(2009 HHR SS - silver) This is my first post to the forum but I have been reading it for quite some time. My latest reading has been related to the overheating issue.

Two weeks ago in the heat of New Mexico it began running in the 230+ range and I started using half a gallon of cooling every 4 days. My first stop at the dealer got me a new coolant recovery tank cap but no change in overheating and the "coolant and check engine lights."

After much prodding, the dealership started searching for the "leak" and discovered a poor engine block casting lug. When they contacted GM, they were told to stop working and just replace the engine block because it was a known defect in the casting. So I have a rental car provided by the dealership and a new engine block on the way.

Not sure this is relevant to all overheating issues but the loss of coolant and no puddles under the car is a big hint that the cooling is being burned, not just lost.

Kudos to proactive GM service departments. I hope my experience will motivate others to have their overheating problems not just pushed under the rug. Boo to GM for not just recalling the defective engine castings.

 

Good to know......

 

Of course the tech, could have just checked the TSB's about the engine the first time! I was totally amazed when I asked the "Service Adviser" to look up a particular TSB, by number, that I knew applied to my car; he said "That's not my job, that's the tech's job if he feels like it." And that particular time and the next time the tech did not feel like it. The same dealership that told me that my 2008 did not have TPMS, and that my plastic wheel covers where titanium alloy wheels, and no remote door locks......he,he,he

 

My 08 SS normally runs 198-200 degrees. Recently the temp has been very eratic. I have seen it as high as 225. Sometimes it will drop ass low as 188. Took it to dealer and they checked it out. Said it is within spec.

I feel something is wrong. It may be within spec but it is not normal.

 

"Normal" is a matter of perspective, We have many days with 100+ outside and my car runs 200+ most of the summer. It is not lossing coolant and I check the level and the mix regularly. And to answer the original post, mine has ran after shutoff on hot days since I bought it new three years ago. So I wouldn't worry, if it is a little over 200 if it is not lossing coolant, your dealer is probably right "it is within spec".

 

I understand what you are saying but what I consider normal is what the car has done for the last 3 years. Something has changed in the last month. Yes it has been 100 degrees lately but i have driven the car in these temps in the past and the temp did not go up.

 

Picked my HHR SS up just six days after dropping it off for overheating evaluation. As noted on my service order: "Running hot was inspected and found coolant in engine oil, used document ID#2382517." New engine block installed and told that no special break-in was required.

Kudos to Galles Chevrolet here in Albuquerque.

 

For their sake I hope they double check that docid! It could be an expensive mistake if they ever get audited...that document is for LE4 and LE9 engines. The SS has the LNF, oops.

 

Glad you got it fixed btw :)