2010 HHR Panel emissions code.

C

Coal-ka-nut

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Hey Chevy Forum...just joined for this one question. My little HHR gave me it's first check engine code the other day. Reading the code, PO449, which is evaporative vent valve/solenoid circuit malfunction. So...I thought, OK...let's change that faulty part. Done. Hooked up the scan tool again, and cleared the code. It was a pending code, and 2 permanent codes that won't clear. (Only the car can clear those?) But the code came back right away. Live in Wisconsin, and it has been wickedly below zero for days. Car is in a heated garage. The remote start will not work as long as the car has this problem, and that is a real problem for us now. Have an appointment on Friday at the Chevy dealer to look at it. Anybody else have a similar issue? Car has been great, 62,000 miles, 30 mpg, no problems at all. Thank you for reading.
 
Maybe a faulty gas cap? Or would that throw a different code. Sometimes the gasket on them can go bad or if you're not tightening it until it clicks a couple of times.
 
Yea, I knew about that, and I tested and inspected it. It was fine. I wish it were that simple. I'm knuckling under and have an appointment at my local Chevrolet dealer on Friday morning. Thanks for the advice. Every little bit helps.
 
Ok, so the dealer has told me that the code is correct. But the problem was not the vent solenoid, but high resistance in the wiring harness to the vent solenoid. The replacement harness is not cheap...250 plus dollars. And the labor charges bring the bill to 360 bucks roughly. Had to order the part and make another appointment. I'm grateful to have them fix it, but ouch! I'll post a final report after this next appointment. I hope this will help anybody else who has this issue. I can't believe that a vehicle kept in a heated garage and maintained to a high level would have a faulty wiring harness, but it's the luck of the draw.
 
I can't believe it either. Most likely just a corroded connection and they'll just change out the harness rather than clean it and reconnect it for you. I'd ask for the old harness to be returned if it were me. That way you'll at least know you got what you paid for.
 
That is exactly my plan, and the service manager will comply. This is how the game is played. I am temporarily disabled at the moment with rotator cuff/shoulder repairs, otherwise I would crawl under there myself and check those connections. My buddy helped me change the vent solenoid as it is.
 
Ok. So it has been a month or two. But, I had the vehicle repaired at the local Chevrolet dealer, and it has been great so far. He gave me my defective part, and I tested it also. They were right. Bad wiring. Thank you Mexico. Love this HHR Panel. Gets me where I need to go, on the cheap. My ignition switch is fine. My folks were Pontiac and Buick people. I like the Chevy's. God help General Motors.
 
Hello!
Just came across this thread. I am having the exact same issue as described in the original post. I replaced the Selenoid and the gas cap. I really don't feel like spending $350 at my dealership. Can you post a picture of the wiring harness? I'd like to get an idea how big of a job it is to replace. I would also like to try cleaning the ends with an electronic cleaning spray. I know where the one end is for the selenoid, but I really don't know where the other end is. Thanks!!
 
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