engine overheat CHEVROLET HHR 2007 1.G Owners Manual

Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
the ignition key to START. When the engine
starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go
down as your engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transaxle gently
to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled
Cranking System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects components.
If the ignition key is turned to the START
position, and then released when the engine
begins cranking, the engine will continue
cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle
starts. If the engine does not start and the
key is held in START for many seconds,
cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds to
prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent
gear damage, this system also prevents
cranking if the engine is already running.
Engine cranking can be stopped by turning the
ignition switch to the ACC or LOCK position.Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods
of time, by returning the key to the START
position immediately after cranking has ended,
can overheat and damage the cranking
motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F
or−18°C), it could be ooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator
pedal all the way to the oor and holding it
there as you hold the key in START for up to
a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If
the vehicle starts briey but then stops again,
do the same thing. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transaxle gently until the
oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.
120

Notice:Your engine is designed to work with
the electronics in your vehicle. If you add
electrical parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine operates. Before
adding electrical equipment, check with
your dealer. If you do not, your engine might
not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.
Engine Coolant Heater
If your vehicle has this feature, in very cold
weather 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine coolant
heater can help. You will get easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged
in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your
vehicle. At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of
the coolant heater is not required. Your vehicle
may also have an internal thermostat in the
plug end of the cord. This will prevent operation of
the engine coolant heater when the temperature
is at or above 0°F (−18°C) as noted on the cord.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical
cord. For the 2.2L and 2.4L engine, the
electrical cord is located on the passenger’s
side of the vehicle near the headlamp and the
radiator.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC
outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded
outlet could cause an electrical shock.
Also, the wrong kind of extension cord
could overheat and cause a re. You
could be seriously injured. Plug the cord
into a properly grounded three-prong
110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not
reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
121

To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal
down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can
press the release button. Hold the release button in
as you move the brake lever all the way down.
If you forget to release your parking brake, a chime
will sound and a warning message will be
displayed when the parking brake is applied and
the vehicle is moving faster than 5 mph (8 kph).
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 197.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake system
parts. Verify that the parking brake is fully
released and the brake warning light is
off before driving.Shifting Into Park (P)
(Automatic Transaxle)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
Your vehicle can roll. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, use
the steps that follow. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer (Manual
Transaxle) on page 276orTowing a Trailer
(Automatic Transaxle) on page 277.
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the
parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding
the button on the shift lever and pushing the
lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle.
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3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you
can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in
your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle
with the engine running. Your vehicle
could move suddenly if the shift lever is
not fully in PARK (P) with the parking
brake rmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch re. You or
others could be injured. Do not leave your
vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P)
and your parking brake is rmly set before you
leave it. After you have moved the shift lever intoPARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down.
Then, see if you can move the shift lever
away from PARK (P) without rst pushing the
button. If you can, it means that the shift lever was
not fully locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl
in the transaxle. You may nd it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque
lock.” To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake
and then shift into PARK (P) properly before you
leave the driver’s seat. To nd out how, seeShifting
Into Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle) on page 128.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever
out of PARK (P)beforeyou release the parking
brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have
another vehicle push yours a little uphill to
take some of the pressure from the parking pawl
in the transaxle, then you will be able to pull
the shift lever out of PARK (P).
129

Enhanced Traction System
Warning Light
If your vehicle is
equipped with the
Enhanced Traction
System (ETS),
this warning light should
come on briey as
you start the engine.
If the warning light does not come on, then have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a
problem.
If the warning light stays on, or comes on when
you are driving, there may be a problem with your
Enhanced Traction System and your vehicle
may need service. When this warning light is on,
the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust
your driving accordingly.
SeeEnhanced Traction System (ETS) on
page 246for more information.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
The engine coolant
temperature warning
light will come on when
the engine has
overheated.
If this happens you should pull over and turn off
the engine as soon as possible. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 309for more information.
Notice:Driving with the engine coolant
temperature warning light on could cause your
vehicle to overheat. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 309. Your vehicle could be damaged,
and it might not be covered by your warranty.
Never drive with the engine coolant
temperature warning light on.
This light will also come on briey when starting
your vehicle. If it does not, have your vehicle
serviced.
187

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
Your vehicle has an
engine coolant
temperature gage. With
the ignition turned to
RUN, this gage shows
the engine coolant
temperature.
If the gage pointer moves into the red area, your
engine is too hot. It means that your engine
coolant has overheated.
If you have been operating your vehicle under
normal driving conditions, you should pull off the
road, stop your vehicle and turn off the engine
as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 309.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle has a
computer which
monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition,
and emission control
systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended
to assure that emissions are at acceptable
levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce
a cleaner environment. The check engine light
comes on to indicate that there is a problem and
service is required. Malfunctions often will be
indicated by the system before any problem is
apparent. This may prevent more serious damage
to your vehicle. This system is also designed to
assist your service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
188

You will need a well-charged battery to restart the
vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with
the headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window
almost all the way to preserve the heat. Start
the engine again and repeat this only when you
feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as
little as possible. Preserve the fuel as long as
you can. To help keep warm, you can get out of
the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck,
you will need to spin the wheels, but you do not
want to spin your wheels too fast. The method
known as rocking can help you get out when you
are stuck, but you must use caution.
If your vehicle has the Enhanced Traction System
(ETS), the ETS can often help to free a stuck
vehicle. SeeEnhanced Traction System (ETS) on
page 246. If the stuck condition is too severe
for the ETS to free the vehicle, turn the ETS off
and use the rocking method.
{CAUTION:
If you let your vehicle’s tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. And, the transaxle or
other parts of the vehicle can overheat.
That could cause an engine compartment
re or other damage. When you are stuck,
spin the wheels as little as possible. Do not
spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as
shown on the speedometer.
Notice:Spinning the wheels can destroy parts
of your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin
the wheels too fast while shifting the transaxle
back and forth, you can destroy the transaxle.
SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on
page 269.
For information about using tire chains on your
vehicle, seeTire Chains on page 353.
268

Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbefore
you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you
do not shift down, you might have to use your
brakes so much that they would get hot and
no longer work well.
Pay attention to the engine coolant gage. If the
indicator is in the red area, turn off the air
conditioning to reduce engine load. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 309.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle,
with a trailer attached, on a hill. If
something goes wrong, your rig could
start to move. People can be injured, and
both your vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged.But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here
is how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but do not shift into
PARK (P) for an automatic transaxle, or into
gear for a manual transaxle. When parking
uphill, turn your wheels away from the
curb. When parking downhill, turn your wheels
into the curb.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release
the regular brakes until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake, and then shift into PARK (P) for
an automatic transaxle or REVERSE (R) for a
manual transaxle.
5. Release the regular brakes.
285

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal
down while you:
Start your engine.
Shift into a gear.
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of
the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store
the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when
you are pulling a trailer. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 393for more on this.
Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle uid
(do not overll), engine oil, drive belt, cooling
system and brake system.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and the
Index will help you nd them quickly. If you
are trailering, it is a good idea to review this
information before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and
bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat
during severe operating conditions. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 309.
286

Service........................................................ 289
Accessories and Modications................... 289
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 290
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 290
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle.......................................... 291
Fuel............................................................. 291
Gasoline Octane........................................ 291
Gasoline Specications.............................. 292
California Fuel........................................... 292
Additives................................................... 292
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 293
Filling the Tank......................................... 294
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 296
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 296
Hood Release........................................... 297
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 298
Engine Oil................................................. 299
Engine Oil Life System.............................. 302
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 304
Automatic Transaxle Fluid......................... 305
Manual Transaxle Fluid............................. 305
Hydraulic Clutch........................................ 306
Engine Coolant.......................................... 306Pressure Cap............................................ 309
Engine Overheating................................... 309
Cooling System......................................... 312
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 316
Brakes...................................................... 317
Battery...................................................... 320
Jump Starting............................................ 320
Headlamp Aiming........................................ 327
Bulb Replacement....................................... 330
Halogen Bulbs........................................... 330
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and
Parking Lamps....................................... 330
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) ... 331
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps...................................... 332
License Plate Lamp................................... 334
Replacement Bulbs................................... 334
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement....... 335
Tires............................................................ 336
Tire Sidewall Labeling............................... 337
Tire Terminology and Denitions............... 340
Ination - Tire Pressure............................. 344
Tire Inspection and Rotation...................... 345
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
287