Engine sputtering suddenly?

Tiny
SUMHOLT1975
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 CHEVROLET HHR
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 300,000 MILES
I just replaced the rack and pinion assembly, had alignment done, changed the thermostat, flushed the cooling system, changed the oil and filter, changed the air filter and determined my air bag clock spring is bad. It has driven fine the last two days and started sputtering suddenly today.
Thursday, January 7th, 2021 AT 6:49 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
4DRTOM
  • MECHANIC
  • 467 POSTS
Hello,

I'm going to need a little more information to help you out.
Sputtering is a little vague, can you describe what it's doing a little better so we can identify whether your having a electrical issue or a fuel issue. Is it happening on acceleration or at idle? So all that work was done, the car was fine both before and after it was in the shop and now this sputtering just started? Maybe you just need a tune up? Is the check engine light on? When you say sputtering what exactly do you mean? Are you getting a misfire or a poor idle? Has it lost power? If you pull out a spark plug or two and take a pic of them for me to see that would help to know if your getting good ignition.
Let me know,
Tom
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Tuesday, January 12th, 2021 AT 1:10 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,904 POSTS
It sounds like the car is misfiring. To confirm lets run the codes. Please check out these guides:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

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Tuesday, January 12th, 2021 AT 7:29 PM

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