JonV...
What is the mileage on your Spectra? The timing belt should be replaced every 60k miles... Failure to do so can result in the engine getting trashed as it IS an interference type engine...
When I replaced the timing belt on my wife's 07 Spectra i got it off by one tooth and it did set a P0011 code... There was some slight stumbling of the engine when first started...otherwise it ran OK...
If the timing belt did jump a tooth that would be a sure sign that the belt is about to shed more teeth...Get the TB replaced...
Dave

 

A timing belt with a tooth jumped can do as you ask. But your own post says says at idle no rough run. to follow a good diagnostic pattern for your code you reveal, I would start out making sure all timing marks are correct. Being an 07 that is now 10 years old.. what maintenance has the car had and what kind of miles are on it? Has it had new spark plugs or tune up done? Timing belt replaced?

 

The car has 130,000, belt was replaced at 100,000. Anyway I can tell for sure if it jumped a tooth?

 

I have not done a tune up. I pulled the plugs and they look good. I do not know the real history on the car. The service record would indicate it was cared for, but I did buy it used.

 

Have you been getting this code just recently or from"day one" of you acquiring it? If from the beginning whoever put on the new belt probably did not get the cam/crank gears exactly lined up. As to how to check...that gets a little involving in removing belts, crank pulley and timing belt covers. Then you can see the marks when motor is set to #1 tdc. An inexpensive Haynes manual can guide you thru the steps needed.

 

The code started just a few days ago. I've had the car for almost a year and it has been problem free.

It also takes a little bit of driving to get get the code back after I clear it.

 

That is a non-continuous monitored code, may take several drive cycles to trip...

Check the TB ASAP, or it will cost you the engine...

.... Philip