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http://tysongamblin.wordpress.com/2010/01/07/wards-top-10-engines-includes-gms-2- -4l-ecotec/
From personal experience I know that aluminum engines need to be carefully warmed up at every start before driving away. Also, engine oil is used to cool and lubricate variable valve timing mechanisms and must be meticulously clean. Some manufacturers insist on oil changes every 3 months or 3,750 miles, whichever occurs first.
These are sophisticated GM engines designed to compete with the "world engines" developed jointly by Mitsubishi, Daimler Chrysler and Hyundai which have been in production since 2005
Quote -
""The new Ecotec 2.4L engine includes technology that provides a number of benefits. “Direct injection was designed into the 2.4L to boost fuel efficiency and for refined power,” said Chris Meagher, chief engineer for Ecotec engines. “The variable valve timing system is tuned to work in tandem with direct injection to achieve optimum fuel economy and lower emissions. The engine achieves a respectable 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque, which makes for a pleasing customer driving experience.”
With direct injection, fuel is sprayed directly into the engine cylinder, where it is mixed with air. As the fuel vaporizes in the cylinder, the air and fuel mixture is cooled. This enables the use of a higher compression ratio, which improves engine efficiency and performance. Direct injection also reduces cold-start hydrocarbon emissions by up to 25 percent.
The Ecotec 2.4L engine is an all-aluminum, dual overhead cam, four-valve engine with forged steel connecting rods and oil spray cooling for reduced friction and noise. In all models, the engine is mated to a highly efficient six-speed automatic transmission. ""
End of Quote
Is it possible that valve timing issues could result in lube oil dilution (as has been reported on this site) due to mistimed fuel injection?
My 2011 Equinox broke down for a second time in 4 days! Third time since I purchased the car.
Took it to the dealer, and they say they replaced the "cam shaft regulators" for the second time in four days. C'mom, seriously. Who are they kidding. Translation: "We don't know what in the heck is wrong with this car, and will replace anything we can just to get you off our backs" The owner of the dealership told me to "wait for it to happen a 4th time, and they would support me pursuing a buyback". I was going to do it until I thought about it.
Why should I have to drive this NEW vehicle around, and wait for it to break down. Not happening. So, I took the necessary steps for buyback.
I am not going to bash all Equinox vehicles. I loved this car when I purchased it. Maybe I just have a lemon? Just IMO - this is the biggest pile of junk I have ever purchased. But, I bought this new to avoid mechanical problems and to have a reliable vehicle which this is NOT.
I do appreciate the advice about getting in and waiting for the lights before starting the vehicle. I hate to be negative here.... but, why should this vehicle require any special treatment as far as starting? Do any other Chevy's require this? Is this in the manual?
I am not sure what is going to happen with it.... but, even if I have to take somewhat of a loss, I am not sure I would own another Chevy. IMO I am the customer, and as such... Chevy needs to make this right. They did not hold up to their end of the contract.
I've had trouble with starting my second Nox but in waiting for the computer to reset before I start has made a tremendous difference. It doesn't knock or make a awful noise. I've been told that most dealers don't know about this and they should! Yes, I agree that Chevy should say something about it but as far as I'm concerned, they don't even know that you should wait for the computer to reset before starting. It makes since. You have to wait for your computer to reboot when you turn your computer on so it makes since.
Good luck. If you do go through the repurchasing process, FYI don't let the dealer and GM charge you a fee!!! Yes, they both charge. Good luck!!
#234 of 235 2012 Equinox 1-LT by chevy48
Sep 14, 2011 (9:59 am)
Just wanted to let everyone know that I had to put my new equinox, 3-weeks old with 400 mile in the shop. I went to go to work and started it up and on came a light for the engine malfunction. I needed to get to work and decided I would drive it anyway. I backed out of my garage and put the car in drive and notice some hesitation and continued down the road and just felt that it was not responding well when I stepped on the gas pedal. I decided to turn around, when I slowed to turn the vehicle around it stalled. I restared and it was very sluggish but managed to get it back inot my drive way. My husband came out and when he went to move it back into the garage it stalled, he restarted and stepped on the gas pedal firmly to keep it from stalling. So as of right now, I do not know what it wrong with it and will keep everyone up to date when I find out from the dealership service dept.
Shame, you would think these issues would be sorted out after three years in production!!
Is it the 2.4L or 3.0L engine?
Do you have one?
Well, I have had enough. This car has "broken down" 3 times in the year I have owned it.
Looks like they are having the same issues with the 2012 model too.
If they are aware of this particular issue... FIX IT! Stop selling junk!
I feel for you..... I am in the same boat. Very frustrating and disappointing!
GM boasts this as a top seller in crossovers.... Well, can't be too much longer before potential buyers start hearing all the problems this car is having. I plan on letting people know.
http://www.gizmag.com/noise-cancellation-improves-fuel-efficiency/19826/?utm_sou- rce=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Giz
It would be interesting to know why the 2.4L Equinox engine is so excessively noisy between 1000 and 1500 RPM that GM had to install noise cancellation technology inside the vehicle.
so Im ordering my food I see my vehicle from the window still sitting outside. (yes take care of you right away) [non-permissible content removed] they are all liers. I get my vehicle back after 15 minutes the same problems are back. Now I get General Motors involved tell them my situation I said fix it or replace it. They say to me but you have to do a recall I said I did on saturday maybe its not updated yet. He says nothing was done. Today I opened the hood and looked under and not a single finger print was there just the building up of dust and dirt remember its only a month old.
I cant believe this I call the dealer back and explained I believe nothing was done on saturday. Called General Motors today and told them I said if they cant fix my vehicle then replace the damn thing its nothing but a headache. So now Saturday I go back again to the dealer but something better be done or else legal action will have to be taken. I have driven GM all my life and this is my very first disappointment I have experienced this vehicle in my opinion its a lemon and a road hazzard.
The "Eco" setting may be ok if you use it as an "overdrive" setting for highway cruising.
Worth a try anyway.
If your vehicle is experiencing a rough idle, or near stalling/complete stall-out at a low throttle opening (like accelerating from a stop, or right after you put the car into gear), then you need to look into the following repairs...This may or may not also set off your check engine light, with codes P0011 and/or P0014.
This is a KNOWN issue. Unfortunately, many dealers still haven't had to deal with it yet, or they are just all around crappy dealers...
If you own a 2011, with build dates approximately between 2/11 - 6/11 = CALL your dealer and ask them to look up your VIN number and see if your car qualifies for RECALL 11195. Under this recall, your problem WILL be fixed. They will replace the cam phase solenoid valves, most commonly called the solenoids (however, everyone seems to call them by a different name) AND they will update the ECM with new software. These two things MUST be done at the SAME TIME. The new solenoids can NOT be replaced and the ECM NOT be updated at the same time. The new software changes the way that the cam shaft operates, and without this new software, the new solenoids WILL definitely fail again. So, double check your work order before you leave to verify that they have performed both. The solenoids are on short supply, so they may have to order these parts and schedule the service appointment for a week or so later.
IF your vehicle does NOT qualify for the recall - request that they try the recall repairs anyways, because they may help.
IF you also have the start-up noise coming from your engine for the first 2-4 seconds right after you start the engine....they should replace the actuators and you should opt for an oil change. This replacement of the actuators for the start-up engine noise is dictated by service bulletin PI0562. The bulletin does NOT require an oil change, but an oil change (even if your engine only has 1,000 miles on it and doesn't *need* an oil change yet) done at the same time as replacement of the actuators is VITAL - long story short, the entire process of correcting the start-up noise began with the fact that as the engine gets broken in, the oil frequently collects debris from normal break-in, like metal shavings, these shavings can sometimes be visible inside the pleats of your oil filter and can get stuck in the actuators and cause problems.
The RECALL 11195 also does not require an oil change, HOWEVER, because of the same above stated reasons, an oil change is HIGHLY HIGHLY recommended by me and other people that have gone through this process. The solenoids (included in the RECALL 11195) have a very fine screen on them that the oil travels through, if your oil is very dirty, like from normal engine break-in, then these screens can get clogged and thus cause problems. The reason the solenoids need to be replaced as dictated by the RECALL, is because they can become damaged and stick, causing an insufficient amount of oil to travel through the cam shaft.
If your vehicle is experiencing these problems, and included in the recall, call your dealer ASAP to schedule your service. If your vehicle is NOT included in the recall, then use this information to discuss with your Service Manager the option of trying these same repairs. In my opinion, if your vehicle does not qualify for the recall, then you should be speaking directly to the Service MANAGER. NOT the Service Writers. You will get further in the process much quicker, and *should* get better results in the long run.
If your dealership isn't taking your concerns seriously, then request to start a case with GM Customer Service. You can speak with a district rep that will help the communication between you and your dealer.
I spent three months this summer dealing with these same issues, so that is why I know all of this information, I literally went through this process AS GM was making their decisions on issuing the recall, they unofficially learned from my and others vehicles. I, like you, have been through this. You can also go over to www.equinoxforum.net (same as www.terrainforum.net) and see the same information there, and you can also read through other people's experiences as well. Good luck, and keep everyone here updated with your progress so that you can help others in this situation as well. I NEVER would have gotten my vehicle back in proper working order if it had not been for the experiences that other people went through and shared.
Just my opinion - I purchased a "new car", and I expected nothing less. I have had my car serviced for the engine light four times since I purchased it. This is the type of issue you might expect with a used car, but not a new car. I am really tired of wondering whether my car is going to "break down" everytime I drive it. Waiting for the engine light to come on.
This car is unreliable. Not something a "new car" owner should be going through. If GM is aware of these issues, then FIX THEM before you sell anymore of these.
The GM rep keeps encouraging me to take the car to the dealer as it it still running rough. Sorry, I don't have the time to keep running this thing to the dealer every week so they can tell me there is nothing wrong with it. They asked me what I wanted the outcome to be - my reply - "A new car". I am sure they are going to fight me tooth and nail.
So, anyway...... I am very disappointed in this car. Guess I am leaning toward chalking this up as a loss, and remembering what automaker NOT to buy a car from next time.
If you've had check engine lights and the rough idle and poor driveability issues, they should have replaced the solenoids, part numbers 12628347 and 12628348. At the SAME time that they replace these parts, they should be updating the ECM, as dictated by bulletin PI0496.
Your issue absolutely CAN be corrected! Unfortunately, you have to be your OWN advocate on this. I had to demand that my service manager print out that bulletin and read it, as soon as he did, he said, "huh, you know, that does sound like it applies to your car. I should've looked at this sooner." (imagine my frustration)
PI0496- I can provide you with a copy if you'd like, but you can go into your dealership, ask to speak with the Service MANAGER, and have him print out this bulletin and read it, and perform the work. If the codes that are showing on your car are P0011 and/or P0014, then this bulletin should apply to you. Again, it's vital that they replace the solenoids and update the ECM at the same time. If they do not update the computer at the same time, then the solenoids will be damaged as you drive - the computer update they have to do changes the way that the solenoids operate, for durability concerns.
Stay in touch with me, I want to know that you speak with your dealer again, and I really hope you can get it worked out.
I dealt with the start-up engine noise, and the rough idle/poor driveability/stalling and hesitation at low throttle openings (which also got bad enough to trigger my check engine light)....
In total - my car has had the Actuators replaced (part #12621505), solenoids replaced (part # 12628347 and 12628348), ECM update, and oil changes.
Problems first began at 1500 miles, they performed the first repair at about 4500 miles when it became a very regular and consistent problem, and my last repair work was done at 8300 miles. I'm now sitting at about 11,600 miles and am completely problem free at this point!
These problems ARE KNOWN ISSUES. However, some dealers haven't dealt with it yet, effectively at least, and many dealers just don't know the information that is available in the service bulletins. (and they should be ashamed of that, they should at least read through them as they are issued)
The most important thing to remember, especially for your car, is that the ECM update MUST be performed at the SAME time that they replace the solenoids. The reason for this is that part of the ECM update changes the way that the solenoids operate "for durability concerns." (quotes emphasize the terms taken directly from the service bulletins) So, essentially, if they give you new solenoids without an ECM update, the new solenoids will just get damaged again over time. Know what I mean? They have the full capability of fixing this problem, sometimes you just have to pester them about it to make sure they do it properly.
And, for good measure, get an oil change. It's not required by any of the service bulletins out right now, but it is a very wise thing to do right now, with the problems that have been rising with these engines. It's a "better safe than sorry" kind of thing.
PIP4716 covers the start-up noise for 2010 model years. It used to include the 2011, but they removed it from that bulletin and created PI0496 with specific build dates of 2/18/11-6/6/11, and the RECALL 11195 is for a very specific build date as well, if you call your dealer and ask them to look up your VIN they will be able to tell if there is an open recall that applies to your vehicle.
Just wanted to post this for a little more clarification.
If you are having issues with the start up noise, you can refer them to PIP4716 and PI0562. If you are having problems with stalling/hesitation and poor driveability, you can request that they do an ECM update and have them look into the integrity of your solenoids, as indicated in PI0469 and the RECALL 11195 repair work. Hopefully they've already done this.
Reference your comment on noise attenuation I'd refer you to the link associated with my previous post.
http://www.gizmag.com/noise-cancellation-improves-fuel-efficiency/19826/?utm_sou- rce=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Giz
Draw your own conclusions but regardless of the perceived benefit, I'd be asking if normal engineering practice wouldn't avoid running an engine at speeds where there is notable vibration (and consequent noise).
I mean, historically, people used to always by quality items because they knew they'd be durable, and they lasted forever. Now, it's "well, it should last me about 10 yrs before it'll break and I'll have to buy another one.."
Sometimes greed gets in the way of quality/efficiency/durability/whatever you call it.
I can't remember if you had the problems with the start-up engine noise (if you did, you would know it, trust me). Anyways, if the start-up engine noise comes back, you can have them replace the Actuators (part #12621505) under bulletin PI0562...just something to kind of file in the back of your mind in case you need the info, but most people have seen the start-up noise disappear completely with the recall work (even though that's not the stated intention of the recall work).
Again, keep us posted here! You're experience will help others as well! Good luck!
I'm assuming you have a 2011....how long ago did they replace the solenoids? Was it done as part of the recall?
Do you know the build date for your car? (month/year)
Ok, what date did they replace the solenoids and update the computer, and what was the date that they replaced the actuators?
Did they update the computer on the SAME DAY, at the SAME TIME, as when they replaced the solenoids?
These answers will help me figure out what they may have done wrong, or what else you might want to try (like an oil change).
Regardless of these answers, if you have not had an oil change at all yet, or have not had the oil changed since the time you noticed the problems begin, then it would be wise to go ahead and get one down now. The oil change will probably have to be paid out of pocket. Let me know the above info and I can help you out some more. Thanks!
The recall was taken care of and we were still having problems with the engine noise. We never did experience the car stalling on us, but I can say the 2.4L is not getting the fuel efficiency it speaks of online and in commercials. If anything and at best, we've been getting around 24 mpg, never topping 30 mpg. I've seen some of you post you've had it drop down into the teens.
Called the dealership back and they explained there was a new PI indicating some problems with these 2.4L engines that may help fix what we were hearing. This is what they did, and we have not heard the horrible sounds at start up anymore (keeping fingers crossed there will be no more problems):
*Heavy Line Engine Dept checked it out
Noise due to PI0562 Faulty Camshaft Actuators. Upon replacing Actuators found water pump chain tensioner not holding tension and chain to be excessively loose. As per PI0202A Also replaced water pump drive chain and tensioner due to already into timing chain repair and lower chain loose due to faulty tensioner. Replaced Water pump/balance shaft timing chain and tensioner and replaced both camshaft actuators for startup noise.
Part #'s:
90537300 - Tensioner 1.060
12645237 - Chain 1.109
24435052 - Gasket 0.207
12609291 - Seal 0.423
12345610 - Oil 8.800 x 5
12605565 - Filter 1.836
12621505 - Actuator 0.736 x 2
Hope this helps.
I called my dealer and talked to my salesman who told me that he too had problems with his and that he would call over to the service department for me. They told me to bring it in immediately, I did with suggestions from this forum, and they ask me to leave it for about 3 hours. My husband told them he wanted the oil change which sumr616 suggested, they agreed to do that. Now I was to drive to N.C Sunday morning and some were depending on me for transportation.
Here is what they did at the service department.
recall v2444 reprogram ECM and replace camshaft position actuator solenoid. 12646783/4 valve. they also rotated the tires and did the oil change. I drove the 525 miles to and from N.C with no problems what so ever. It drove like the new car I bought. So far so good. I am a senior citizen and have a horrible fear of breaking down while out of state or town.
When they do that work, also request that they update the ECM/TCM (computer) with the newest update. This may help any rough shifting you have.
Something to note, there will always be a slight downshift feel to the car whenever you remove your foot from the gas pedal, this is intended by the programming, to improve mileage. So you'll always be able to feel that slight downshift, but it should only be slight. It's possible, just depending on when you bought your car, that a computer update can help this. Good luck! I hope it works out!
If you have the start-up engine noise also, then refer them to PI0562 - they will replace the Actuators, and it's very wise to also get an oil change at this same time.
If you haven't had an oil change yet, then it's a good idea to go ahead and get one, even if it's not required at this point. It will only help. The solenoids have screens that the oil flows through, if you have metal shavings from normal engine break-in (some have reported being able to see these shavings in the pleats of their oil filter), the shavings can get caught in the solenoids and cause these same problems. At the very least, you can request them to check the solenoids for debris and to clean the solenoids. This takes like 15 minutes tops, so they should at least be willing to do that.
You should be fine now, but just keep in mind that IF the start-up noise does return, you still have an option for a fix. Otherwise, you should be problem free! So glad it worked out for you! Good luck!