Clogged cat(s) maybe???????

 

well got my car back today. They ordered map sensors for a non turbo hhr ss. (still haven't figured that one out) When they realized that they ordered the wrong part my check engine light was no longer on. So they took it out, but could not duplicate the issue. So I asked if I could take someone out in it next time it happens. It's to the point where I no longer drive it on the weekends or anytime I don't have to. I'm just scared of whatever is wrong with it causing more damage.

 

Got mine back today on Day 26. Seems to be running well, lots of traffic so I couldn't really get on it like I wanted to. I didn't get a chance to talk to the guy who had been helping me because he has the day off, but I'll talk to him later on and try to give a decent post about everything that was done.

 

Well I'm bringing mine in again tomorrow for the second time. First time they charged me $104 for a "software update" that they insisted would fix the issue. I was told the tech "researched" the issue. I sighed. This was after I told them I thought it was the crimp connectors on the MAP sensors. I told the guy I doubted it was a software issue, and that I hadn't even heard of the update. He reassured me. They obviously have better things to do than listen to me. It threw a code on Sunday, but the light went off Monday. Hope they can still retrieve it. I made up a long list quoting some of the fixes I read here. They better give me a refund...

 

OK this is going to be funny. I just was putting along this morning and I got a surge and then on my way back ome it is a putter and then surge and the CEL came on. I'm gunna scan it an see what I get. I bet its a wiring thing again since the new engine was installed. Im really hating that the wires rub on my AC compressor and thats where Im going to look.

 

I had/have electrical problems. They found bare wires in the wiring harness. That fixed most of them but I still have gremlins in my car.

However, I don't have the surging problem as described here.

 

Got mine back today. Soldered the MAP splices, problem seems to have vanished. Runs much better too.

 

I haven't checked this thread in almost two years. As everyone can see I was the second poster to this thread in 2008. I had many of the problems you guys are reporting back in 2008, right after I installed the stage kit. As I mentioned back then, the wiring connectors that came with the stage kit were notorious for building up electrical resistance. My dealers soldered the stage connectors and for the past two years I have had no problems to report. I know that some of you are reporting that your connections are soldered but are still having surging issues. I would suggest to double check those connections and be absolutley sure they are soldered and that they are soldered correctly.

While a number of things can create the surging issue, ensuring that your connections are soldered eliminates one possibility.

BTW - Stage kit installed at 8K miles. Surging started at 11K. Soldered stage connectors at 11.5K. Still running problem free at 46K.

 

I think mine will be electrical due to them removing the engine and doing work. I also know that the lower MAP sensor wire bundle is really close to the AC compressor so thats where Im going to check first because I think it might have rubbed through and might be grounding. even though I lost my power train warranty, I think they still might help me out with this issue. they called me today to see if everything is ok but I missed the call. I need to scan the car to see what set the CEL. I was driving on the freeway in heavy traffic when it sputtered and set the light and only does it once a day so far. i'll get back to you all.

 

LOL, woke up this morning and started the HHR up and no CEL light on. I think there is a short or something touching that I need to find. Gremlin somewhere in the system.