Blown HHR: SureTrack Community Fix

November 9, 2021 by Nick Taylor

Real Fixes from Mitchell 1’s SureTrack® expert information resource are documented issues from actual shop repair orders and community discussions. Read on to see how SureTrack can help you correct issues that are not easily diagnosed using OEM information alone. SureTrack is available at no additional cost in our ProDemand product.

Correct fuel and air ratios are the key to any engine running properly. Many factors can mess up this ratio and cause problems but even with them correct, you can still have issues that seem like that is the cause. SureTrack community member locustpoint had a Chevrolet HHR Turbo in their shop that was running poorly and smoking and the car had been parked for four years. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member DAG1365 and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

Vehicle
2008 Chevrolet HHR SS 2.0L Turbo

Title
Misfire at idle and driving, replaced duct.

Complaint
Customer states engine runs rough and check engine light on.

Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced
This car has been sitting for four years. Verified customer’s complaint and found code P0300. When I unplug the mass airflow sensor (MAF) it will idle okay. But when you give it gas it seems like it is plugged up. It is also running rich, the spark plugs are black and it smokes. I can’t check the fuel trims because I don’t run it long enough to get in closed loop. When I did the injector balance test, the PCM only activated the injectors for about 1 second, if that. The fuel pressure only dropped about 4 psi on all injectors. Is that normal? I don’t think it is starving for fuel but will be replacing the fuel today. Any suggestions would be great.

Best Answer from Community Member DAG1365
Check for exhaust restrictions, engine coolant temperature (ECT) readings, fuel pressure readings, and check MAF readings when running. Be sure the grounds are good.

Cause
Found big hole in ductwork coming from turbocharger.

Correction
Replaced damaged turbocharger ductwork, changed spark plugs, replaced stale gasoline with fresh and changed the engine oil. Code did not return and vehicle runs as it should.

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About the Author

Nick Taylor

Nick Taylor is the SureTrack Community Administrator and a Senior Applications Specialist at Mitchell 1 with over 25 years of experience with electronic repair data systems. Nick previously worked in the automotive dismantling and engine rebuilding industries.