Here’s Why Your Chevy Cruze 1.4L Engine May Have Performance Issues In Cold Weather
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Some Chevy Cruze owners may notice performance issues with the turbocharged 1.4L I4 LUV gasoline engine in extremely cold weather. Now, possible causes and fixes for the issues have been identified.
According to a recent report from GM TechLink, some units of the 2011- through 2016-model-year Chevy Cruze equipped with the turbocharged 1.4L I4 LUV gasoline engine may experience a loss of power or illuminated Check Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) in extremely cold conditions. After driving the vehicle, the performance issues may diminish. It’s possible that the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) may be triggered:
- P0299 (Engine Underboost)
- P0234 (Engine Overboost)
- P0236 (Turbocharger Boost Sensor Performance), P2227 (Barometric Pressure (BARO) Sensor Performance)
- P2261 (Turbocharger Bypass Valve Stuck)
- P00C7 (Intake Air Pressure Measurement System – Multiple Sensors Not Plausible)
It’s also possible that an increase in crankcase pressure may result in an oil leak around seals and gaskets.
For vehicles where a performance or drivability issue is present, GM recommends checking for ice blockage around the crankcase vent tube, ice accumulation on the intake manifold blocking the PCV passage in the cylinder head, ice accumulation in the charge air cooler restricting flow to the throttle body, and possible contamination at the charge air bypass valve (water, oil, or sludge).
GM recommends that a technician disassemble and clean the charge air bypass valve if contamination is discovered. Additionally, it’s recommended that the intake manifold be replaced, plus the charge air bypass valve, if needed.
If the Chevy Cruze’s turbocharged 1.4L engine is not producing the correct boost level, and there is no issue found with the turbo wastegate actuator or the turbo itself, it’s not recommended that the turbocharger is replaced. Rather, the charge air bypass valve should be cleared of any water or oil accumulation on the vacuum side port, and the intake manifold be replaced.
It’s also recommended that if any sludge, water or ice is found from the cylinder head, cam cover, or PCV pipes, including ice build-up blocking the cylinder head, the intake manifold should replaced.
Notably, the redesigned intake manifold includes a new intake positive pressure port location.
Similar issues and fixes have been identified for the 2012 through 2020 Chevy Sonic and the 2023 through 2021 Buick Encore.
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I sm seeing all these comments about GMs fault! These cars have been out of production for 7 years, most are 10years old, if no one replaced the coolant in the engine (most likely cause for water in intake..how is that GMs fault( I am guilty of that in my 16 Malibu.. it ran great when I traded it..
my 2015 cruze has a water leakage issue which i have been told by a mechanic is the number 1 issue with them i have had the car a little over 2yrs and have had to replace the water outlet piece/pipe 3 times it caused my car to finally overheat bad and blew the thermostat and the head gasket. now im paying for a car that i can’t drive and is gonna cost almost what the car is worth to fix!! was a stupid/ flawed design and should be a recall issue!!!! i drive the speed limit and don’t dog it or abuse it get regular maintenance done is a great car just sucks that they manufactured a car with a huge design flaw and leave the owner to suffer through constant breakdowns and repairs!!!!
2015, all went fine until 60K. then those plastic things around the engine started to leak. After 60K started leaking oil, PCV replaced 4 times until I did the bypass. Turbo cracked once. it has 126K now and I will replca the water outlet for the 3rd time, all the hoses, temp sensors 3 times. I had many Chevys but this is the last one.
When are they going to admit they screwed us all on the Cruze. Lemon and a half!!!!
Mine has 377,000 miles. Still has original turbo and clutch. Had a few issues but what wouldn’t with those miles.
Think Mary should go as Evs are a joke and in the Ling run a bad mistake..
I have a 2017 Cruze and gas mileage is great but every winter have problems with the decreased power with the turbo with extreme cold..Any suggestions on how to unthaw itself or fo I have to take it in?
Hi very sad and disappointed with this issue since last winter. I bought this car from company dealer to have peace of mind but instead it’s headache everyday in winter turbo freeze and not boost the car. It’s like driving an old 80s vehicle. Car doesn’t go 70/km speed on highway people are honk and yelling what to do. On the top of it remote start not work as engine light show. I mailed to GM as well as dealer about the problem they simply raise the hand. Pls tell me what to do ? GM SHOULD RECALL THE VEHICLE AND FIX IT !!! Simply no one will suggest GM vehicle anymore not me at least. As company has no answer. I complained when my odo meter was below 100k surprisingly GM observed my complaint for 4-5 months even after GM fails to give a satisfactory answer. I am very disappointed with the car as well as the sales and service😡