Doc brown

Clearing the codes doesn't fix the issue. Before you spend another dime at guessing what's going on, I suggest testing your battery. After it sits for 10 minutes after shutting it off, it should be 12.7 volts or higher. Anything less can cause all sorts of weird things to happen because various sensors aren't getting the voltage they need to read and report properly. I went through that with my Sierra, it intermittently went into limp mode, shut down traction control, ABS errors, and several other things. Battery read 12.3 volts. It was less than 4 years old. Put in a new battery, problem solved. Anyhow, get that out of the way, whether the battery is bad or not, will help you with what to do next.

One thing that probably is correct is to replace the Intake & Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuators. They are cheap and very easy to change. Stick with GM branded parts when it comes to sensors. You'll save yourself some headaches.


Whopper, as a side note I never had any ill effects from the bad Camshaft Position Actuators other than the CEL. It ran just fine.

donbrew

There are actually 4 different documents you need to research, but I believe that is covered by one of them specifically. The GM bulletin that applies is 07-02-32-007B the highest letter at the end indicates the latest version. The solution is a new steering column, pretty sure it is covered. Pretty sure the service adviser will have never heard of it and will not search it, most likely need to elevate it.

I am not positive . However, if the problem is the motor it is definitely covered by extended warranty.
Don't go in saying "recall"!!!!!!!!

C0550 is the reason for your brake light. The PSCM has sensed an internal error.

There is a lot of info out there, the problem is sifting through it to find the most recent.

https://www.cars.com/research/chevrolet-hhr/recalls/
https://www.justanswer.com/chevy/324...-steering.html
https://flatratemechanic.com/index.p...s-c0550-c0896/

This is the "B": version I think there are subsequent versions.

dino9832

Thanks again.
It'd be nice if the "Power Steering" message was on the DIC. You've given me some great leads for researching. I really need to to fix a few things and get these codes cleared up. At least that would help in narrowing it down.

donbrew

There was a bunch of confusion about the recall/extended warranty stuff. In the end they mostly decided that the cars that were not recalled would be eligible for the EW, it is inserted like an after thought in the TSB.

Almost all instances we have heard the Service Adviser denies any knowledge and refuses to do anything about finding out. Calling the GM regional office seems to help.

Even presenting a copy of the TSB doesn't help, in fact causes more trouble.

The warning on the DIC does not seem to be the limiting factor, just that gets you a new motor.

Almost guaranteed the TC light will go away after the P0010 is fixed.

aradmahogany

I got a letter in 2013 shortly after purchasing the HHR (2006 model) that I keep in the trunk for whenever that day comes. Havent had a failure yet

dino9832

I should have replaced those solenoids a long time ago. Both are on order now. It might be overkill replacing both AND using OEM parts, but they do last.
Doc brown thanks for the links.
donbrew thanks for the info on how to attempt a warranty replacement of the motor. It sounds like a real touchy subject.

Blue_SS

Have you ever done a "lobotomy" - simply disconnecting the battery and resetting all the computers? It often works with the Electric Power Steering (EPS) units we use in MOPAR-land. Nexteer is one of them... Worth trying before going too far.

dino9832

Just a quick update. Replacing the solenoid valves DID clear the check engine light...eventually.
I'll try the "lobotomy" Blue_SS mentioned.