Engine warning light on?

2008 CHEVROLET HHR
115,000 MILES • 4.2L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
JOHN COSGRAVE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Was told when tested that code said camshaft and timing chain sensors show implausible position.
What next?
But both and replace?
Or?
Oct 20, 2024 at 7:27 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

What is the actual code so I can research it? As far as being implausible, that can be due to a few different things. Does the engine still run?

A stretched timing chain, faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor, and a few other things can cause issues.

Let me know what the code is so I can do a little more research.

Take care,

Joe
Oct 20, 2024 at 8:27 PM
Avatar
JOHN COSGRAVE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Okay,

Will have to bring car in again to get code. Sorry I did not save it. Car sounds fine, car runs fine. The mechanic suggested replacing sensors one at a time. I had no idea what else could have caused change besides faulty sensor(s). Have never had to replace either and not even sure how to do it. Just wanted to ask to see if anyone had any ideas. Will reply back with code when I have it retested (hopefully today).
Oct 21, 2024 at 6:54 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
JOHN COSGRAVE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Ok.
Will have to bring car in again to get code. Sorry I did not save it. Car sounds fine, car runs fine. Mechanic suggested replace sensors 1 at a time. Had no idea what else could have caused change besides faulty sensor(s). Have never had to replace either & not even sure how to do it. Just wanted to ask to see if anyone had any ideas. Will reply back with code when I have it retested ( hopefully today ).
Oct 21, 2024 at 6:54 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
I agree with Joe on this, but you can try the camshaft sensors. Here are the locations so you can swap them out. At 115k the engine will not make noise, just the camshaft timing will be erratic which causes the codes because of worn timing chain components. You might want to change the engine oil with a heavier weight which can help with the problem as well, clear the codes once the oil change is done. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Oct 22, 2024 at 9:40 AM
Avatar
JOHN COSGRAVE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks guys. Had someone use a great scanner on it. It was not sensors. Work to fix way too expensive to try. Thanks much for all your help.
Oct 22, 2024 at 9:53 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
You are welcome, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help. You still might want to try an oil change.
Oct 22, 2024 at 10:38 AM
Avatar
JOHN COSGRAVE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks very much !
I had an oil change just last week.
Oct 22, 2024 at 5:42 PM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. By chance, did you ever get the code or codes stored? If so, that will certainly point us in the right direction. I noted you indicated the repair may be too expensive. Let us know what code you have and maybe we can figure out a way to do it for less money.

Take care,

Joe
Oct 22, 2024 at 6:36 PM
Avatar
JOHN COSGRAVE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
P0016 code.
Oct 24, 2024 at 11:20 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Yep, you can try the sensor but I would remove the camshaft actuator control oil valve to see if the oil screen is plugged.

The P0016 code on a 2008 Chevrolet HHR indicates a Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A) issue.

If not I am leaning towards the timing chain and camshaft actuators need to be replaced. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.
Oct 25, 2024 at 10:11 AM