Hi all. I'm actually posting this to figure out the problem with my mother's HHR. It's a new '08 with only 2000 miles on it. LT with most all the bells and whistles. She is having problems with the car not starting when it's hot out. We're having close to 90 degree days here. Apparently the car with turn over and act like it's going to catch, then die. Did this a bunch of times the other day, and while calling roadside she tried one more time and it caught. My guess is it cooled down a little. Now she says it's driving a little rough, like it's missing sometimes. And it went through the whole no starting thing again the other day. Took it to the dealer, and of course it isn't throwing any codes so they don't want to do anything for her.

I've done a search, and this doesn't seem to jive with other problems on the board. I've seen no start threads, but didn't find any threads relating to this problem of "turning over but not catching while hot out" issues. I hope someone on the board can point me in the right direction.

Thanks,
Josh

 

it's been 90+ here and haven't had a problem Other people our in California, Nevada, Texas and Florida can vouch for higher temps.

I'd be looking for a dealer that actually wants to try.

 

In Arizona, where it IS HOT. But NEVER have had any type of starting problem.

I'm guessing a fuel related problem based on the limited info.

Your Mom does know, NOT TO TOUCH THE GAS PEDAL WHEN STARTING...correct?

So you're saying you believe the problem is caused (possibly) by hot weather, not a hot engine? Try turning the key all the way to start, wait for a few seconds, WITHOUT starting the car. Then attempt the start.

But it's under warranty...take it into the dealer.

 

Copy and paste this into a document, so you can take it to the dealership. I would ask for the manager, tell him you problem and ask him to have a technician check this circuit.


Service Information 2008 Chevrolet HHR | HHR (VIN A) Service Manual | Document ID: 2021349
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#PIC4110C: Long Crank Engine Will Not Start - keywords 2.0L 2.2L 2.4L B3060 block DTC fuel fuse extended hard key L61 LE5 LSJ low pressure pump relay stall theft UBEC wiring - (Sep 28, 2007)


Subject: Long Crank, Engine Will Not Start


Models: 2006-2008 Chevrolet Cobalt

2006-2008 Chevrolet HHR

2007-2008 Pontiac G5

2007-2008 Pontiac Solstice

2007-2008 Saturn Sky

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:
A customer may occasionally encounter a NO start or extended crank condition when attempting to start the vehicle. This condition can be caused by a lack of fuel pressure.

Recommendation/Instructions:
Before deep diving into the diagnostics, please check for a possible loose terminal at the Underhood Bussed Electrical Center (UBEC) for the fuel pump power supply. TAC has received reports that the terminal for circuit 120 (Gry) has been loose at the UBEC. If the terminal is backed out of the connector, replace the connector (the terminal lock is damaged and the terminal will not lock in place).

Inspect the corresponding male terminal on the UBEC. If there is a bent pin it is easy to straighten, using a business card (as a straight edge) and using needle nose pliers, straighten the pin. Then use the business card again to check pin alignment. All the pins should now be aligned together. If you find the male terminal "twisted" then replace the UBEC.

 

Thanks ChevyMgr. I'll give that a try.

J.

 

When basically new and low-mileage vehicles begin to have problems that they really, really should not have, it is most likely due to faults in the electrical system. And those faults are most likely in the interconnections between the various devices and control modules (read: sockets, plugs, terminals, contacts). My own 2007 HHR with just under 4,000 miles developed the troublesome "engine power reduced" - and it was found to be bad terminals.
Josh - I'll bet that your problem is something as simple as a bad electrical connection.

 

I'd like to say that I've had the same problems with my 06 HHR. It doesn't want to turn over in the extreme heat, or when you've drivin it for a while, it will either die on you in the middle of the road, or die when you come to a complete stop. This has happened at least 12 times, in the last 2 yrs that I've own this vehicle, I've had it towed in the dealership and they can never diagnose, or duplicate the problem. Just a week ago, they had my car for a week, to drive and get it to duplicate the problems, he calls me and says that he called tech support, and they added a new comp program on it, and this should fix the problem. Hmmmm some more GM BS. It died on me in middle of the road yesterday while running errands.

 

I may be blessed with this or could it be something else? I went to pick up my new SS on saturday. I stop at Dunkin Donuts 10 min from the dealer. (who is 2hrs from home-got a great deal-or did I?) I can't get it started again, it just cranks. They give me something to drive home in. They tell me they fixed something-sounds like what is described here. It gets delivered today, I go out for a ride and it just dies in the middle of the road. Its just been towed to the local dealer. I am well freaked now since this is brand new-how am I supposed to have any confidence in this vehicle now?

 

When I get into my car to start it I hear a clicking sound then the engine light comes on I then turn the key in the off position. After which I try the second time it starts up but a lock image is shown on the bottom line where brakes and engine light up. Does this mean that the starter is bad. An mechanic told me that when a starter is bad it has this clicking sound.

 

Wow, more than a 2 year old thread is revived.

Generally, I would say your mechanic is correct. But have you considered or checked anything else....battery for example? Do you have basic tools to do so...like a multi-meter or a battery strength gage?

The lock illuminated on your display is related to the security system. Have you experienced problems with that? Also your title line states the car is a 2007. Did you purchase new and is this a recent problem? Or did you purchase used and it's a recent problem (how recent)?