Very interesting ! GREAT to know, I will be EXTRA sure to get the AC Delco when the time comes ! Noting sucks more then doing the same job twice lol. Amazing how some parts are touchy with the brand ! Putting that AC Delco on my parts list

THANKs for the great advice everyone

 

That’s an AC Delco 131-158 180 degrees thermostat, the professional series one is not compatible with the HHR’s time space continuum parameters in it’s computer programming

 

I can only speak for CA - Light on - Easy - Will not pass test - Clearing the code won’t make it pass - Once code is cleared you need to drive to reset monitors - This could take as much as 50 miles / possibly more. If you clear the code and drive enough to reset monitors and go right to smog it should pass if the problem is the slow warm up. I learned this one the hard way. The ECM expects warm to operating temperature within an allotted timeframe - if this doesn’t happen the AC is disabled - temp gauge may go to zero and CEL comes on. Even a bad seal on a good thermostat will bypass enough coolant to slow warmup to the point of an ECM timeout and consequent CEL illumination. As mentioned the correct one time fix is using the correct OEM thermostat. I went nuts completely convinced I had an electrical issue before I figured this out. I have found generally speaking OEM parts seem to be the best.

 

They were built that way. I had to replace the Stant fuel cap the PO had installed, it failed at 6 weeks old.

 

As I said earlier; if you want to try to get by the inspection run the car up to temp then park it for a couple of hours then start it back up. This will start the coolant temp warmer so it will warm to 180F on time. OR, choose a nice warm day for the sames effect.

 

I don't miss inspections or smog testing either.

 

U are very fortunate if you don't live in CA - mandatory emissions testing every 2 years + very high registration fees

 

No Smog testing in Maine either :) Had it in Ct. glad I am out of there lol Only state inspection here for $12.00 on my HHR but Free on the dealer where I purchased my truck :)

 

Radco- didn't know that, cool.

I've lived in states that had both, in fact as a kid I used to do the vehicle mechanical inspections. And at one point I got pretty good at drawing inspection stickers.. LOL (just kidding cause that would be illegal).

That was 100 yrs ago tho. So I don't miss any of that.

 

It is actually federally mandated by area. I live 1 mile south of the dividing line between Northern Va and Central Va; if I lived on the other side of the Rappahannock river I would have to get smog inspection.

Northern Va is the DC suburbs. Maybe it is by county, they keep threatening us if more people move in.