Ok guys and gals, I recently bought a 2007 HHR LT with all the bells and whistles. The car is in great, almost perfect, condition or so I thought. After owning it a week or so I started on a 700 mile trip and 200 miles in I got a traction control light and a check engine light. I wheeled into my nearest auto parts store and the codes came up as a camshaft position issue. I drove the car to my destination, thinking if my camshaft was out of position it probably wouldn't be running near as smooth, and back home with it that way. I did notice the shifting isn't smooth and also, the traction control seems to reset itself sometimes when I turn the key off and restart the engine as in sitting at a redlight, etc. Can anybody give me some insight as to which sensors may need to be changed or any remedies available for these issues?

 

to the forums!!

You need to get the code numbers, the description can be misleading.

 

Welcome to the site.

1st, you need to post the actual code numbers so we can try and help. ex:P0001,P0002 etc.
Descriptions of codes don't usually point to the actual part/problem and can sometimes lead you in the wrong direction.

The TC light can be triggered by certain codes or CEL's. Probably what is happening in your case.

The shifting issue is also probably related to the codes showing up. It's the computers way(although stupid in my opinion) on dealing with those pending codes.

Post up those actual numbers and we'll help you out.

Also. Which engine? 2.2 or 2.4.
My "guess" is this is going to be a camshaft position solenoid problem. NOT camshaft position sensor.
Solenoid problems are a common issue with the Ecotec line of engines.

 

Jigslinger.

Help me out with some of your info. I see you've been a member here since 2010. Your bio says you have a 2006 model. Your post above says you have a 2007. So, is this 07 another HHR and the one with the issue ?

Reason for asking is that the 06's were kind of a 1 year thing as far as engines go. Just need to know for sure which year we're talking about.
And what size engine.

 

I have a 2006 with the 2.4 and from what my understanding is that only the 2006 2.2 was a standalone engine... the 2.4 implemented "new" technologies for the ecotec platform that became standard on both the 2.2 and 2.4 following that year.... at least for HHR's..... right"?

 

Functionally the 2.4 didn't change except for new casting techniques. So: yes & no.

The older Cobalts are indeed "Ecotec", at least the ones I've looked at. I think Cavaliers had the badge,too.

Ecotec is the line of motors from Opel/Saab since 2000.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Ecotec_engine

 

Thanks for the welcome everybody. Yes, I did join a long time ago, and yes, I do have an '06 with a 2.2 standard transmission, and yes, I just bought an '07 2.4 LT that's loaded to the gills because I like the other one so much. Of course I couldn't find the paperwork they gave me with the codes and of course, the check engine light is now off so they can't read it until it comes back on. Unfortunately, I'm sure it won't be long until it's back on. When it does I'll have them re-check the codes and I'll post them here. Thanks again everybody.

 

Ok, I've been in the company truck for the last week but got in the 2007 HHR today and the light came back on. Had it checked and the code is P0011 intake camshaft position performance. Any help will be appreciated!

 

Use search tool above. One of if not the most common problem. Replace both the Intake AND Exhaust VVT Camshaft SOLENOIDS. Even if you arent mechanically inclined it is about a 20 minute job with basic hand tools. 30 minutes if you are taking your time. Like I said, just use the search tool I linked the thread here though for convience sake.... over 550,000 views!!!
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...13-14-a-28779/

 

Replace both solenoids and change your oil and filter