Hey all - first post!

Just got a 2006 Chevy HHR (2.2L engine) a month ago. 170,000 miles on it. Loving it so far, but have had a mechanical issue I wanted some advice on.

The car was starting to overheat - I never let it get into the red and would stop before damage was done, but there was definitely some issues with the temperature getting too high and fluctuating. Had my mechanic look at it and he said it was a flow problem - most likely the water pump. He suggested (and what we ultimately did) to take the inside out of the thermostat so that there is now a constant flow of coolant through the engine (no closing or opening based on temp).

It worked in the sense that the car is no longer overheating - if anything, it stays on the cool side with a constant coolant flow. Is this a long-term solution? What may end up happening? And any ideas on cost to replace water pump?

Sorry, not overly mechanically-minded - I've done some basic maintenance, but nothing major. Thanks guys!

 

You will get a check engine light with a code p0128. Your A/C will not work. Your mechanic does not know what he is doing, find a new one.

Put the correct t-stat in and see what happens. The t-stat is designed to keep the temp UP not down.

A water pump will cost about $60 plus about 2 hours labor.

 

Sorry, should have clarified: we originally replaced the thermostat with a fully functioning one and had the same issue. So the flow problem was not a thermostat. So far, the A/C has worked just fine, but it's only been a few days.

 

You will need to install the correct GM T-stat , the open flow of your gutted stat may cause further issues as the computer is looking for a specific temperature and time frame to get the engine to that temperature.
Welcome to the site, enjoy your HHR , the water pumps are fairly sturdy little units not much of a problem.
I have experienced the cheaper after market stats and had the same overheating problem.

 

The GM part lists for about $2 more than the parts store brand.

 

Which is still not a lot. Did this on my car out of necessity, and never had the issue after.

 

If I understand your explanation correctly, you have been monitoring the engine temperature by the analog gauge on the left side of the instrument panel. Have you reviewed your overheating problem while watching the digital temperature on the Driver Information Center? If so, what was that temperature?

The reason I ask....the analog gauge is grossly inaccurate at providing reliable information related to engine temperature. If the needle rises anywhere close to the red mark you have already "cooked" the engine.....but I honestly hope not.

The digital readout is much more accurate than the analog. And if you experience a real time temperature of around 217 the electric cooling fans should perform (also should run when the a/c is turned on).

But as others have suggested, you need a mechanic that understands these vehicles. What he did is gross negligence, IMO.

 

Hey malcolmjason,

First of all, welcome to the forum, and we're glad to see you love your HHR so far! You're going to find a great, helpful community here.

Secondly, if you'd like to have this issue addressed by your local Chevrolet dealership, we're here to assist with that. Just PM us with your contact info, VIN and preferred dealership and we'd be happy to share this information with them. They'd contact you to set up a service appointment.

Let us know if you have any other questions as well, we'd be happy to assist!

Best Regards,

Geoff G.
Chevrolet Customer Care