Looking for a little help...not sure if I'm in the right place.

We are experiencing (were) overheating. Checking the car out further, the air conditioner blows hot air and there is a weird noise (rough bearing sound). The over heating seems to go away when the air conditioner is turned off

The engine temp seems fine (between 187-210 degrees range).

I'm thinking air conditioner compressor clutch or some such.

Any ideas?

 

By overheating are you referring to the loss of A/C and subsequent hot air from the vents?

Or did the engine actually overheat on you? 187-210 is pretty normal for an HHR.

If it's the first case, it does sound like you have a compressor issue, probably more than the clutch.

I'd take it to an A/C specialist to have it checked.

Also check your coolant level to be safe, the more info you can give, the better.

P.S. to the forum!

 

well it seems both issues occurred at the same time. The air conditioner blowing hot air; and the engine overheating.

We did add some coolant (about a gallon) and it did not overheat on the trip home.

I did not run the air conditioner.

 

Is this a computer translation from some language other than English? I ask because the words thrown into the sentences don't make any sense.

Is it, was it, or not? You say all 3. Blowing hot air when, from what? Noise from where? What is, was or is not over heating?

I stand confused.

 

Hmmmm, OK.

Well when HHR's overheat the temp sensor basically tells the vehicle not to engage the A/C compressor, that reduces the heat load on the engine/cooling system.

That noise may still be the compressor, but it could be the water pump, or the tensioner on the serpentine belt. Plus you might also have a stuck/bad thermostat.

Having to add a gallon of coolant suggests a leak, you should have the cooling system checked along with the A/C.

Also take a look at your oil, if it looks milky, get to your mechanic A.S.A.P.

 

A GALLON OF COOLANT!!!!!!!! It only holds 2 gallons.

Did you ever check the coolant level before? Is this something new? I ask because there are people that have never figured out how to open a hood, I see them every day.

Basically, if you need to ask the question you need to go to a professional.

 

Dare I ask how the coolant was added? Did you add it to the plastic expansion tank under the hood?

If so, how full did you fill it? The "full" mark is way down near the bottom of the tank and almost impossible to see.

 

Thanks for all the responses guys.
I was not there while all this was going on. This is all from my wife and her son. She did say he added the water to the plastic reservoir. I will have to check the level.
What I can personally tell you is that I drove home yesterday evening (22miles) and back to work this morning and had no engine overheating issues; all of this w/o the air conditioner on.
Checking the engine oil is one of the 1st things I did and relieved to say that the oil looks great.
I guess it would pay for me to take it to a repair shop (Chevy dealer?)

 

Well, what problem will you ask them to check? If it was actually low on coolant, it has been topped up - and that might have resolved the "overheating" and the A/C not working.

You referred to a "weird noise" with the a/c running - does it still make that noise (you drove last night w/o the A/C)?

 

Still confused.