Every week it's something new with these two cars.
This week it's the 2011 blowing hot air all of a sudden. My first instinct was to recharge the refrigerant, but it's showing high pressure when I attached the recharge thing.
So I noticed that the compressor wasn't running.
A quick search here, and I checked the fuses and relays, and they are all good. The diode looks good. Not sure how to test it.
I am not sure how to get to the compressor connection to test it for power. Does anyone have pics or a video? Thanks.

I really don't want to pay $1200-1500 for a new compressor, but I don't think I have the skills to do it myself.

 

Not sure why you want to blame the compressor. Many other things it could be. Find yourself a good AC tech. From your post I’ll guess you don’t know a lot about AC repairs.
If you want videos, YouTube has tons of them.

 

Take it to a trusted shop.

 

All diodes "look good". Test with a DVOM on amps should get a reading in one direction and OL in the other.
Is the blower running?
is the pressure switch wiring in good shape?
If the pressure switch price fits the "throw parts at it" budget replace it.
does the compressor clutch engage?
It is usually something silly.

 

The blower is running, blowing hot air.
Where are the pressure switches? Is there is high and low on the HHR?
I am not seeing any activity from the compressor/clutch when i look down there.

Thanks

 

One pressure switch, located on the tube from the compressor (the thingy with wires attached). There is a Schrader valve so you can just unscrew it without worry of losing freon.
Anything else that seems unrelated like CEL, lights not working etc?
Check relay #15 and fuse #22 under hood.

 

No other issues, no CEL, Torque doesn't show any codes. Those fuses and relays are good, as are the three inside the car. Each swapped out with a different one to test.
Will check the pressure switch over the weekend. Thanks.

 

Here's the manual.
https://charm.li/Chevy%20Truck/2011/HHR%20L4-2.4L/

 

Find connector for a/c clutch….check resistance of magnetic coil for clutch….4-5 ohms should be I believe. I have had to replace one before…kind of rare…,while you have it unplugged you can check see if it is getting current and 12v

 

Thanks for all of the help in diagnosing. After all of the tests showed plenty of power getting to the compressor, but nothing would turn it on, I took it to a shop that was recommended. Compressor replaced. Cold air again. Yay.