I bought a used 2006 HHR four cylinder five speed. I really do like this car. I have a camper that fits on the back and off I go. However, have an issue where at times the car will not start no action no nothing at the ignition switch and everything else comes on except the gas gauge does not work And the computer will type that I need gas. After a few hours or sometimes a few days it will start. .Went to the gas station filled up with gas it took only a few dollars tried to start the car again would not start nothing. have had it to the dealership three times . they cannot figure it out . Somebody please help. The first thing they did was replace the key bad because the antitheft device would not go off. the next time they said they fixed a loose wire in the ignition. every time it won't start I have to wait until it starts again and take it to the dealer. Then it has to sit there until they can't get it started to put it on the computer and they still cannot figure it out.

 

Do you mean the ignition switch does not turn?

By "dealership" do you mean a Chevrolet Service Department, or a used car lot that you bought the car from?

Was the ignition recall performed? Here is a link to check your recall status: https://my.chevrolet.com/na-chevrolet/recalls
You do not have to give any information beyond your VIN unless you want to.

Did you leave anything out? Like what was going on just before this started. Is the Check engine Light on/working.

 

Don, I finally had to get my laptop back from my kid. Much easier to see and navigate.

I took the car to a certified Chev Service Dept. That verified that the ignition recall was performed. Usually nothing is going on when this happens. The check engine light is working. For several days it will start with no problem. Then for no apparent reason it will not start. When this happens, everything works except the fuel gauge and the display will say that it either need gas or sometimes that it needs power steering fluid. Also, the key turns but nothing happens. It makes no sound at all. There is no turning over. After a few hours or maybe days, it will start right with no problem. Could there be a problem with the gas pressure monitor?

 

You HHR does not use power steering fluid. But, I think I know what you mean.

This is making me think that the underhood fuse box may be trying to become separated.

This youtube will give you an idea what I mean.

 

Thanks for giving something additional to check. I will do this tomorrow and will let you know how it goes.

 

I completed the underhood fuse box per the video. The video was clear and consice. The did not start before I did this but did start after. Whoohoo! Drove about 20 miles to town and did some shopping. Car started right up. Stpped in the drivethru to pick up a snack, kept car running. Gauges started going crazy. They were all over the place as before. But it did stay running. What now? Service dept. can't figure it out. I can not figure it out. I am running out of options and ideas. Sometimes I have time to just wait until it starts again. But when I have to be someplace at a specific time, this is not good.

Please, is there anything else? I have searced everything everyplace I can find. Is there something or somplace else?

 

Evidently whatever wire or connection you jiggled became unjiggled.

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer.

 

There is a connection between the fuel level and the power steering and the anti-theft.

It is the 5V reference circuit from the ECM. I would first check the 2 connectors on the ECM, then for the wires going into it. Possible that the ECM has tanked.

There are TSBs about fretted wires 09-06-03-004D, 08-06-03-009A and (important one) 06-06-04-045. You should be able to find those by typing the number into GoOgle, if you have no luck PM me. That third one applies to 2.2L cars built before April 27, 2006 and is a real good candidate, since you almost had to jiggle that wire.

 

Odd that you should mention the ecm. was just researching how to reset or replace. Thanks for the info. I would have never found this. At 70 years old, I am getting too old for this. But, do what you have too I guess. Am trying to leave for a road trip of several years. Hopefully, can get this sorted out. I really appreciate your help. It is very much appreciated.


I have tried to pull up those TSBs and I keep going around in circles. Found the list of TSBs but could not find those numbers. I keep getting rerouted back where I started. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance

 

The main thing the TSBs all say is "don't replace the ECM" if it's not reproducible and intermittent. They are mostly about wires and contacts.

When I put them into GoOgle, not the site search, I get at least 10.
#09-06-03-004E: Intermittent No Crank/No Start, No Module Communication, MIL, Warning - Chevrolet Colorado & GMC Canyon Forum

Check your PM for a few more links.