coolant level in tank
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Member
Joined: 08-08-2006
Posts: 30
From: mn
coolant level in tank
Does anyone know how to determine the proper coolant level in the coolant tank? The tank is very long and hard to view. The owner's manual is of no help in determing the proper coolant level. I can't see any markings on the coolant tank to indicate the proper level. Any help would be appreciated.
Senior Member
Joined: 08-17-2006
Posts: 1,851
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Welcome to the site Denny.
The level indicator is at the bottom of the coolant tank.
This is from page 5-22 of the 2006 Manual.
The level indicator is at the bottom of the coolant tank.
This is from page 5-22 of the 2006 Manual.
Checking Coolant
The coolant recovery tank cap has this symbol on it.
The tank is located in the engine compartment toward the front of the engine on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12 for more information on location.
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking the coolant level.
When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the COLD FILL line or a little higher. The COLD FILL line is near the bottom of the tank and sticks out from the rear of the tank.
The coolant recovery tank cap has this symbol on it.
The tank is located in the engine compartment toward the front of the engine on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12 for more information on location.
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking the coolant level.
When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the COLD FILL line or a little higher. The COLD FILL line is near the bottom of the tank and sticks out from the rear of the tank.
Platinum Member
Joined: 05-09-2006
Posts: 6,805
From: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
Denny....
GM didn't do a very good job in writing or demonstrating the proper level of coolant. And, it is smart to "top off" the coolant, if needed, since the HHR is really dependent on coolant level with the capacity spec. at 7.9 quarts. About 80% of HHR's produced are delivered with low levels of coolant., which your dealer is supposed to correct.
I have found the fill mark, to be of satisfactory level, when the coolant is at the point just as the bottle narrows down to the fill neck. I have not had spills or loss since doing this.
GM didn't do a very good job in writing or demonstrating the proper level of coolant. And, it is smart to "top off" the coolant, if needed, since the HHR is really dependent on coolant level with the capacity spec. at 7.9 quarts. About 80% of HHR's produced are delivered with low levels of coolant., which your dealer is supposed to correct.
I have found the fill mark, to be of satisfactory level, when the coolant is at the point just as the bottle narrows down to the fill neck. I have not had spills or loss since doing this.
Senior Member
Joined: 08-17-2006
Posts: 1,851
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Since my HHR sat at the "Park n Ride" all day, I decided to check my coolant level.
Man, talk about difficult to see!!! I never realized how tightly packed that engine bay was.
Based on Snoopy's response, I think my coolant level is OK, but I'm going to have to put a mirror down there to be 100% sure.
Man, talk about difficult to see!!! I never realized how tightly packed that engine bay was.
Based on Snoopy's response, I think my coolant level is OK, but I'm going to have to put a mirror down there to be 100% sure.
Senior Member
Joined: 01-13-2006
Posts: 3,000
From: Superior, WI - Over the Hill Warranty Club member
Welcome to the site... 
Watching your coolant level is important, but do not forget to watch for leaks at hose connections. I found a leak where a hose is connected to the driver side of the engine next to the oil filter. Those screw type hose clamps beat them crimp clamps any day of the week..
Watching your coolant level is important, but do not forget to watch for leaks at hose connections. I found a leak where a hose is connected to the driver side of the engine next to the oil filter. Those screw type hose clamps beat them crimp clamps any day of the week..
Senior Member
Joined: 07-21-2006
Posts: 1,708
From: Ft Walton Bch FL
I figured mine would be fine since I just had the oil changed at the dealer a few weeks ago. I opened the hood yesterday to show my brother-in-law my new car and see that it's well below the recommended level. Guess I'll be headed to the auto parts store!
Senior Member
Joined: 05-23-2006
Posts: 1,082
From: Chandler, AZ
The dealers always say they check "All" fluid levels when they do an oil change! You sometimes wonder how true that is since they won't actually let you watch them them do any sort of service on your car any more like you could in "The Good Old Days" !! 
Senior Member
Joined: 05-03-2006
Posts: 882
From: Newfoundland, Canada
Originally Posted by SandyBeach
I figured mine would be fine since I just had the oil changed at the dealer a few weeks ago. I opened the hood yesterday to show my brother-in-law my new car and see that it's well below the recommended level. Guess I'll be headed to the auto parts store!
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