2008 HHR SS - 100,700 miles - automatic.

Never paid much attention to water temps, occasionally would cycle through driver info center and note temps in the 195-205 range. A couple of weeks ago, temp light came on in light traffic and was at 235. Turned A/C off, got out of traffic and temp went back down to 210-220 range. Discovered it was a bit low on coolant so I topped it off. Paying close attention to temps the next couple of weeks and it'd range from 200-220 in light traffic. I notice, for example, in light traffic, stopped it might read (for example) 205 but as soon as I leave stoplight it'd climb to 215 or so at 45mph but then drop back to 205-210. Question is would a range variation like this be normal? Weather in the mid-80s so it's not like our 'normal' 90+ Oklahoma weather.

I'm preparing on replacing the timing chain but wonder if there's anything else I should be looking for? I suggested to my mechanic to replace the water pump but suggested that wouldn't be necessary. Thoughts?

 

Not normal. Should be around 190F; the fan should go on at about 217F unless the AC is on. 235F is border line damage area.

Sounds like either the water pump and/or the fan control module. The SS has a variable speed module on the fan shroud.

 

If it heats up at traffic lights and cools down while moving (especially over 35-40 mph,) it’s the fan.

 

My son's 2009 SS had the same thing happen. He called me and said it was overheating after he was idling in park at fast food place. He turned it off and let it cool. He drove home with no overheating. I looked at it and the fan was not turning.

Rock Auto control module was around $120, or for $175 you got the fan with the control module included. I bought the whole fan with module in case the fan was bad too. Was only about $55 more than just module.

Steve

 

I just recently had the same experience as fastsuv.