GM has issued a new service update for the Buick Encore with regard to an icing issue in the engine charge air cooler while driving the crossover in extremely cold weather.
The problem: some units of the Buick Encore may accumulate sludge or ice in the engine Charge Air Cooler (CAC) or closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system while driving in extremely cold weather. In this case, extremely cold weather is considered to be 0 degrees Fahrenheit and below.
The hazards: if ice or sludge accumulates in the vehicle CAC or CCV system, it could affect the engine. Possible issues include a reduction in engine performance, incorrect boost levels, or an oil leak. This condition may also trigger a variety of different Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
The fix: to fix this issue, GM advises that a GM technician install a TCV thermal wrap on the engine. If needed, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may also need to be reprogrammed, while a new turbocharger wastegate regulator solenoid valve may need to be installed as well. GM technicians are instructed to remove the original turbocharger wastegate regulator solenoid valve, test, and apply the new thermal wrap, then reprogram the ECM as needed, plus clear any possible DTCs that may have triggered.
Affected components: the CAC or CCV system.
Affected vehicles: 2013 through 2022 Buick Encore. Note that an identical service update was issued for the GMC Terrain and several Chevy models as well, per previous GM Authority coverage.
Number of affected vehicles: it’s unknown at this time how many units of the Buick Encore are affected by this GM service update.
Owners should: owners can contact Buick directly with any concerns they may have using the contact information listed below. GM has stipulated that this service update applies to both dealer inventory, as well as any customer vehicles that may return to the dealership.
Contacts:
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So in a nutshell this issue affects most G.M. small turbocharged engines of this era. As long as the fix is free...
What is TCV Thermal Wrap?
All this after each and every vehicle with the 1.4L Turbo Family Zero engine has been built out. Fix comes 4 weeks after the last Encore / Trax were built.
Why is the Sonic not mentioned here? Is the sister car. Chevy Cruze Gen 1 has the same engine.
And Stellantis will have to figure out the fix for all the Opel / Vauxhall Mokka's out there especially those sold in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and the few that were sold in Putin's Land.
Geeez...
Al Gore swore we would be warmer and ice free by now
Hopefully with really that they fix my vehicle right this time.
Just saw this,do I contact GM Authority with my VIN # to see if my 2022 Buick Encore GX is affected by this problem.
OIL? I drive around town and car is excellent. Go to mountains; oil loss; lights on and off. Back in valley, no problems. I have heard and paid for diagnostics! HOPE THIS IS A REAL FIX!
So is Buick supposed to be covering the cost of this?