Spark Plugs Too Far Gone - Am I Getting Ripped Off?
Moderator
Joined: 05-01-2014
Posts: 8,499
From: California
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.
Although, I had a similar issue(amongst others), just over 3 years ago. Replaced the master cylinder and flushed the fluid, no more shifting issues.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...-issues-50825/
Another thought, there have been a few reports of the master cylinder breaking free of the firewall. Here is that thread, with some thoughts on repairing. https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...w-fourm-58700/
Thread Starter
Joined: 08-23-2017
Posts: 7
From: Tulsa, OK
Sounds like it wasn't assembled properly. It's too bad you didn't take it back to the dealership and have them fix it right away.
Although, I had a similar issue(amongst others), just over 3 years ago. Replaced the master cylinder and flushed the fluid, no more shifting issues.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...-issues-50825/
Another thought, there have been a few reports of the master cylinder breaking free of the firewall. Here is that thread, with some thoughts on repairing. https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...w-fourm-58700/
Although, I had a similar issue(amongst others), just over 3 years ago. Replaced the master cylinder and flushed the fluid, no more shifting issues.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...-issues-50825/
Another thought, there have been a few reports of the master cylinder breaking free of the firewall. Here is that thread, with some thoughts on repairing. https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...w-fourm-58700/
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,448
From: Fredericksburg,VA
I had that sort of problem on a '62 VW: turned out I forgot to torque the 2 top bell housing bolts.
I suspect the $1,000 estimate is for a new timing chain, they are misreading the meaning of the codes. Still has nothing to do with what you presented in the OP, even allowing for not listening to the mechanic.
I still don't see where any CEL was mentioned in the OP. You sure did leave a lot of the story out.
I suspect the $1,000 estimate is for a new timing chain, they are misreading the meaning of the codes. Still has nothing to do with what you presented in the OP, even allowing for not listening to the mechanic.
I still don't see where any CEL was mentioned in the OP. You sure did leave a lot of the story out.
Thread Starter
Joined: 08-23-2017
Posts: 7
From: Tulsa, OK
I share the CELs:
P0010
P0011
P0013
I took it into a local mom-and-pop shop today and they confirmed that it was a double VVT solenoid failure. They changed them out, reset them, and the spark plugs all for about $350 total. Didn't seem like such a big deal -- especially since I have zero idea of what I'm doing. The shop has a 5 star record and was recommended by 3 different friends -- none of whom know each other. If you're ever in Tulsa, look up D&M Firestone.
P0010
P0011
P0013
I took it into a local mom-and-pop shop today and they confirmed that it was a double VVT solenoid failure. They changed them out, reset them, and the spark plugs all for about $350 total. Didn't seem like such a big deal -- especially since I have zero idea of what I'm doing. The shop has a 5 star record and was recommended by 3 different friends -- none of whom know each other. If you're ever in Tulsa, look up D&M Firestone.
Moderator
Joined: 05-01-2014
Posts: 8,499
From: California
Less than $100 in parts and an hour or less of labor. But if you can't do it yourself, you do it just the way you did - get recommendations and go with a good shop. I guess you pay extra for the best shop in town.
Glad it's fixed!
Glad it's fixed!
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,448
From: Fredericksburg,VA
Check back when you have to change them in 50,000 or less miles or you start wondering why you are dealing with P0300 codes. AC 41-103 Iridiums will go AT LEAST 100,000, there are a lot out there that the owner was unaware of spark plugs after 300,000.
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 39,900
From: Welland,Ont Canada
Autolites, I've had to replace to Ecotec heads for people hear cause they thought the AC Delco plug were to expensive, well it turned out the cheap plugs don't have well cut threads, they galled and stripped the threads out of the plug holes. You get what you pay for!