2010 HHR overheating
Thread Starter
Joined: 03-21-2017
Posts: 1
From: Douglas
2010 HHR overheating
I have recently bought a one ownered 2010 HHR and I'm having problems with my fan coming on , my fan will not turn on until my car hits 250 which is when my dash light comes on and at 230+ the car just starts running like total crud . But I'm not sure if it's the fan itself or if it's the temputure monitor/sensor . I'm totally lost I've tried getting the right antifreeze that didn't help at all when I first bought the car it had just water in it so I bought the dexcool and can't tell the difference . Please help !!!
Last edited by RJ_RS_SS_350; Mar 21, 2017 at 03:16 PM.
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 39,979
From: Welland,Ont Canada
Welcome to the site, ok you have Dexcool what strength? It should be 50/50 or premixed!
If there was just water in the cooling system, you would be wise to remove the temp sensor and clean it, put some sensor safe teflon tape on the threads, and wind it back in!
It could be reading funny if there's a film on the sensor.
Now if the this process doesn't work well then it's new sensor time.
Also check the electrical harness connections!
If there was just water in the cooling system, you would be wise to remove the temp sensor and clean it, put some sensor safe teflon tape on the threads, and wind it back in!
It could be reading funny if there's a film on the sensor.
Now if the this process doesn't work well then it's new sensor time.
Also check the electrical harness connections!
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Joined: 05-01-2014
Posts: 8,509
From: California
I have recently bought a one ownered 2010 HHR and I'm having problems with my fan coming on , my fan will not turn on until my car hits 250 which is when my dash light comes on and at 230+ the car just starts running like total crud . But I'm not sure if it's the fan itself or if it's the temputure monitor/sensor . I'm totally lost I've tried getting the right antifreeze that didn't help at all when I first bought the car it had just water in it so I bought the dexcool and can't tell the difference . Please help !!!
to the forums!!Hate to say it, but temps that high often spell death for these aluminum engines. The fan should start running at about 217-219 degree range, or if you turn to defrost, recirculated air, or Air Conditioning on.
How is the coolant level, both under the filler cap(when engine is cool) and in the coolant recovery tank? link to check tank: https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/main...ank-pic-55772/
P.S. I edited your post and moved to a new thread, that old thread wasn't very helpful!
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Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,483
From: Fredericksburg,VA
If you don't know how to check if the fan is running get to a mechanic immediately, preferably by tow.
The CEL and running "like crud" is the engines way of saying "turn me off before I self destruct". The possible good news is that if the temperature is displaying there is probably coolant in the system.
The CEL and running "like crud" is the engines way of saying "turn me off before I self destruct". The possible good news is that if the temperature is displaying there is probably coolant in the system.
Senior Member
Joined: 06-20-2011
Posts: 737
From: Savanna Illinois
You might have an air bubble in the system. Jack the front end up, I use ramps, and let the engine run till it shows temp on the gauge then carefully open the coolant fill hole and fill it up.
This probably won't help you much but it might also be the cure you need. You should also check to see that the coolant is moving in the fill hole. If it is not you might need a water pump.
If you need a water pump you can change it yourself but it is kind of challenging for the average shade tree mechanic. I managed it though. There is a special tool that can be a bit expensive, the one I got from Amazon was $33 and change but at least I got free shipping on it.
The same tool is used on a lot of different vehicles including some Fords {probably Dodges too but I have not worked on any of those yet}
If replacing the water pump does not fix it you will most likely need to replace the whole engine. I had to replace the engine in my '06. As you may know the '06 is the odd duck in the row of HHR's as far as engines go. Should be easy enough to find one for a '10 though.
Good luck,
This probably won't help you much but it might also be the cure you need. You should also check to see that the coolant is moving in the fill hole. If it is not you might need a water pump.
If you need a water pump you can change it yourself but it is kind of challenging for the average shade tree mechanic. I managed it though. There is a special tool that can be a bit expensive, the one I got from Amazon was $33 and change but at least I got free shipping on it.
The same tool is used on a lot of different vehicles including some Fords {probably Dodges too but I have not worked on any of those yet}
If replacing the water pump does not fix it you will most likely need to replace the whole engine. I had to replace the engine in my '06. As you may know the '06 is the odd duck in the row of HHR's as far as engines go. Should be easy enough to find one for a '10 though.
Good luck,
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