in shop P2261
 

"check engine" light came on. code P2261 & P0010 & P0011. the last 2 codes are for the intake cam variable timing oil solenoid. very common, no big deal. the mechanic at the dealer was on the phone w/ GM tech assistance for 2 hrs for the P2261 code - ( that's what they told me). i found on this forum, there is a document from GM that states that the vacuum tank for the bypass valve solenoid leaks & doesn't hold vacuum. so, they ordered it & hopefully it will be done today. but, the tech isn't doing anything to address the last 2 codes. the tech says that maybe due to loss of power, from the leaking vacuum tank, that could have tripped the other 2 codes. i told them to roadtest it a lot, before they release the car to me. by the way - that small plastic vacuum tank - maybe 4" square - is $140!! the front struts are $150 each - which price makes more sense?!!

I don't think the P2261 is related to the other two at all.

I'd replace that intake solenoid anyways, and use a genuine GM one, not an aftermarket one. It's an easy easy job so you can do it yourself quite easily.

Be aware that the p0010/11 codes can be VERY intermittent, so a test drive may not show it up at all. Oh, they can also be caused by dirty oil as it can sometimes clog the oil flow - so if you are overdue for an oil change try changing the oil first to see if the problem goes away. There is a huge How-To thread here on how to change the solenoids which you can find just browsing the How-to section.

You might have already seen this thread that might help, but I'll post it anyways :)
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/2-0l...e3/#post577116

so, 1 week later, I had to call them for an update - he told me they installed the new vacuum tank today & drove it 10 miles. he told me to pick it up tonight. good thing i had a free loaner! by the way - dirty oil non an issue - i change the oil every 3k w/ synthetic, myself.

Hey Andy,

Feel free to let us know how your HHR is doing when you pick it up. We appreciate any feedback you may have!

Patsy G
Chevrolet Customer Care

so, after a week, i finally picked up the car. well, the vacuum tank must not have been holding vacuum properly for a while, because i haven't had the turbo respond so quickly in a while & the amount of boost has been lacking & it's all back!!! part # of the vacuum tank is 12653856. $141.09 for a small plastic vaccum reservoir!! - that's crazy!

Glad to hear it's back on the road - gotta love that turbo when it is working right.