Undercover Problem: SureTrack Real Fix

by Nick Taylor

Real Fixes from Mitchell 1’s SureTrack® expert information resource are documented issues from actual shop repair orders and community discussions. Read on to see how SureTrack can help you correct issues that are not easily diagnosed using OEM information alone. SureTrack is available at no additional cost in our ProDemand product.

When you have multiple codes related to several different emissions components, you have to use your diagnostic skills to determine the actual cause. Follow this Real Fix to see how a Chevrolet Cruze with multiple emissions codes was diagnosed and which component caused the problem.

Vehicle
2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited LT 1.4L

Title
P0106, P015B, P0171, P1101, Replaced Valve Cover

Complaint
The customer states the check engine light is on.

Cause
Connected a scan tool and found codes: P0106 – Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor Performance; P015B – O2 Sensor Delayed Response – Lean to Rich (Bank 1 Sensor 1); P0171 – System Too Lean (Bank 1) and P1101 – Intake Air Flow System Performance. With the scan tool connected, cleared the codes, performed a road test, monitored the live data and found the long term and short term fuel trim was out of specifications. Performed a visual inspection of the air intake system and found no apparent faults. Connected a smoke machine to the air intake system, induced smoke into the system and found the smoke machine indicated a leak in the system. Removed the engine oil fill cap and found smoke leaked from the valve cover. Removed the valve cover for inspection and found the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve was damaged. The PCV valve is integrated into the valve cover and is replaced as an entire unit. These test results verified the valve cover was faulty.

Correction
Replaced the valve cover, cleared codes, performed a road test and verified the vehicle operated properly. The check engine light did not illuminate and no fault codes returned.

SureTrack® adds to the power of ProDemand® with an exclusive combination of real-world knowledge and powerful diagnostic tools, all wrapped in an interactive community of professional technicians. Designed to help automotive shops increase accuracy and efficiency from diagnosis to completed repair, the industry’s most comprehensive repair information resource is just a few clicks away.

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About the Author

Nick Taylor

Nick Taylor is the SureTrack Community Administrator and a Senior Applications Specialist at Mitchell 1 with over 25 years of experience with electronic repair data systems. Nick previously worked in the automotive dismantling and engine rebuilding industries.