musicman190

I bought a 2008 HHR used. 43K mls.- Nice car, clean, well maintained.
However It has a few issues, to resolve. For some reason, this engine will not start on the first cranking engagement of the starter motor. It won't start until the second or sometimes the 3rd cranking effort. (Then it starts proudly without even a sputter.)
I'm suspect it is a computer issue regarding spark or a fuel injection quirk. Perhaps it's as simple as needing a "tune up" But I thought I'd toss sit out there first to see if this is a common complaint. Does anyone have any light to shed on this strange, "crank it twice to start", consistency?
ps. and by the way, Radio on this one is terrible too. Like it has no antenna connected. I hear this is not unique with HHRs. thanks.

donbrew

Might be spark plugs (the only "tune-up" available). Might be a bad battery. Might be vac leak. Might be EVAP sytem faulty.

Probably a bad fuel pump.

See if you can get any pending or permanent codes pulled.

Lucky

My 07 had that problem it turned out to be the fuel pump. The static fuel pressure would bleed down and would give me a long crank time. The next time you start you car cycle the key to the on position a few times before you crank it. This will run the fuel pump and prime the fuel rail. If you have access to a fuel pressure gauge it can be check fairly quick.

843de

A quick way to diagnose an "in tank" fuel pump such as used on HHR's is to do the following.

1. Round up a helper/lovely assistant.

2. Remove the gas cap and place your ear next to the filler neck(no smoking obviously).

3. Have your helper/lovely assistant turn the ignition to Run without attempting to crank the engine.

You should hear the pump start up and run with a steady hum, if it fails to start, or makes unhappy sounds like grinding or sputtering noises....it's most likely failing on you.

But because there might be another issue at work, do have the "codes pulled", if any pop up list them here and we'll be better armed to point you in the right direction.

Laco

Could be having trouble reading the chip in the ignition key. As already suggested, have any codes pulled, to see if that might point you in a particular direction.

musicman190

thanks a bunch folks.. great suggestions, I will start checking..

843de

Let us know how you make out, too many times we get left hanging and wondering if the problem got fixed, and what caused it.

Even the things that may seem insignificant, might help someone else out in the future.

phrog fixer

I had that problem in 2009, took it to the Chevy dealer. They tested the fuel pressure and found the shut off valve that holds pressure in the fuel line when the engine is turned off was staying open. Replaced the fuel pump assy (that's where the valve is), worked great. Hope this helps.

musicman190

interesting. I suppose I'll have to get to a dealership's shop at some point. The problem seems more intermittent recently. This vehicle sat dormant for some time prior to my new ownership. I run it a bit more locally and see what she does. Thanks to all for your help and comments. --musicman190.

phrog fixer

Have you found the problem?