So My Chk Engine light went on, I was Hauling ass, down a off ramp passing some traffic, very low on Gas, and the chk engine light went on and went in to dealer mode, I got to the gas station filled it up, the car started fine and came out of dealer mode, but the engine light remained, I got in to the car the next day and the chk engine light didn't appear.

Kinda Weird. Just saying,
2009 HHR Panel 2.2

 

Just out of curiosity you could have the codes pulled, even though the CEL went off, there will still be a code/codes stored.

By "dealer mode" do you mean you were getting the "Engine Power Reduced" message on the DIC?

 

Yes "Engine reduced power" I think the lack of gas in my tank when I accelerated hard caused a problem with the injectors, but I canceled my appointment with the GM dealer when the light when out the next day.

 

Get the codes read - the CEL can come and go depending on the condition. Without the code anything suggested to check would be a total guess. Kinda like looking for a needle in the haystack thing.

Don't forget the trick to reset the CEL if it is hampering the driveability, (and you do NEED to get somewhere) of disconnecting the NEGATIVE battery post for a few minutes. It won't always work, but is worth a shot.

 

Just wondering if the low fuel level and "enthusiastic" maneuvering may have tripped an EVAP code, but the "Reduced Power" message is indicative of something that'll affect driveabilty.

 

Hey Britjoe,

Sorry to hear you are having this concern with your HHR. If your light returns and you decide you would like to have your Chevrolet dealership look into this for you, please do not hesitate to reach out to GM of Canada. They can be reached at 800-263-3777.

Erica Tiffany
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

Sounds like the low fuel level may have triggered the evap code. I would have the code pulled just to be sure

 

Yes, EVAP. It will take a "drive cycle", (google it). Or several COLD start cycles before you can pass a smog test. There will be a "pending" or "not run" code until the EVAP TEST is run.

 

Ill get the codes read, when im off next monday for sure, car is running fine now, I did have a battery die on me recently, after the incident i mentioned at the start of this thread.

 

looks like from what I read it was a EVAP problem with the combination of the faulty battery that died shortly after the incident, also attributed the Check engine light trigger. but I do have OBD reader my self to check the codes but its been a long day and maybe it will be better to take it to the dealer anyhow.