The wife took our 2007 HHR with over 140k miles on it from St Louis to Virginia. It ran perfect all the way out there. She noticed it was starting to crank alot longer than normal then start. I Google searched possible causes all lead back to a bad gas cap and vapor lock. I had her replace the original one that was pretty roached, but it did not help. I had thought with all the altitudes you climb up and down getting there it very well could be the problem. Anyone else have anything like this or could give me some advice? With the car being 14 hours away I don't want some mechanic just throwing parts at it in an attempt to fix it without really having anything to go off of, thanks

 

Check the fuel pressure. Could be the fuel pump going bad.

 

check the spark plugs and air filter also

 

What did you Google that led to "vapor lock" on a fuel injected car?

Is the Check Engine Light illuminated? If so, go to Advance/AutoZone/O'Reilly and find out the code.

Sounds to me like it needs new plugs and/or a new EVAP purge solenoid (under the hood) or some other vacuum leak.

 

I travel a lot.....and consequently drive through altitudes that change from sea level to 7800 feet in one day. Never experienced any problem. Car is designed and built to perform with those variables, so that would NOT be the problem unless there is a underlying mechanical problem.

 

Corrected ....thanks George

 

I'm with firemangeorge on this one. Check the fuel pressure and you may find that the fuel rail is not holding static pressure.

When you shut off the engine there it should hold at least 40 psi. If not when you try to start it it won't start until the fuel psi comes up to pressure giving you a long crank time.

If the fuel pressure is ok when the engine is running you should be able to drive it home with out a issue. In the mean time when you go to start the car turn the key on and off a few times with out starting it then try to start it.

This will prime the fuel rail and it will start right up if that your problem.

 

Thank you for you input I will ask her all the follow up questions, and let you know. It's just not back here in St Louis and I am messed until we get it in a "friendly" place. This link is of interest to me as it is the same issue

check engine light & starting problems - 2008 Chevrolet HHR

 

OKAY, so the check engine light IS on. It will tell you what is wrong.

Vapor lock on a fuel injected vehicle may be possible, but a remote possibility. More likely they mean EVAP.

 

Hey STREET STYLIN' HHR,

I apologize that you are experiencing these concerns in your HHR. We will be looking forward to your updates with this issue. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us via PM if you have any more questions or need any further assistance.

Patsy G
Chevrolet Customer Care