Need a little help. I have a 2011 HHR when i'm coming up I-17 from Phoenix to Prescott Valley my temp gauge climbs to 248 when climbing the steepest hills on I-17 Had the thermostat and coolant changed the cooling fans checked. The Chevy dealer says 248 is normal. Cars these day run a lot hotter than the old days. Any thoughts and ideas?

 

Might wanna remove your e-mail address. Don't believe 248 is normal, it wouldn't be with me.

 

248F is too high! There is something wrong in the cooling system; radiator,pump,fan, etc. Coolant level or t-stat stuck closed (not the usual failure).

I removed your email address for your protection.

 

Knew you would see that and take care of it donbrew....

 

Welcome to the site, 2011, is 5 years old , change the thermostat and the Dexcool, we've discussed this many times, don't go cheap in a Stant or Motorad stat, get a genuine GM 180 degree thermostat, use real Dexcool, 50/50 mix, Prestine makes a great product, Dexcool. Not the green antifreeze!! It will foul up your cooling systems innards!

 

It sounds like the Chevy dealer has already done the antifreeze and thermostat change and has given it a clean bill of health. Hopefully that is in writing as 248 is way too high, and lead to major head gasket/head problems.

One possibility is that the temperature Sensor has gone bad (seen that before where it would indicate the temp was way too high).

 

I think limp mode sets at 250F. But it should be sluggish at 240F.

oops had it 100F low.

 

I fully agree with Whopper....

Have the Chevy Dealer put it right on the work order receipt that it is OK to run at 248 degrees after the service and date and sign it.
Maybe that will make them give it a Second Look....

Silverfox

 

Ok , it is stated he had the Tatar and coolant changed, I didn't want to jump to conclusions, so, what part number is on the work order for the thermostat!! Is it a 180 degree AC Delco or GM stat??

 

Hey Steve. What's a Tater ? (in your post above)