Hello,
I have a 2006 HHR with 65000 miles that I purchased new. Recently the HVAC doesn't cool unless the vehicle is moving. The cooling fan operates when the engine temperature goes above 215. It doesn't operate when HVAC is turned on. I would appreciate any suggestions and/or solutions to this problem. The weather is HOT here in Texas.

 

First thing check your coolant level.

If that's OK, then you need an A/C technician, it sounds too complicated a problem for a DIYer.

 

There are multiple fuses/relays for the cooling fan system circuitry. You can check these yourself. Check both the cabin and under hood fuse/relay boxes.
Without getting technical, some of these relay through the AC switch, so when the AC or defrost mode is engaged, it turns on the cooling fan regardless of the engine temp.
Hope it's a simple find and fix.

 

1st thanks for the info. My 06 HHR was, I thought, running hot.
But if the fan always runs with the A/C on, then 7 months out of the year the fan always runs here in the 901.
However only recently have I noticed the HHR running hot(ter) than it usually does.
As high as 216 once recently stuck in traffic, but as soon as I start moving it can drop to 183 in this cooler fall weather.
So I am guessing that was the outdoor temp changes from 40s-50s in the a.m. to 70s in the p.m. AND
the HHR is waiting for underhood temp to hit 215-217, before the fan comes on that accounts for the temp variations I'm seeing now since I am not using the A/C anymore. I started watching the digital display more this year rather than the temp gauge, so maybe I'm over reacting to that.

 

Your variation of temperature is normal, you need to determine some information,

when was your coolant last changed? Dexcool has a 5 year shelf life.
is your coolant Dexcool, if you bought your car used, and haven’t changed it, is the coolant orange or green!
if you purchased a used HHR , has the thermostat ever been replaced? And if it has was the correct 180 degree AC Delco 131-158 thermostat installed?
mid there any possibility there is air bubbles trapped in the cooling system? Perhaps a simple burping is all you need!

 

If your coolant is over 5 years old you should put some new dexcool(only) in it. I t has a 5 year shelf life regardless of miles or hours.

 

Changed the thermostat last winter during the big freeze, it was so cold it was setting a code I forget what it was but the remedy was to change it.
I went to my AC/Delco parts house & bought the AC/Delco thermostat listed but it did not look like the one I took out it was smaller.
I have only added Dexcool in the past

 

Possibly drain and refill the Dexcool then and burp the system three or 4 times

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...-system-60614/

 

Yes, thanks for the link. I still have the original thermostat, made in USA I took out.
This replacement AC was different and never did regulate as close. I will try to find another USA version & change the dexcool

 

It’s easy order an AC Delco 131-158 , RockAuto has them I’m sure other parts palaces will to ZZP and Summit, Jegs might to. Lots of sources around Mephis