BlackknighT

Not about my HHR but it's about my wifes 2005 Cobalt 2.2. I just had it in for the required recall on the electric assist motor for the power steering. I only drove the car home a couple of miles and then did an oil change and lightly cleaned all the plastic engine covers by misting it with water and using a soft brush.

Here is my problem. Took it for a spin about an hour after the oil change and when I press the gas pedal moderately like passing a vehicle or going at a green light-the T/C light comes on and I feel the car shifting harder than normal. If I stop the car, turn it off, and restart-the light will go out and I can drive for miles until I half floor it-then it goes on again.

Could something been dislodged when they changed the motor, and could something have gotten wet on the transmission or nearby it that is causing the problem. Chevy manager and all others-please help before my wife kills me.

Greybeard999

Here's a 5 page thread that may be interesting reading.... https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/problems-service-repairs-42/hard-shifting-traction-control-light-p0010-p0011-24659/

Did you get any codes? Seems hard shifting and T/C light is "normal" response to lots of things the computer doesn't like....

BlackknighT

No CEL but will check for pending codes now.

BlackknighT

Sometimes I just need a little slap-I used my scan tool (innova 3130) and found a pending P0101 (MAF) message. Disconnected the MAF, took the air intake off, cleaned MAF with CRC MAF Sensor Cleaner, cleaned Throttle body with Gumout Air Intake/Thottle Body Cleaner, sprayed all the electrical connectors, dried, and reassembled. I thought the MAF plug was secured but found because of the rubber gasket I had to push really hard to make it snap lock. (I had removed it earlier when I checked the air filter and didn't realize that it wasn't %100 in place. Took it for a run and it seems ok and maybe even a little peppier, or could it be that my wifes car is working again and I am relieved. Will take it for a longer run later.

If it turns out this is the problem I will be relieved that it is my own stupidity that caused the issue and not the dealer who put the new steering motor in. I should have checked for pending codes & not relied on the CEL. Serves me right for being afraid of the wife beating me.

DOH!

Greybeard999

That was probably the problem...... Seems that the MAF being disconnected, or not firmly connected is fairly common for this.

BlackknighT

Thanks for the help. Sometime all you need is a little help or suggestion to make you slow down and think.