Engine sputtering suddenly?

2010 CHEVROLET HHR
300,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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SUMHOLT1975
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  • 1 POST
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.
Jan 7, 2021 at 6:49 PM
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4DRTOM
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 467 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:10 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,832 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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.


Jan 12, 2021 at 7:29 PM
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