If you got a P0016 code, I assume the replacement part you ordered is the crankshaft position sensor ?
If that's the part, I'm pretty sure you'll need a Tech II or equivalent to program that part to your car.
I believe our site guru Donbrew can confirm this.

 

Crankshaft position sensors do need relearning.

Camshaft sensors do not.

It is rare for the sensors to be bad. More likely something to do with the timing chain or tensioner or guides.

 

Let me try to address all...I'm not a mechanic, but, I have done most of my own car repair and maintenance for years. And, I am seriously considering getting my own computer testing thingy, seeing how much cars are becoming computer based. This HHR is new to me, so, this will be my first repair on it. We ordered the crankshaft sensor thingy. As for the timing chain, it's recommended to replace every 100,000m, I just rolled over that. But, honestly, I also have experience building pallet sorting machines that use conveyors that have the same 50-chain, and those chains never stretch, break, rarely. So, how much do I "really" have to worry about timing chain??

 

Firemangeorge, you mentioned tech II, so I haven't yet looked into the actual work to replace one, is this something a "mom-mechanic" is going to be over my head with? Not a simple, bolts out, disconnect, put in new one?

 

But maybe the timing chain stretched and the tensioner needs replaced!

 

Tech II is the programmer that the dealerships and some independent shops use.
In short, it's a high dollar computer/scanner/programmer that most car owners don't have because of the cost.

If you are replacing the crankshaft position sensor, it has to be relearned to the car as Donbrew noted above.
That part is not a "bolt on" and crank up the car item.
Are you over your head ? Sorry, can't answer that because I don't know your mechanical ability. Problem is, you won't have the equipment for the relearn procedure.

 

On my '06 2.2 the timing chain itself was not particularly stretched but the tensioner and guides were toast when I replaced them.

I had been having overheating problems and decided to try just replacing the water pump. Since I figured I'd be taking more of the engine apart than I really wanted to I got the new chain and guides too.

Before that I got the updated tensioner that you can just remove the old style and screw in the new style.

I ended up having to replace my entire engine, but mainly because I let the kid use the car while I worked on hers and she did not keep it full of coolant and managed to put a rod out the bottom.

 

What is so difficult about typing "p0016" into Google? Oldblue did it for you and supplied the link in post #10. Try reading it.

You will find that it means that for some reason the camshaft sensor does not agree with the crankshaft sensor. That means that one of the components is bad. There are several components involved; in no particular order and not definitive: cam sensors, crank sensor, chain, guides, tensioner, The entire VVT system if equipped. In short ordering "the replacement part" means you are throwing parts at the problem.

Not many conveyor belts are only 3 Feet long and run at more than 2000 RPM at 190F for hours on end, guided by plastic sleeves and A 3/4 inch spring and need to be in a tiny spec. Numbers made up, but no comparison in scale.

 

my nephew has a hhr that is in limp mode wont let him go over 30 mph and his obd is not working how do we get it out of limp mode