I have an issue I hope someone can help me with usually in the winter I'm driving and my car lights up like a Christmas tree than it says engine powering down and it does I pull over turn off the car for a min start it again and it's fine again till the next time been happening for years about 10 times a year the engine light stays on for a day or 2 than turns off I have taken it to so many garages and no one can do anything except take my money it's been hooked up to the computer and nothing shows can someone help me thank you

 

Somebody at some time should have read the codes when the Check Engine Light was lit, that's the reason it lights up.

You might have an electrical problem, that takes lots of time and experience $$$.

 

stop by your local Parts Source for a code read, or disconnect the positive terminal on the battery for 30 minutes to clear the BCM and other computers on the HHR and go from there.

 

It never stays on long enough to get an apt at the garage that's what they all told me they said they can't tell unless the check engine light was on every garage says something different and I spend money to fix what they think it is an than it still does it just so tired of spending money for nothing this is kinda my last resort but thanx for the reply I really appreciate it

 

if the CEL trips but does not stay on, and the code does not store, that would be a PITA, if you can try the battery disconnect , and check connections under the hood, this my help

 

Thank you old blue will try that

 

no problem, eh! what part of the Great White North do you call home?

 

Could take a look at the fuse box under the passenger side waterfall, make sure the bolt holding it together is tight and the bolts holding the under hood fuse box halves together as well.

Check under the hood for loose/broken ground straps, there are a few of them. Basically wires bolted to the body/frame.

 

My 2006 2lt keep shutting down, it was the battry strap from the battery post under the hood to the fuse box had broken only made contact sometimes, I installed a copper strap on the battery post and a sheetmetal screw to the broken copper strap from the fuse box, it has been several years now and now I have a good battery connection no more problums and runs great.

 

You meant the Negative battery cable of course, disconnecting the positive cable can spike the electronics compounding the problems.

And before attempting to clear any codes, you should try to have them read again.

If the scan tool is "failing to communicate" with your HHR, check the fuse for the cigarette lighter, if it's blown...the diagnostic port will not function.