Hello all, I am not sure what to think but my 2006 HHR with the 2.2L may be running hot. Recently I changed the thermostat and added coolant. It was running 199 degrees on the highway! So after I did these two things it yet still runs 199 to 201 on the highway. Even worse in the city. Like 203 and I see 207 if I am parked. Luckily when I start moving, it goes back down(back to 199) Really sick of these HHR's. Nothing but pure stress. Maybe if stupid GM didn't install digital temperature read out for us to view then I would not be worrying. So my question is.... Is this normal? If not what do I do next to figure this lemon out? Thanks. Oh and the outside temperature is 14 degrees.

 

You are stressed out cause you see the temperature vary by a few degrees - ie: it drops a WHOLE 4 or 8 degrees? As long as you used a genuine ACDELCO thermostat and DEXCOOL, don't worry about it. Don't over-think it.

 

Thank you for your response:) ok the thermostat that I out in my car is one the came off the shelf at AutoZone. So my next question is, what is the difference from a genuine Delco thermostat to an AutoZone thermostat? And yes you are right when you say the temperature is fluctuating five degrees here and there. I think I smell s smoking gun

 

The only thermostat that the members here have found to be reliable and accurate is the ACDELCO one - it is a 180 deg one I believe - any others are suspect.

Thermostat - (2006-2011 All Models)
ACDelco 131-158 GM P/N 12622410

Not sure what you mean by smell a smoking gun?

 

Lol, what I meant by smoking gun was I am guessing it's the thermostat that is causing all this. Oh and also, do you think there is air in the system? If I drive the car around with the expansion tank cap off to let the air out of the system will be a good idea? I read the horror story about having to purge the air from the water pump area. That is something that is out of my league

 

Don't worry about it - you are overthinking things. That temperature range and fluctuation is quite normal. If it bugs you, don't look at the digital readout.

Here's a quote from Donbrew that explains a lot: "I would check that the fan is working when it is supposed to. It should come on at about 219F or when the AC compressor is running. Any temp between 180F and 219F is "acceptable", about 190F is optimum.

The t-stat keeps the engine warm, it does not want it under 180F. It has no control in cooling, the fan does that and the fan can't cool the water unless it is moving through the system."

No, driving around with the cap off the expansion tank is not a good idea.

 

Bro, thank you sooo much for helping me:) I am going to put this to rest and no longer look at the digital temperature. Deep down, I figure the car was fine just these digital read outs are s bad idea for people like me that are not mechanics. Cheers mate! Until next time. Have a good night and God Bless:)

 

It's winter, you are probably running the defroster, or recirculating the air? Either will cause the A/C compressor to run, resulting in slightly higher coolant temps. But it should also cause the cooling fan to run, check to make sure the cooling fan is running under these conditions.

I think 2006 was a surge tank, so, like Whopper says, probably not a good idea. You can use the search function to search for 'burp' we've talked about it more times than I can count, so it should be easy to find.

 

Thank you for your response:) no the fan has not turned on. I hope I don't have to get under that car to burp it lol

 

If the cooling fan is not turning on with defrost, recirc, or A/C, then you have a problem with the fan circuit.

No you do not have to get under the car to burp it, it really quite simple.