Hello. I have a question about my coolant temp. It's 52 f outside and my temp is at 207f, is this normal for the HHR. It's a 2011 lt.

 

When I'm just sitting at idle.

 

Maybe/Probably......it depends on what you were doing at the time of the reading. For example, if you are sitting in traffic, driving relatively slow, or stopped for any period of time....yeah, that's about right.

If you're driving an Interstate or highway, at constant speed, that's a little high....if it stays at that temperature. Especially if the A/c is not engaged, which turns on the radiator fans.

Your engine is cooled by air moving through the radiator by natural flow, unassisted. Under certain conditions, sensors will dictate if the fans turn on and off.

 

I was sitting in the drive way at home. At 217 the fan kicked on and it drop to 187.

 

Sounds like, as the dealers say, "operating as designed".

But, it sounds like the computor and cooling system are operating correctly.

 

Thanks..

 

Just make sure you check your coolant level to be safe, but since the HHR depends on "ram air" through the radiator it will heat up when idling until the coolant fan triggers. You'll see it climb rapidly at times in traffic, but then drop right down to the "normal" 188-192 degree range once you get moving again.

 

I checked it. It's all good. Thanks.

 

210 and below is normal if over that then its getting above boiling point and could mean problems

 

Yes and no... 210 and below is a normal range, but some of these little cars seem to run a little hotter at times.
The boiling point might apply if it was straight water. Using the correct antifreeze will increase the boiling point.