I am a new owner of a 2006 HHR purchased from my parents. The AC has not been stellar bit lately it has been just plain temperamental, and for the most part does not work... Temps here have been well over 100 degrees so this is a problem, to say the least! If I use the AC in the morning when the temp is still hovering around 85-95 it blows air that isn't cold, but cool enough, but when the temps are 100-110 it just blows warm. And the funny thing is that regardless of the temp it blows cooler on idle, in fact in the mornings when the outdoor temp is lower it actually gets cold when the at is idling, but warms up again upon acceleration. Took it to the shop mechanic said I needed a new compressor which I cannot afford... My father in law looked at it and while not a mechanic he has made repairs to many a vehicle and he was able to determine that the compressor is working. The fan is running and there is enough coolant in it as well. The car has no other issues and the engine does not overheat. It has been years since I have been to a mechanic that was actually honest so I would appreciate any info anyone may be able to give me! Thanks!

 

you may be low on freon. But it is possible you might need a compressor. If you can find a honest shop they will tell you the truth. Sorry there are so many dishonest shops out there. Good luck

 

I thing the hhr has a variable displacment compressor so it is possible that it is not working properly even though it is engauged. get a second opinion from another shop and see what they say. it could be low on r134 but you need gauges and somone that knows that system to get a good diagnosis. Good luck

 

Did your father in law put a set of gauges on the AC ? Just because the compressor is running doesn't say alot. Could be a number of things but gauge readings would help with a diagnosis. From the description it sounds like a low pressure or freon issue.

 

My father in law did put gauges on the AC and he said the pressure was good. I'm sorry I have fixed cars but AC is a subject I'm ignorant about.

 

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/problems-service-repairs-42/air-condition-trouble-4723/

I have this problem.

 

Haven't had this problem on the HHR but on another vehicle. It could be the refrigerant control valve which is located in the back of the compressor. If your freon level is correct, and I don't know how you could determine that without the proper gauges, but the pressures are off, like the low side is at 55-60 psi or higher, then that valve is likely the problem. When I say 'proper' gauges, I mean the type that read both sides not that thing the auto parts stores sells to you with a can of R134a.