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Here’s Why Your GMC Terrain May Have Reduced Engine Power

Certain examples of the GMC Terrain may exhibit a reduction in engine power. Now, a possible cause for this issue has been identified, as well as a related fix to be performed by a GM technician.

Per a recent report by GM TechLink, some units of the 2018 through 2022 GMC Terrain equipped with the turbocharged 1.5L I4 LYX gasoline engine may exhibit reduced engine power, plus one or more related diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) as a result of the engine Charge Air Cooler (CAC) outlet tube separating from the engine throttle body. As a reminder, the GMC Terrain’s turbocharged 1.5L I4 LYX gasoline engine is rated at 170 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 203 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm, with output directed through the GM nine-speed automatic transmission.

In addition to reduced engine power, affected units of the GMC Terrain may also trigger one or more of the following DTCs:

  • P0101 (Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Performance)
  • P0172 (Fuel Trim System Rich)
  • P0299 (Engine Underboost)
  • P0506 (Idle Speed Low)
  • P1101 (Intake Air Flow System Performance)

If GMC Terrain owners encounter the conditions outlined above, GM recommends that the vehicle be inspected by a GM technician. GM will instruct technicians to check the vehicle CAC outlet tube connection at the engine throttle body, and if the tube is disconnected, the CAC tube, tube retainer clip, and throttle body should all be inspected for damage. In the event that the CAC tube or throttle body are damaged, these components may need to be replaced.

Damage to the throttle body includes chips and scoring around the ridge located in the middle of the throttle body. However, normal witness marks around the throttle body will not indicate that the component needs replacement. Furthermore, if the CAC outlet tube is disconnected from the throttle body, it’s recommended that a GM technician check the tube end for contact damage or a missing O-ring seal. If the tube is damaged or the seal is missing, the tube assembly should be replaced.

To note, a similar issue and fix was reported for 2018 through 2022 Chevy Malibu models equipped with the turbocharged 1.5L I4 LFV gasoline engine, while the issue may also be found in some Chevy Equinox units.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. Is it just me or are cars just not being put together properly anymore? Maybe I have rose-colored glasses and remember a time that never existed.

    Reply
    1. These are Covid Cars.
      Aka malaise 2.0 cars that will have horrific resale value & be forgotten in history.

      Reply
    2. Thy are put together properly but hey have too many computer chips monitoring every inch of the vehicle. We didn’t have any computer programmed alerts in the past.

      Reply
  2. The problem isn’t throttle body and tube issues and retainer clip issues for lack of power it’s the 1.5 engine in my opinion gm went away with the 2.0 l engine and installed this tiny pipsqueak of an engine considering they originally was supposed to install the 2.0 l LSY engine but gm gave us a 1.5 engine because the consumer wanted it for better fuel economy I don’t think the 2.0 LSY would of waisted that much more fuel that it would of made that much of a difference to really complain about so I do agree on some these comments just wish gm wold give us a 2.0 l in a terrain specially when there top trim level won’t even allow a engine choice at a $39-40 MSRP totally ridiculous!!!

    Reply
    1. The 2.0L had the same issue as these 1.5L. One would think that GM would have learned from that and made improvements across all of their products…but apparently not.

      Reply
    2. That is borderline unreadable, do you have any idea how to use punctuation so people can understand what you are saying? No, the 1.5 isn’t a little pipsqueak, it is right in line with the competitors non-hybrid engine choices in most cases and is plenty for the demographic who buy these things (where most have zero clue what engine is in it, probably can’t change a tire and never go full throttle). MPG is tops in this class and this motor accomplishes that.

      Reply
      1. The GM bootlicking fanboy has spoken.
        Did you know the Honda, Toyota & Ford competition have more powerful engine choices? Even the Nissan rogue engine is more powerful.
        Blind Ignorance is what enables GM to continue to underperform and fail.

        Reply
        1. You tell him Scott ??? common sense guy doesn’t get it !!!!

          Reply
  3. This is pretty old news. My 2019 Terrain had this repaired 2 years ago before it failed as part of a recall. They did it while I got the oil changed.

    FWIW- the 1.5 is just fine for the Terrain. If I wanted a race car I would have bought a Camaro.

    Reply
  4. We are entitled to our opinions!! Oh I forgot you are genius and an English professor!!! Sorry

    Reply
  5. The problem here is GMC dropped the ball MAJORLY when they got rid of the 2.0L engine. At 252hp & 260lbs torque it was the perfect pairing for this size vehicle and reached 0-60 in about 7 seconds. The 1.5L as a turbo engine is EXTREMELY under-powered. And the 5 additional horses they added to the 2023 model didn’t help at all. If GMC was smart they would have kept the 2.0L engine STANDARD on the Denali trim and offered it as a “paid option” for lower trims such as the SLT. They also took away the dual chrome exhaust tips the 2018-2020 models had which i thought was a nice touch. The only good thing they did was FINALLY add a dedicated start/stop button to shut off that horrible system. Don’t get me wrong folks this is a BEAUTIFUL SUV inside and out and stands apart from the rest in it’s class. However, coming from a 2015 Lincoln MKC 2.0 AWD that puts out 240hp & 270lbs torque. I certainly do NOT want too lose all of that when i trade my vehicle in for a Terrain Denali. Which is why i STRONGLY suggest anyone in the market for one of these SUV’s. Should really only consider a low mileage 30k tops 2018-2020 Denali or SLT with the 2.0L engine. The difference between it and the 1.5L is quite literally like night and day folks. Considering Honda puts out 190hp in the CRV which is also a 1.5L engine. And Nissan who took a HUGE gamble with it’s new 3cyl turbo putting out 200hp & 225lbs torque. GMC made a HUGE mistake dropping the 2.0L and in reality is not staying “competitive” with other car manufacturers. And that will come back to bite them HARD as it already is with all the complaints i’ve read online in various forums. They need to listen to their consumer base and what they want. Offering only one power plant from 2022 onward across all trim levels is NOT “staying in line” with everyone else now a days. So shame on you GMC this is how you lose consumers.

    Reply
    1. Tom I u are absolutely 1000% correct and I totally agree I couldn’t say it better I only wish gm can bring back the 2.0 l engine back in the next generation 2025 Terrain then I will look at one but I’m not buying a 1.5 way underpowered and probably going to consume a little more oil as the engine got work harder as it gets higher in mileage

      Reply

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