Mechanical Problems

[cozbyrt]

That's good to hear. When the car runs right it is very fun to drive.

 

[2011LT2]

Has anyone had a rattling issue on cold startup? Or stalling?

The GM Equinox and Terrain has a 2.4L LAF SIDI Ecotec engine and there are a lot of people having issues with rattling in the engine bay, fuel in the oil, buildup in the intake, high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures, ect...

Oil changes are being done at 5000 mile intervals because the oil monitor is too long for the oils condition. Fuel dilution is a major issue. I just wanted to see if there any Regal owners with these issues.

 

[2011LT2]

As a follow up we just were informed about this, and some owners have qualified for the lemon law.

#PIP4716B: Sharp Engine Rattle Noise At Start Up May Also Set P0011 - (Jun 22, 2011)

Subject: Sharp Engine Rattle Noise At Start Up May Also Set P0011

Models: 2011 Buick Regal
2010-2011 Buick LaCrosse
2009-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
2010-2011 Chevrolet Equinox
2009-2011 Chevrolet HHR
2009-2011 Chevrolet Malibu
2010-2011 GMC Terrain
2009-2010 Pontiac G5
2009-2010 Pontiac G6
2009-2010 Pontiac Solstice
2009-2010 Saturn Aura
2009-2010 Saturn Sky
2009-2010 Saturn Vue
Equipped with the following engines
2009-2010 2.0L (RPO LNF)
2009-2011 2.2L (RPO LAP/LE8)
2009-2011 2.4L (RPO LE5/LE9/LAT/LAF)

This PI was superseded to update condition/concern with P0011. Please discard PIP4716A.

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition/Concern:

In rare instances a technician may comment they hear a short, sharp rattle noise from the front of the engine at start up, typically hot restarts. P0011 may also set during this condition
Recommendation/Instructions:

If the noise is from the front accessory drive area, inspect the engine belt. W e have seen concerns with engine belts causing a loud ticking type noise. If found, verify power steering pulley outer edge is aligned flush with shaft and repair as needed. If pulley alignment is correct and engine drive belt has been verified as the noise source, replace the belt.

If the noise is not from the drive belt and is very short and sharp in duration (2-5 seconds). This may be an issue with the cam phasers not parking properly. Remove the CMP actuator solenoids to inspect for debris. If debris is found, clean and inspect for torn or loose screens and replace if necessary.

If debris is found in the solenoids, P0014 may also set. Change the oil and filter before returning to service, in some instances it may be necessary to change the oil/filter multiple times with a test drive in between each. The oil filter and solenoids can be inspected afterwards to ensure no additional debris is present. If debris build up continues, further diagnosis/inspection of the cause may be necessary.

If the rattle noise has not been corrected after performing the procedures listed above, the concern is currently under investigation. This PI will be updated when further information becomes available.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information

 

[gmiemigrad]

Oil changes are being done at 5000 mile intervals because the oil monitor is too long for the oils condition. Fuel dilution is a major issue. I just wanted to see if there any Regal owners with these issues.

Oil change intervals have not changed for the 2.4l Ecotec - the software change was for the HFV6

Only those actually experiencing fuel dilution (typically due to HPFP failure) need to be concerned about changing early. Many vehicles do not have this problem (confirmed through used oil analysis) although a few do (also confirmed through used oil analysis.

The engine is the same between the Regal and the Terrain/Equinox - built at Spring Hill and shipped all the way to Germany to be put in the Regals and then shipped back to the states.

Steve Ochs - Senior Manufacturing Engineer
General Motors - Parma Plant
The statements and opinions expressed here are
NOT an official statement of the General Motors Company

2011 GMC Terrain SLE2
2011 Buick Regal CXL2

 

[2011LT2]

Oil change intervals have not changed for the 2.4l Ecotec - the software change was for the HFV6

Only those actually experiencing fuel dilution (typically due to HPFP failure) need to be concerned about changing early. Many vehicles do not have this problem (confirmed through used oil analysis) although a few do (also confirmed through used oil analysis.

The engine is the same between the Regal and the Terrain/Equinox - built at Spring Hill and shipped all the way to Germany to be put in the Regals and then shipped back to the states.

Thanks, and to that perhaps I would say they have not changed the OLM on the I4 vehicles yet. I'll be doing UOA, because I do not trust it. With as many issues as are popping up with it, and an admission they dont understand it yet, I will be making sure I am not stuck with a lemon. I just wanted to make everyone aware that there are issues, and owners are informed.

 

[cozbyrt]

So the 2011 Regal with the 2.0 turbo is not included in this service bulletin?