Hey quick question from a socal new hhr owner, I have 2008 hhr 2.2 39,000m what would be the normal temp range hwy and street, and when stopped running for a while what temp should the fan kick on, I just want to make sure mine is running correctly!!! thanks to all!!!!

 

I have a 08 2.4L and it runs around 199-210 FWY and about 215 in traffic, the dealer said anything under 235 is OK, although 235 is almost on the red!! My fan has come on at 209 when i parked it before.... is she getting hot?

 

Durability wise, 235 is nothing but that is within 30 degrees of the coolant limit (boiling point). Even 260 isn't an issue for the engine but boil over is in the cards real soon.

I wouldn't worry if I peaked at 235 but I would watch to make sure you are aren't still climbing towards that 265 number. I would pull over and let it idle to bring it down. Also, keep in mind that the cooling fans move less air than driving 40 MPH and GM usually shuts them off around that speed.

 

yeah my cars fan comes on at 216 and drops it down to 194 when in traffic, on the hwy it stays at 194 195, seems like itus normal now that i see what you guys are showing...thanks

 

2007 Chevy HHR 2.4L FE3 2LT
(Measured in degrees)
Well, I just changed my coolant this year with a new thermostat and it runs at 181 - 185 all around and 195 - 198 when pushing it. But can go to 205 - 210 when really stepping on the gas up a long hill. But no matter the temp if I'm at a stop and it reaches 217 the fan comes on and brings it all the way down to 181.

And coasting down a long freeway hill the temp has even reached 176, but doesn't last, as soon as I'm back on the gas it's 181 - 183.

I think that is pretty good, since before it ran hotter with 7+ year old coolant.

*update* now during the summer months with out side temp at 90-100 degrees. It has been running like 4-5 degrees hotter all around.
:)
What do you guys think???

 

I'll take the bait.

Time machine says around 190F is normal running temp, up to 217F while standing and then the fan comes on. Death occurs above 240F.

 

Yeah, I guess my replacement thermostat opens at 183 or so.

And looking into a used 2011 2.4L FE3 2LT HHR for sale, I took it for a test drive and it's coolant stayed around 183 - 195 range as well.

Maybe the newer thermostats open at a lower temp. Because my brother's 2007 chevy cobalt SS 2.4L runs at 190 - 195 all around and higher at other times like mine did before I changed the coolant and thermostat, he just got the car and the previous owner said it has never been changed, but he has quite a bit less miles on his car, but we will change it soon due to coolant age.

 

No, they are 180F t-stats in an HHR. That would make the running temp "around" 190F. The T-stat's function is to keep the engine warm enough, not cool it.

Dangerous to compare Cobalt to HHR, there are differences.

 

is it an AC Delco T-stat you have or an after market Stant or Moto Rad unit, big differences have been noted here from quite a few members over the years.
The AC Delco opens at the specified time frame the ECM is looking for, and controls the fan accordingly.
Mine runs at 180 to 190 even on a 16 hour drive from Buffalo NY to Orangeburg SC.

 

It's an AC Delco from the dealer. I guess it just runs cooler now having fresh coolant and a new thermostat. :)