So my 2007 hhr's check engine light car came on and when stopped at a light it was like it was trying to surge forward. A few days later tried to start it and nothing. It now just cranks over and won't start like its not getting any fuel so I replaced the fuel pump and nothing. Does anyone know anything about this type of problem? Could this be a timing or timing chain problem?

 

Was there any noise from the timing chain area when it was running? Have you gotten the codes read? The symptom you have could be a timing chain problem but we need a place to start. I would check the code that should be in memory unless you disconnected the battery when you did the fuel pump.

 

The best advice would be to have it hauled to your dealer or your local technician to have the codes pulled. Since the CEL was illuminated there will codes stored in the vehicle's memory.

Replacing the fuel pump could have been a waste of money, but that's impossible to determine without the OBD II diagnostic codes.

If the timing chain has failed(unlikely, but very remotely possible), the head and valves are written off as HHR's have "Interference" engines where jumping time or a broken chain will cause all 16 valves and four pistons to have a "Meet 'N Greet".

Once you get it to a repair facility, post up the diagnostic codes they find and we can try to help you get a better handle on what's wrong.

For the record, how many miles do you have on the HHR right now?

P.S. to the forum, wish the circumstances were better though.

 

Hey jdoerger,

Sorry to hear you're experiencing these issues. It sounds like you may be trying to take care of this on your own. Although I am unable to provide technical advice if you decide that you would like to work with a dealer I would be happy to set you up with one in your area. Feel free to PM me your full name, VIN, current mileage, and preferred dealership.

Sincerely,

Jonathan A.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

Replacing the fuel pump is an awfully big project for a leap of faith! Why not try some basic diagnostics before throwing time, money and labor at a car?

I am wildly guessing that there is a problem involving the timing chain, since you seem to be saying it cranks with no resistance.

 

Unfortunately, unlike other SOHC and DOHC engines, GM saw fit to put that little anti-splash baffle below the oil fill in the cylinder head.

So you can't use the old trick of pulling off the oil fill cap while someone cranks the engine to check for camshaft rotation, a lot of "did it break the timing chain/timing belt" questions have been answered quickly over the years that way.

I didn't interpret it as cranking with no resistance Don, just cranking without attempting to fire. When the two part fuse box under the hood works loose it can produce some havoc, so I'd add that to the list of things to check.