I have a “new” 2011 HHR 2LT (with Hertz package) that I recently purchased used. The car is in like new condition and service records and representations are that it is well maintained. The car has 231,000 miles and I have driven it about 2,000 since purchase. When I bought it the temp was ranging around 195-215. Several days ago I noticed the electric radiator fan maxing out, seems to be occurring every day since. I now see today the idle temperature around 235-245, driving today it reached 249. I turned heater on max and got heat but no change. There are no codes or warnings, fluid level looks good, oil good, engine starts and runs fine, no odd noises, and there are no oil or coolant leaks. Suggestions?

 

quote: "Several days ago I noticed the electric radiator fan maxing out,"
Hmm. Not sure what you mean here. It's either on or off. There is not a "max".
If it got to 249, you may have damaged it. The head gasket in particular may fail because of that high of a temp. At the very least you have "baked" the coolant and it will need changing.
As for why it ran hot to begin with, it could be several things. My guess is water pump failure or maybe even the balance shaft chain that runs the pump has broken.

 

If it ranged at 195 degrees or higher it could be an incorrect thermostat, air bubble in the cooling system, or as FMG points out failed water pump or head gasket.
check the oil is there coolant mixed in?

 

1st step is to check the temp with an IR gun, accuracy of the sending unit.

 

Is the fan running or not? I don't know what "maxing out" means.

 

Been a month. Guess he's not coming back.
Another One-and-done ?

 

I don't understand the 'one and done' mentality.
Do you want help fixing the issue or not?

 

Sometimes, their issues get resolved and they don’t comeback to update us, perturbing yes.