So my 2007 HHR LT is having trouble starting. On the first try the engine cranks, but no start. I can release the key and back to the 'on' position and it still cranks for a few seconds. On the second try it starts right up. Once it's started it runs fine. Anybody have any ideas?

 

It could be your fuel pump or relay going bad. It might not start pumping when you turn the key on. When you turn it off and try again it might start.

Could be a crank sensor, ignition relay or computer glitch. Hard to find until it won't start at all.

 

hope its the relay or fuel filter, the pump is in the gas tank, sucks!

 

Went to Autozone and got the check engine code: P0171.
I know that means a lean fuel mix and the Autozone guy recommend I buy a new set of plugs and wires. While I would love for that to be the solution is there a way to know if it's the plugs or wires or oxygen sensor without replacing them first. Or do you guys still think it's the fuel pump or related issue.

 

Plugs and wires won't fix. It could be this:

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...hp?p=377970#60

You need to take it to a competent technician for proper diagnosis.

 

If a plug misfires, the fuel doesn't burn and gets pushed into the exhaust causing a rich condition.

It sounds like a fuel problem. If one injector wasn't putting out enough fuel, it would cause a lean condition but it should start. It would have a power problem.

If the pump isn't pumping or the computer isn't telling the injectors to fire, The oxygen sensor will read a lean condition. A fuel pump relay should be fairly inexpensive and easy to change just in case that would be the problem.

I don't know if the computer stores codes like fuel mixture on startup or if the engine has to be running for a certain time to allow everything to balance out. It would be nice to have a fuel rail pressure gauge inside the vehicle to check when it doesn't start.

 

Hey I also have this problem, I ran a scan tool and came up with P0171. I wandered what ever came of your situation? I don't have the $$$ for a complete diagnosis right now.

I had that same problem before with a crack in my flex pipe, but since it's come back I have had that checked again, not the problem nor is it my MAF sensor.


any suggestions? I was thinking of renting a pressure gauge from autozone and running a fuel pressure test. Then maybe I could eliminate the regulator from the problem.

 

Happened to my 2007, twice, both times when it was less than 5 months old. It has been solid ever since, so I wrote it off to ??????? maybe bad gas, maybe some transitory condition. Hopefully yours will only be temporary too.