My 08 2.2L panel HHR is cranking but not turning over. I'm getting gas, power and spark. Haven't checked compression. It would barely crank the other day so I got out my mini everstart jumper and jumped it as I started it the airbox started shaking violently and it started up. I drove it 3 miles down the road to get gas reaching speeds of about 55 mph and noticed it was lacking power. It started back up then I drove it 2 more miles still lacking power. I shut it off and it wouldn't start back up. It cranks and has a high pitched winey sound. A mechanic hooked his diagnostic up to it and it kicked a crankshaft sensor code. I replaced that still same problem. Does this sound like drive chain or tensioner problem????

 

let's think: there is a supply of fuel, there is a supply of electricity to the spark plugs ... the car shakes against the background of a loss of power ...
what else can cause the disease:
1. bad fuel (fake or mistake);
2. Debris in the fuel clogged the fuel filter;
3. other causes of too lean or too rich fuel mixture;
4. the air filter is clogged with dirt;
5. the timing mechanism is broken - in this case, do not start the engine until you are sure that the timing is in order;
You can remember something else, but first check it out.

 

X2 pull the valve cover and inspect the timing chain, the crankshaft sensor was just doing it’s job telling the computer the crankshaft was out of position to the camshafts. I’ll bet the front timing chain guide has broken.

 

Assuming "A crankshaft sensor code " means P0016 or P0017 the timing chain is bad. The mechanic must have missed the "interpreting OBD2 codes" day.
Park the car until it gets fixed or terminal damage might occur. Do not try starting it anymore.

 

Terminology. Cranking and turning over are the same thing. Be nice to know the code(s) and what lights are on.

 

What codes? How long was the CEL on? How many miles on the motor?