12635902 is listed as compatible with the 2011 2.2 HHR. So I’m thinking if the engine is a 2009 or 2010, there might be a little different timing or fuel curve.

 

Thanks Oldblue. It seems once I have engaged with someone who has the knowledge and capability it should be a rather simple fix. Hope to have something more to report on this very soon.

 

From the dealership invoice notes it say the serial number on the engine (found somewhere near the oil filter they told me) is #12313990. Does this tell me anything other than it's a 2.2l?

 

12313990 Doesn’t tell me anything.

 

I have been told that it is a "partial VIN" from which the original vehicle can be identified. This is what the dealership told me they used to determine it is a 2.2l engine. And according to the Broadcast label I pictured on the timing chain cover (ACKt808180043) it decodes to a build date of 18th of Aug 2008. I don't know if that is correct but I do know that this engine has VVT solenoids.
So far, I am not having much luck finding anyone who can or will tweak the PCM for me.

 

Post #155. Donbrew must be invisible again.

 

Ha ha...not ignoring him at all. I currently have a query to ARES Technologies (arestechnologies.com) to see if they can supply me with a programmed ecm for a 2009 2.2l engine based upon the partial VIN from the engine block. I had ordered one from them a year ago using the body VIN thinking it would solve my problem. But of course it did not and I returned it for a full refund, no hassles. Thinking this would be a better way to go than from local junk yard.

 

The broadcast code decodes as: the last 4 digits (0043) are the partial VIN, the last 4 digits of the VIN, the "T" means the plant the engine was assembled in (Tarrytown, NY), engine built on the 18th Aug. 2008 (2009 model year).

The small numbers are the "Engine Assembly Number". I can't find anything that tells what that means.

Everywhere I look says the number embossed on the oil filter housing is a partial VIN. but it is evidently the engine serial number.

 

My idea was get a $10 part from the junkyard, give it a try. The VIN programming only matters for legal reasons; if it works, send it away for programming. One from a junkyard with the same options would be plug n play, just not legally registered.

 

donbrew: Thanks very much for all that info. I just got off the phone with the folks at ARES Technologies. The fellow at the other end was able to narrow down that the donor vehicle for this engine was either a 2009 HHR or Cobalt. He compared the calibrations of my current 2.4l ecm with the HHR 2.2l ecm and noted there is "quite a bit of difference" which would seem to be in line with the thinking on the source of my problems. So he is sending a freshly programmed ecm for a 2009 2.2l HHR and for a $40 extra charge the GMC Chevrolet Buick Cadillac VATS, DOD/AFM & Crank Learn Delete which he said will take care of the need to relearn keys etc. They are also going to program my VIN into the ecm so there should not be any problems with the other modules and make it legal (I guess?). I get that a $10 ecm trial might work but I am also concerned with being legal...you know for emissions check etc. Altogether with expedited shipping the bill is $187.45. They have a 30 day return full refund policy but I am really hoping this will be the cure. Hope to report back good news by early next week.