The eBay ecm that comes programmed to your VIN does work, however you need to get someone with a scantool (not a techii) to relearn the crankshaft position sensor. And his money back guarantee is good, it was $107 a couple of months ago, from Fla. I think.

 

What could possibly cause the ECM to go bad? I'd hate to buy another one and it go bad as well. Anything I should check?

 

ECM modules can just fail, usually from a manufacturing defect that took a good while to show up, like a bad solder joint for example.

Or if you bought your HHR used, a former owner or technician could have damaged the ECM. It doesn't take much to do the trick, jumper cables accidentally reversed, repairs being made with the battery still connected, etc.

They aren't "User Serviceable" as far as diagnostics are concerned, if the dealer's Tech II Scan Tool and technician came up with a diagnosis of a failing ECM, you'll have to go from there.

 

I bought it brand new in 2006. All my problems started this year. Had transmission rebuilt, 3 starters go out, just replaced entire charge system, and now my ecm. Has 120k miles on it.

 

If the electrical probes started soon after the trans was done my vote goes to the trans guy mucking something up.

One of the easiest ways to trash an ECM is to touch it with the hot wire that lives about 6 in away. In order to get to the trans you have to remove the ECM, TCM and the fuse box. Not even getting into frayed wires.

 

So I took my car to another shop (Christian Brothers) and they said there was a loose wire in my ECM. They fixed that and reprogrammed/updated ECM. Now everything working great according to the mechanic. Gonna pick up the car in a couple hours. Christian Brothers is only charging me $100. Such a relief! I'll let you know if something changes.

 

Okay brandy, too.

 

If all they did was re solder a loose wire, no re programming should have been needed. Still would be worth the $100 charge for finding it a fixing it.

 

He said he reprogrammed it just to be safe. He did point out some other issues that will need to be addressed soon, shocks and something with the sway bar. Seems like an honest guy! Will likely be taking my car there from now on.

 

Don you toast with brandy, I'll stick to soda water and lemon, Doctor's orders , darn meds!!

Glad to see the issue is resolved, the mech most likely meant rear shocks or front struts or both and sway bar end links and or swaybar bushings! easy work and not all that expensive