DrMardo

New to the board.

(2008 Chevy HHR Panel - 134k Miles)

About 2 months ago, I started experiencing intermittent loss of readings on my temperature gauge - both analog and digital. Check Engine light and other lights (Traction Control, Low Fuel, Service ECS, Etc.) began sporadically lighting up gauges drop to zero. All along with these issues, the transmission shifts very hard.

I took it to the dealer and was told that the connection to the ECR was loose and they secured it and all was well for a week, when the same symptoms reoccurred again. I took it back to the dealer, who then "secured" the connection with a tie wrap. (I know - smh too.) A week later same issue. Not taking it to this dealer anymore as I lost confidence with the tie wrap fix.

I have read several other threads here and most point towards the BCM or the fuse box (loose connections.)

I have a video to show the symptoms I am experiencing.

Any assistance with my issue on my HHR is greatly appreciated.

donbrew

You seem to have read the relevant threads.

First, the connection of the RED wire to the side of the underhood fuse box.

Second, remove the fuse box cover then press the top down and press on all of the fuses and relays.

Third, it could be the ECU connections have been known to have bad pins.

Fourth, well maybe first, make sure your battery is good.

DrMardo

donbrew,

I will put your suggestion to action and reply with the results. Thanks!

whopper

x2 - and my first thought was the battery may be on it's last legs. Any auto parts store will put a load tester on it to check the battery health - and they do it for free. :)

Oldblue

Looks like the battery has gone south, but check it and all those connections to ale sure!

DrMardo

Checked all items suggested except the battery - that will be tomorrow.
Expect updates tomorrow. Thanks everyone.

DrMardo

Update. Today, I took the HHR to the Battery Store, the battery checked out good.

However, during the day, the symptoms (lights, gauges, etc.) began disappearing, including the check engine light was no longer on. Perhaps the work done yesterday actually resolved the problem?

My thanks to everyone who responded, but we will determine if this saga continues.

Oldblue

Sometimes simply disconnecting the negative terminal at the battery for 30 minutes will clear and reset the computers on the HHR, like a reboot of your PC.

LawDog88

What is the Month/Year sticker on your Battery? Even if it checked out good then, if it gets cold out, it may cause those problems again.. I just had my OEM battery die on me in my 2008, last month...

DrMardo

LawDog88, I live in BAKErsfield,CA, our temps have been in the 60's & 70's. I bought this battery in Dec. 2013. (4 yr. warranty)

As for removing the battery cable for 30 minutes, the battery's positive cable was removed for over an hour. So, Oldblue, you may be onto something. We'll know soon!