I have a 2008 HHR SS I been having some problem and don't know where to start. My issuse is I'm having power leg my turbo builds boost just fine I'm not losing boost but when I'm on the freeway and I try to pass somebody I build boost but it seems like the car doesn't want to go all you hear is a turbo I have talked to a bunch of different people and nobody knows anything about what is wrong.

 

I am having the same problem with my 2008 HHR SS I build boost just fine but he has lag. If you have found the problem plz let me No

 

That looks like it should have been 6 sentences. Probably done with your phone and voice.

Anyway, if your SS is stock, you should hit about 14 PSI of boost when you really get on it. If you're getting that, but the power is not getting applied to the wheels, I might suspect you have an automatic transmission that is malfunctioning.

 

Cody: your duplicate post has been moved here to the thread you previously started.

FYI: posting the same basic item in multiple places, generally just causes confusion. Please stick to this thread. If you spot a thread or a post that might be related, rather than post a duplicate, try sending the poster a Private Message.

 

Also, we need a we bit more information.

 

Hi I'm new to this website and trying to find out any info I can on my problem I have a 2008 HHR SS that I'm getting power leg out of the boost builds just fine I hold boost I'm not losing boost and it mainly on the freeway when I try to accelerate you mainly hear the turbcarbut the engine don't want to accelerate and it doesn't do it all the time it has its good days and it's bad days

 

If anybody has any idea's please let me no I had a check engine light come on and auto zone said it was my thermostat and auto repair shop said if it wasn't opening and closing like it should that it would cause power lag

 

Please keep on track with one thread, I've merged this into the mix to avoid confusion.

If the code was P0128, they would be correct, please only use an AC Delco OEM thermostat, and Dexcool. The computer doesn't like the green stuff!!
And yes it will cause the condition you described.

 

I'm not understanding how a faulty thermostat causes any lag. Since it's ecm related I'll assume that it tries not to overheat by limiting power. Our SS, before the swap, pulled 12-14lbs of boost while hitting temps near 250* it had timing and head gasket issues to begin with and a few CELs. I don't think I had 0128 though (can't remember). Had plenty of power for the test drive though. The old motor only stayed in for 500 miles before we tore into it, 350 of that was the drive home.

Another source of my confusion is the SS having good days and bad days? Was there a CEL on both good and bad days? How many miles on that SS Cody?

Most importantly, WELCOME to the site!

 

Code P0128 defines as the car is not heating up in the required time frame. Usually is the thermostat stuck open and/or it's center rubber gasket is bad.