I recently took my 2009 HHR LS in for idling rough. It's at about 113,000 and I don't believe the spark plugs have ever been changed out. One mechanic's shop said, "Yes, we could do that, but that may mess up the (insert part I don't remember the name of here -- regulator maybe?) and your car would quickly seize up after the new plugs are put in. We'll need to change out (said part) along with the spark plugs that and, altogether, should run you about $1,000." Whaat? Is there anything else I could need to changed out with spark plugs that could potentially run me $1,000 in parts and repairs? It feels like they're trying to wring me out a bit.

 

Hi Yefet, to the forums!!

It's pretty difficult to second guess someone's diagnosis without knowing what it is. You could call your shop and ask them to clarify just what it is they are proposing to do. Ask them what CEL or OBD2 codes they have read from your car's computer. Post up the actual codes, not descriptions, here and we'll try to advise you.

 

Welcome to the site, AC Delco 41-103 Iridium spark plugs, rather easy to replace. Not very expensive either!

https://m.advanceautoparts.com/p/acd...103/15650269-P

Here's a how to for an HHR

 

Old Blue hit it on the head. Very easy to change out the plugs. I just did it myself in under 30 minutes, taking my time like I do. But equally important is to get to the root of your rough idle.

With that many miles there could be something else failing. Pull the OBD codes and see what is going on. That being said, unless you have a major engine problem (knocking, bellowing smoke from the tailpipe, major leaks) they guy probably lobbed you the $1000 number just as a worst case scenario. Even with some diagnostic time, replacing some sensors or cleaning up the throttle body should be significantly less than that.

 

From what are we inferring there are codes?

I don't know what changing plugs by a competent person could do to the engine. They are due for a change at 100,000 miles; use ONLY AC 41-103 plugs.

The throttle body probably needs a cleaning.

Find a shop that you can talk to, sounds like a language barrier may be in play. Any repair estimate should be in writing.

 

Ok, I got the codes from the shop:

p0010
p0011
p0013

What does that mean?

 

That means there is a problem with your camshaft VVT solenoids. Here is the thread for that. https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...13-14-a-28779/

 

Another easy fix

 

Awesome. Thank you. Even after researching this, it still doesn't look like it would warrant a $1000 price tag.

 

I don't know if this would have anything to do with the car being difficult to get in gear sometimes. It is a standard transmission and I had to have the clutch replaced about a year and a half ago at the dealership. Since then, the shifting hasn't been as easy -- especially when I have to shift down to first. Even if I stomp the clutch in as hard as I can, there's still friction when shifting into 1st if the car is rolling at all. Even when it's not rolling, sometimes a shift into first can make a slight knock that makes the engine rev a bit and the tac jump a little -- even with my foot off the gas.