I have a 2009 HHR LS with the 2.2L engine. My external temp gauge does not always show the correct outside temp. I've had the sensor replaced two time and the dealer does not know what it could be. Does anyone have any ideas?

 

The problem is usually that there IS NO PROBLEM. The computer algorithm determining whether the measured temperature actually gets displayed is bizarre. The reported temperature will not, BY DESIGN, register higher than the last previous reading before the car was shut down unless (choose one):
1. car is run for a certain number of minutes consistently faster than a certain speed,
2. a monthly premium is paid to GM to help with the bailout, or
3. you agree never to complain about it again.

I suspect that reported malfunctions of the temperature sensor go up in warm weather. The algorithm works fine in the cold!

Please see other threads about this problem.

 

Yep, if the ambient air temp is higher than what is registered on the dic, you must drive the car no slower than 18 MPH, no stops allowed, for I believe twleve to fifteen minutes. IE: it can be 68 degrees in my garage, but 98 degrees outside. I get that 68 degree reading as long as I am in stop and go traffic. If I only do in town driving, it may not change for days, or until I get on the freeway. I have two other cars with OAT displays that work fine, but somehow GM has this problem, and its on more than just the HHR.

 

Thx for your reply and this answers my question as it reacts exactly as you said.

 

The temperature display is adequately exlained in the Owner's Manual. By reading this we get so much more out of our HHRs.

As for the dealer who changed the sensor twice ......

 

Mine reports my I.Q.

 

It is warmer than usual today, and my temperature display was stuck at 44 degrees. There was a freeway route that is the long way to get to my next errand-running stop, so I deliberately took it. After a few miles of constant driving @ 60 MPH, the temperature suddenly displaying in the high 50s, kept rising, and settled at 65. Weird, this problem acts like its intermittent even though it is designed in - perhaps I only notice when there's a big discrepancy.