While driving it overheated and shut off, will not start

2008 CHEVROLET HHR
200,000 MILES • 4 CYL • TURBO • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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20RATKIN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I was driving and it just shut off. I looked at my gauges and the engine temperature was high and the radiator wouldn't hold any water. And I left it to sit for a couple hours to try to cool and it won't start.
Aug 10, 2019 at 7:19 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Welcome to 2CarPros.

When you try starting it, does the starter engage and turn the engine? Does it sound normal when cranking or is it different? If it sounds different, can you record the sound and upload it so I can hear it?

Let me know.
Joe
Aug 10, 2019 at 7:51 PM
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20RATKIN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The starter does not engage.
Aug 10, 2019 at 7:52 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Welcome back:

Do you at least hear a click? Are you sure the battery is okay?

If the battery is good and there is not even a click from the starter, I need you to check if the starter is getting power. Here is a link that shows how. Basically, on the starter one big wire comes direct from the battery and is hot all the time. There is a smaller wire that should only get power when the key is in the start position. I need to know if both have power.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

If you do hear a click and know the battery is good, we need to make sure the engine isn't locked. You may have blown a head gasket due to heat and one of the cylinders could even be full of coolant preventing the engine from turning.

Let me know.

Joe
Aug 10, 2019 at 9:41 PM
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