Stevethefolkie

First - all apologies for being snarky on the last thread - I used to moderate a classic Saab board and, as moderator, would direct people to that which I'd found on search rather than just suggesting they try the option - but that's me and that's in the past.

2006 2.2L VIN 3GNDA23D06S627556 (interpreting mechanics handwriting)

Got the codes read today (bye-bye $35.00) - now I don't know if they're in sequence by chronology (date) or importance - but I'll present them here, in the sequence written down by the tech (which I assume to be the sequence presented but can't swear to that)

1 P0121 - TP sensor or APP sensor problem
2 P0340 - Camshaft position sensor problem
3 P0449 - EVAP system vent control low
4 P2101 - TAC Motor Circut range / performance
5 P1516 - Electronic throttle mod vs throttle position performance
6 P2119 - throttle closed position performance

So here's what my mechanic (well trusted, used to care for my SAAB's) had to say:

1&2 - thrown when she backfired a week or so ago during starting
3-6 - caused by the rather frigid conditions (it was below zero a couple of days ago)

Codes were cleared - I took it out for a test drive (around 70 miles) - no re-emergence of codes.

If a code should pop up I'll get it scanned, but really wish it wouldn't cost me $35.00 to do so - do any of the chain places (autozone, advanced) scan for free (I seem to recall one of them doing so in the past, but figured I'd ask here before I become the "cheap sh*t in the grey chevy" by asking at the shop ...).

To me, looks like:
4-6 and 1 means the throttle body is dirty and I need to apply carb cleaner
3 looks like it's residual from when I left the gas cap off (doh!)
2 (P0340) has potential to be an issue should it come back

Fuel mileage has fallen, but I assume as much with "winter blends" and very dense air (cold temps) -

Let me know your thoughts on my analysis - and thanks

Cheers

Steve

Stevethefolkie

Here's my '06 with some nifty "ice wings" in front of the rear wheels -

donbrew

Advance,AutoZone,O'reilly, PepBoys will all read the codes for free.

I am wondering what may have caused a backfire. I don't recall anybody ever mentioning a backfire on an HHR. Maybe the cam errors caused the that, not the other way around?

Stevethefolkie

Not sure - I turned the key to start it - it cranked a bit longer than normal then backfired - I suspect the crank position sensor OR the wiring to it - will investigate tomorrow (it's supposed to be above freezing!). Started normally after that and ran fine - but industrial sensors can die a slow, lingering death (I've seen this with laser distance meters and encoders) so it's time to give it a check.

I'm reluctant to let it go until I get another fault - today I felt a bit lonely not seeing the CEL on the dash - and I've grown to appreciate that loneliness ...

cheers

Steve

Oldblue

Keep us up to date with your findings, and use throttle body cleaner not carb cleaner. use the search window for how to clean your TB , good luck with the warm weather, it may not thro a code now until next cold snap!

843de

X2 on the Throttle Body Cleaner.

Like your doctor says to never stick anything in your ear bigger than your elbow, never use anything on a throttle body unless its designated as a "Throttle Body Cleaner".

Stevethefolkie

"cold" is a relative term - here in Southern PA "real-freakin-cold" is anything below 10F - wimpy I know as the wife is from 100Miles North of Syracuse NY - I saw -40F there (nearly had F and C intersect!) one Christmas morning. I will heed the warnings and use the correct chemicals -
I suppose the lesson learned here is that no matter how good a shade tree mechanic you may be (and in my day lads, I was one of the best), the new cars require a more technical diagnostic procedure ... gone are the days of a timing light and a 7/16th box end for dealing with timing issues or a screw driver to adjust fuel intake ....
Cheers

Steve

Stevethefolkie

By the way - are the codes in some determined sequence? If so what would it be, chronology, importance, numeric sort sequence?
thanks

Steve

Oldblue

it was in order of occurence on mine

Stevethefolkie

Thanks - that's logical and the sequence makes sense.