I have a 2009 HHR SS and under normal driving conditions the car runs at temps around 198 to 205 but yesterday I was in bumper to bumper traffic due to construction and an accident and it gradually within minutes climbed to 250 which I pulled off to the shoulder and shut the car off and after about 15 minutes or so started it back up and it was about 238 and drove about 1/2 mile crawling along and when it hit 250 again I stopped again and let it cool. Had to do this several times. During this time another HHR cruised by and apparently had no issues. Once I was able to get back to traveled at 65-75 mph it ran around 205. Outside temps at this time were about 95. Later in the evening it was running at around 189-200 and then I stopped at a car wash and two cars were in front of me and within minutes it was again at 250. The dealership I purchased it from is trying to say it is due to the turbo. I say BS! Issues with the thermostat? Issues with the fans? Any insight will be greatly appreciated.

 

Welcome to the site.

Check the cooling fan for the radiator. From the symptoms/conditions you describe, it sounds like it is not working.
The SS has a fan system different from the regular HHR's. The SS fan has a built on control module. It should run all the time when the car is running.

 

to the forums, Skyraider2k!! In addition to the good advice firemangeorge has given above, your HHR is old enough that it should have the coolant flushed. The previous owner may not have done it yet.

I hope your engine has not suffered catastrophic damage, those temps can kill these engines. Here is a link to checking the coolant level, as the owners manual is confusing on the subject. https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/main...ank-pic-55772/

 

and if you find that the fan is not working - check this thread - https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...working-49853/

And note the reference to a possible burnt wire/fusible link in post #11 that is worthwhile checking as well.

Hitting 250F is definitely not a good thing - hopefully there is no engine damage.

 

Thank you guys for posting up those links for the OP.

My post above was a quick response. Didn't have time to elaborate or add any links.
(was trying to do some bush hogging before the rains came. The rain got here too quick. )

 

Don't tell me you have a bush hog attached to the HHR..

 

Thanks for the info. Will be checking ASAP and having the coolant flushed and having the fan and t-stat checked.

Praying that there was no damage done to the engine.

 

Not quite yet. They do hang out in my shop together.


OK. Apologies to the OP. Let's get back on topic and figure out his problem.

 

I'd replace the thermostat and Dexcool, just to be sure, since you don't know what the PO had done!

 

Is this happening right after purchasing the vehicle? I am wondering because I think that even for an SS your running temps are high to begin with unless thats all city driving. At highway speed the temp should be at least below 200 right?

You say you got it from a dealer - a Chevy dealer? How long ago did you purchase it?