifting correctly I can see how that could e perceived as power loss. But properly shifting to high gear asap to maximize fuel economy reduces responsiveness and could also be perceived as power loss.
How did you determine the correct amount of fluid to add? Did adding the fluid improve anything? Too much fluid can cause problems.
Does what you describe happen immediately upon commencing a trip, or does it happen only after you've been driving awhile and everything's heated up?
What kind of driving conditions, at what speeds? Could you elaborate on exactly what's happening that you're perceiving as power loss?
What exact p/n plugs did you use? Why did you change the coils? What exact p/n?
Using E85 actually increases the rated HP of that motor slightly, but it can have a significant impact on the driving properties because of big changes in spark and cam timing. Have you scanned for codes?
Please do try to answer ALL questions.
NGK 90220
Delphi GN10485
Jacked the car level and checked the plug next to the transmission fluid housing. It had been leaking for a while according to the old axle seal being covered in old fluid and grit. I don’t believe it was a large leak as it didn’t show up on the garage floor. Over the last few weeks I have noticed the car has trouble going over 60 MPH, after adding the fluid and completing an hour long trip to work with the ac on noticed it was somewhat better reaching speeds of 70 mph. Comparative to making the drive with the ac off, I also noticed going up the large mountain at work I was turning the ac off so it didn’t bog down the engine & I lose power & start spinning out up the mountain. Well when I would get to the top, I would turn the AC on again to cool the engine as it would heat up to about 214/219, one day I was idling along at the top cut the AC on and it’s like something kicked on the idle sped up & I was rolling at a faster smoother speed. I scanned for codes I thought I wrote them down specifically but it was just about the charcoal/emissions system. But yes seems running 85 makes the car quieter, more power, and smoother. Also before the axle change the car would feel like it was running away with you at 60+ I don’t know just feels like it takes a lot of effort to get it above that speed. Also I added 1 quart, when removing the axle none leaked out & it was fairly dry around the axle & seal.
The spark plugs should be AC Delco 41-103 Iridium plugs.
the transmission fluid should be up to the fluid level plug on level surface , operating temperature.
The power issue could be the timing chain getting stretched.
I replaced with NGK Ruthenium plugs. I don’t care much for AC Delco quality anymore sadly. Seems poor to me. I wondered about the timing chain as well, should there be a lot of slack in the chain or should it be very tight? It sure would fool you though, this is the first car I’ve ever owned that has ran very well and smooth no vibrations in the wheel, not a single change in rpm, it’s very smooth & quiet.
Why do you think that is insignificant? Anything else you don't think is important enough to mention?
What is the state of the coolant; age/level/type? Should be DexCool, less than 5 years old, full under pressure cap and to the line in the bottle.
What does "spinning out up the mountain" mean to a lowlander?
Transmission temp should not have much to do with operation. Fluid level might; it is checked at operating temp, engine running on a level. If checked not running fluid should gush out of the port.
Why do you think that is insignificant? Anything else you don't think is important enough to mention?
What is the state of the coolant; age/level/type? Should be DexCool, less than 5 years old, full under pressure cap and to the line in the bottle.
What does "spinning out up the mountain" mean to a lowlander?
Transmission temp should not have much to do with operation. Fluid level might; it is checked at operating temp, engine running on a level. If checked not running fluid should gush out of the port.
I received the check gas cap message from the code it gave I assumed it was the gas cap. The coolant level is good and was changed by the dealer by previous owner, the car has never reached even the middle notch so it’s not a factor of engine overheat. Spinning out means reversing down a 1 lane gravel road that is straight up.. Yes I know about how to check it. I added the quart until it started to gush out.
These engines were designed around the iridium plugs, 41-103 is the correct part number and heat range.
the timing chain must be tight
This is a loose timing chain, slow starts, rattling on cold start, gave a code just prior to changing it. A skipped link gave P0016
Thanks for the picture. I believe I may just change out the transmission fluid anyways it’s at 100k and never completed and I have to replace the passenger axle anyways. My car doesn’t seem to have any problems related to timing turn the key and it starts so quick you could almost scratch the starter if you held the car any longer. Turn key and pow she’s started lol it’s something to look at after the axle and fluid change though. Before changing the driver side with the front jacked up I could roll the tire forward and backwards tons of slack now it’s very tight I suspect the passenger side is close to lots of slack now.
