My Girlfriends 2007 2.4 Automatic had 2200 miles on it when we took it to Daytona from where we live in Ft Myers, about 300 miles. We headed out and got on the interstate and stoped to smoke a cigarette. when we slowed down to get off the highway the car seemed like it didnt want to come out of over drive. it started bucking and stalled. we started it back up and headed on down the road. then we slowed for some stop and go traffic it did the same thing. i was pissed so i left it running and we called closest dealer in the area, as we got off the interstate and headed for the Dealership the Traction turned off and the car was spitting and sputtering. it was shifting really hard too! the dealer looked at it and after spending almost 4 hours there they said it was bad gas and reset the computer. we thanked them and got back on the road. after 30 mins it was back to doing the same thing. we got to Daytona from Lakeland driving with one foot on the gas and one on the brake to keep the car running when at a stop... as the weekend went on we found that if you shut the car off then everything reset and it was fine until the next time we stopped. Needles to say, we got it home and took it to the dealer where we live and they replaced the cam sensor or something. we havent taken it on long trips since so i am not sure if it will do it again. but it acts up some times when we are driving around town or in a parking lot. My question is, HAS anyone had this problem and what did you do to fix it? Any help will be appreciated. its pretty sad that you cant take your BRAND new car on long trips in fear of not making it home... LOL

 

Thank god you were there with me! I never would have made it with out you. Glad you got to see me in a fit of rage when it first happened. Now you know not to make me mad.... LOL

I love you!

 

I have made many trips in my (2.4 Auto). so far I have not had this type of problem. Mine as of 8/14/07 has 21,005 miles on it.
Hope that the Dealer found the Only Part bad and that all will be well.

 

so far I have not buy I have a 2.2. I have put 53,000 on mine nearly trouble free...Good luck

 

I have recently returned from a 4500 mile road trip from Texas to New York. I currently have 10k on my HHR. The only problem I have had was the dealer had to install a heat box gasket to correct a water leak problem.

 

It's a sign from above........STOP SMOKING

 

I was going to say that but thought it wouldn't be "politically correct."

No, I haven't had that problem at all. But, warm and humid weather play havoc with oxygen sensors that produce a similar behavior. I've replaced many of them on several vehicles while living in Florida. That might be the true problem.

 

The Torque Convertor Clutch (TCC) was probably stuck and wouldn't allow it to downshift into 1st gear.
Ask the dealer if this was investigated as the being the problem.

Clare

 

Thats what i thought it was but they replaced some sensor on the motor. i still think it has something to do with the tranny. sounded like the cam pos sensor but they called it something different. we are going to get it out on the highway one of these days and see if it does it again. it has been good so far... WE'll see

Thanks for the input about the actual post

 

I think SandyBeach may have the same thoughts that I had when reading your story.

I have never experience those symptoms with my HHR yet (knock on wood)... but the exact symptoms you described did occur in a couple other vehicles I've owned in the past years.

Each time it occurred, it was diagnosed with a bad oxygen sensors and as soon as I replaced it, it ran great with no problems.

Hope it resolved your problem...