Hi I am repairing a 2007 HHR LT 2.4 with 270,000 that the timing chain snapped.
Engine spun easy so I went ahead and replaced the timing chain, crankshaft gear, all the timing guides and the timing tensioner.
I also dropped the oil pan and cleaned all the metal bits out of it. Plus I gave it a oil change (filter and new oil).
Replaced the drive belt since it was worn.
Replaced the Air Filter (had a few dead bees in it)
Replaced the spark plugs and the ignition coils because it was near/past there time.
Replaced the Crankshaft position sensor(engine turned but no start and it was on the list).
Also wiped out the valve cover and around the cams as best i could without removing the cams
Cleaned the starter because the oil neck wasn't all the way on and was causing a minor leak
Replaced the Cig. Lighter fuse so I could pull codes and all I got was $7E8 and $7EA. Which from what I can find are for the cat and should not be stopping the engine from starting.
Did a look around the harness but cant find any signs of obvious wear.

 

The CPS Needs to be relearned , do you still have the original?
Is it possible to reinstall it and see if it starts up

 

I installed the new one because the old one wasn't starting the car either. Other info the car did sit for over a year without a battery in it before I got it but after the chain broke.

Edit: Yes I still have the old one.

 

How about a simple compression test? The valves could all be bent.

 

Just because a part name is on a list does not mean replace it. It doesn't have anything to do with starting the engine.
If it was setting for a year there is a good chance that critters have chewed on wires.
As far as I remember those codes mean that your Autel code reader doesn't know what to do with the data from the ECM. Sometimes it means the flex pipe is cracked.
Is the padlock icon lit?
Any chance the chain isn't on right?

 

I cant wait to see how this post turns out. Broke chain, I thought, meant go get another engine. The op sure sounds confident and I hope it works out for him. No broken rocker amrs?

 

To me a broken timing chain , means remove the head , inspect for piston contact with the valves.
99 44/100ths of the time , it is necessary to replace the head , bent valves and gaskets .
3 times the pistons were damaged , resulting in a new long block .