2012 Chevy Equinox Mileage Is Not Reading

GM 2.4 Ecotec Engine Issues

The GM 2.4L Ecotec engine made its debut in 2006 and remained through 2019 in the Polaris Slingshot. 2.4 Ecotec engines are found in many Chevy, Buick, Saturn, GM, and Pontiac models. The engine offers a respectable 164-182 horsepower given its minor NA design. Information technology's besides an efficient engine that offers good fuel economic system. Even so, no engine is perfect and there aren't any exceptions here. In this article, we discuss a few common problems with the GM 2.four Ecotec engines every bit well equally overall reliability.

What Cars Use the 2.4L Ecotec?

Once again, this engine is in quite a few dissimilar Chevy, Buick, Saturn, Pontiac, and GM models. The 2.four Ecotec also went through some updates during its decade plus run. Each two.4L engine has a unique engine lawmaking within the Ecotec family. Here's a breakdown of some models that use the engine:

*Bear with us through this long list. It's of import to differentiate these variants of the two.4L inline-4 engine. Some common problems may touch on certain variants more than others, and we'll clarify throughout the post where necessary.

GM ii.4 LE5 Engine

• 2006-2008 Chevy Cobalt SS / Sport
• 2006-2008 Chevy HHR
• 2008-2012 Chevy Malibu
• 2006-2008 Pontiac G5
• 2006-2009 Pontiac G6
• 2006-2009 Pontiac Solstice
• 2006-2007 Saturn Ion
• 2006-2009 Saturn Sky
• 2008-2009 Saturn Aura
• 2008-2009 Saturn Vue

2.4L Ecotec LAT

The 2.four LAT version of the GM Ecotec is the same as the previous LE5 engine. Yet, GM uses LAT every bit the designation for use in mid hybrid vehicles. Information technology'due south in the post-obit models:

• 2007-2009 Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid
• 2007-2008 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid
• 2008-2009 Chevy Malibu Hybrid

GM 2.4L LE9

LE9 engines are simply an E85 compatible version of the original LE5 Ecotec engines. They're in the following models:

• 2009-2011 Chevy HHR
• 2010-2012 Chevy Malibu
• 2014-2019 Polaris Slingshot

Ecotec LAF Engine

LAF 2.4L Ecotec engines fabricated their debut in 2010. It's the same base design, however GM switched to direct fuel injection. They besides increased compression and re-designed the pistons. The 2.4 Ecotec LAF is in these models:

• 2010-2011 Chevy Equinox
• 2011-2014 Chevy Orlando
• 2011 Chevy Captiva
• 2010-2011 GMC Terrain
• 2010-2011 Buick Lacrosse
• 2011 Buick Regal

ii.4L Ecotec LEA

LEA Ecotec engines are the same base design as the previous LAF engines. The LEA 2.4L shares the higher compression and other updates. However, it's an E85 uniform variant that's in the following cars:

• 2012-2017 Chevy Captiva Sport
• 2012-2017 Chevy Equinox
• 2013-2017 Buick Regal
• 2012-2017 Buick Verano
• 2012-2017 GMC Terrain

GM 2.4 LUK Engine

Alright – concluding ane. two.4L LUK variants are the same as the previous LEA engines, but the LUK adds in eAssist mild-hybrid systems.

• 2012-2016 Buick Lacrosse
• 2012-2017 Buick Majestic
• 2013-2014 Chevy Malibu ECO
• 2014 Chevy Impala

iv Mutual ii.four Ecotec Engine Problems

Sorry for the exhaustive list of engines. It's of import to differentiate so nosotros tin talk over a few bug that affect sure variants more than others. Anyways, some mutual problems with the GM/Chevy 2.4L Ecotec engine includes:

• Timing concatenation
• Oil consumption
• Carbon build-up
• Oil leaks

We'll discuss these 2.4L Ecotec problems in-depth throughout this article. At the end nosotros'll likewise wrap things upwardly with overall thoughts on 2.4L reliability. It's a adept fourth dimension to talk over a few important notes prior to jumping in. Nosotros're classifying these equally the about common issues. That doesn't necessarily mean they're truly mutual failures that affect a large number of engines. Rather, when problems do occur these are a few common areas on the GM 2.4 Ecotec.

Additionally, some variants are more or less prone to these issues. We'll attempt to clarify where necessary. Another quick note – some GM 2.4L engines are 10-xv+ years old. Equally engines historic period they may go decumbent to problems more than often. Newer variants of the 2.4L Ecotec are likely to be more than reliable in the brusk-term only due to age. That said, let's spring in and talk over the higher up GM 2.four Ecotec engine problems.

1) 2.4 Ecotec Timing Chain Failures

Timing chains are without question one of the almost talked about issues with the GM 2.4 Ecotec engine. Go on in mind – the net has a trend to blow things out of proportion. That'south especially true when it comes to potentially plush issues. Timing chain failures are still a fairly common issue, though. It primarily affects earlier engines as GM eventually updated some parts. Chevrolet Equinox and Malibu models seem to be the near affected.

The main trouble with 2.4L Ecotec timing chains are the tensioners and upper commodities. When the tensioner fails it allows the timing concatenation to develop slack. In turn, the timing chain can bound a few teeth. To make matters worse, the 2.4 Ecotec is an interference engine. This means there is overlap in the travel of the valves and pistons.

When timing jumps information technology tin can cause the valves to actually contact the pistons. If this occurs it'southward likely some valves volition bend or break leading to costly repairs. It'due south a adept thought to cheque the GM 2.4L Ecotec timing chain for any marks/scuffing or slack. This will give you a skillful idea as to the health of the timing concatenation parts. Issues tin can occur sooner, just definitely keep an center out higher up the 100,000 mile mark. Below is a quick video on the problem.

ii.4L Ecotec Timing Chain Symptoms

A few symptoms of timing chain problems on the GM 2.4 Ecotec engine include:

• Engine error codes
• Rattling sounds
• Misfires
• Poor performance

Rattling sounds from the engine are usually one of the commencement symptoms. Every bit the chain develops slack you'll hear information technology rattling around at idle. If timing really jumps some you'll start to notice fault codes, misfires, and poor overall performance. In extreme cases where timing jumps as well far off track yous'll notice even more than symptoms. The ii.4L Ecotec valves and pistons could contact each other leading to farther damage.

GM 2.4 Inline-4 Timing Chain Replacement

Again, it'south a good thought to check the timing chain every then ofttimes. Popping off the valve comprehend is pretty quick and easy, and yous can then inspect the chain. This may assistance yous catch whatever 2.4 Ecotec timing concatenation issues early enough to prevent farther damage.

A timing chain kit normally runs somewhere in the $150-300 ballpark, so information technology's non terribly expensive for the DIY crowd. Yet, information technology is a lengthy repair so labor costs can quickly add another $500-800 to the beak.

In the worst case y'all might end up with broken 2.4L valves, which will make for an expensive repair. Depending on the extent it could easily add up to a $one,500+ job between replacing valves and the timing chain.

ii) GM 2.4L Ecotec High Oil Consumption

Equally with timing chain problems, high oil consumption seems to primarily affect Chevy Equinox and Malibu models. However, this is a potential issue on many unlike years and models. Information technology'due south a common and troubling enough issue that loftier oil consumption led to some lawsuits. Fortunately, GM did offer some extended warranties and fixes to remedy the problems.

Anyways, 2.4 Ecotec engines are prone to high oil consumption due to problems with the piston rings. Excess oil from piston oil spray nozzles is able to make its manner past the piston rings and into the combustion chamber. It'south and so burned off, which isn't a huge event by itself.

However, some oil consumption cases are excessive and leads to owners not topping off on oil frequently plenty. Piston ring wear may also cause the 2.4L Ecotec to have serious problems in the long-term. If the rings clothing and let likewise large a gap yous may also begin losing pinch.

Anyways, today this is hopefully a non-outcome for a vast majority of 2.4 Ecotec engines on the route. Nearly cases of excess oil consumption were caught and repaired under warranty. Some engines may have slipped through the cracks, though.

GM two.4 Oil Consumption Set

Some oil consumption is natural in all engines. If you're noticing excess consumption (1+ quarts every i,000 to 2,000 miles) then information technology's something to expect farther into. The problem could be with the piston rings, which is not a cheap fix.

Fortunately, GM is aware of these problems with the 2.4L Ecotec engine. If the ultimate diagnosis is due to piston ring vesture you lot may be able to piece of work with GM to have the failure resolved.

3) 2.4 Ecotec Carbon Build-Up Problems

Carbon build-up on the 2.iv Ecotec is a problem that mostly affects the LAF, LEA, and LUK engines. All engines naturally produce some oil accident-past that makes its way through the intake tract. It can and so stick to intake valves and ports and grade carbon deposits.

Early on GM two.4L Ecotec engines use port fuel injection. Fuel is sprayed into the intake ports, which helps wash away whatever oil deposits. However, the later directly injection ii.4 Ecotec engines don't have that do good. Fuel is sprayed directly into the cylinder thereby allowing carbon deposits to course on the dorsum of intake valves.

It'south usually non a major problem, and some GM 2.4 Ecotec engines will go their whole lives without any intake valve cleaning. Though, in some cases carbon build-upwards tin can cause abrasive symptoms and drivability bug. It's also possible for chunks of carbon to break off and cause damage to valves and other parts – this is extremely unlikely, though.

Look for excess carbon build-up to go a potential issue effectually lxxx,000 to 120,000 miles. Over again, it's not an urgent problem simply the engine may run a lot worse if the carbon deposits are bad plenty.

GM two.4L Ecotec Carbon Build-up Symptoms

Some symptoms of excess carbon build-up on the GM 2.4 Ecotec engine are:

• Misfires
• Rough idle
• Stuttering / hesitation
• Power loss

Every bit carbon build-up on the 2.4L valves it restricts air-flow into the engine. Information technology can also crusade uneven air-menstruation to different cylinders, and then you lot'll showtime to become misfires and a rough idle. You might also notice stuttering or hesitation while accelerating. Finally, power loss occurs merely information technology tin can be very difficult to notice. Carbon deposits form over time meaning power loss is gradual.

Chevy 2.4 Carbon Build-Upwards "Fix"

Kickoff off, there are a few ways to help limit carbon build-upwards. Yous can try various products in the intake tract every oil change and install an oil catch can. However, walnut blasting remains the most effective fashion of getting rid of carbon once its there.

Walnut diggings requires walnut media shells and shop vac. The media shells are cheap, but labor can be pretty expensive at a shop. The intake manifold must come up off to admission the valves, and then the cleaning process takes an 60 minutes or ii. Expect to pay about $400-600 in labor to have the 2.4 Ecotec valves walnut blasted.

four) GM two.4L Engine Oil Leaks

Alright, we'll be fairly quick on this section. Almost all engines are decumbent to oil leaks, and nearly will run into 1 or two over the grade of their lives. Things like valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, principal seals, etc are decumbent to cracking with age and mileage. Oil leaks on the ii.4 Ecotec don't appear to be due to whatsoever major blueprint flaws or problems.

The two.4L Ecotec tin can meet oil leaks at whatsoever point, but information technology's non really mutual until x+ years and 100,000+ miles. As such, we don't really think its fair to chalk information technology up every bit a true problem. It's something to be aware of, though. This is especially truthful for those looking to purchase or own an older, higher mileage two.4L Ecotec GM engine.

Chevy/GM two.iv Oil Leak Ready

Again, look for some mutual areas of oil leaks to include the valve encompass gasket, oil pan gasket, and main seals. These are all very cheap parts for the GM 2.4L engine. Nevertheless, labor on oil leaks tin add up to quite a scrap.

Valve covers are uncomplicated repairs that should simply run $200-400. Yet, main seals and oil pan leaks can add upwardly to a lot in labor. Fortunately, information technology'due south all cheap for the DIY crowd willing to spend an afternoon in the garage.

2.4L Ecotec Reliability

Is the GM 2.4L Ecotec engine reliable? We'll give this engine boilerplate remarks for reliability. It'southward certainly not the most reliable engine out there, but it's also far from the worst. 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox models seem to exist the most susceptible to running into timing chain and high oil consumption problems.

Otherwise, later models are prone to carbon build-up. Withal, it'due south simply a downside to direct injection so we don't consider it a truthful consequence. Oil leaks also probably don't qualify as a true problem on the two.4 Ecotec. It'south mostly age and mileage related rather than any specific pattern flaws.

Some reliability but comes downwardly to how well y'all maintain the 2.four Ecotec, and some luck of the draw. Use loftier quality oils, change fluids on time, and repair issues when they pop upwards. Practice this and chances are yous'll have a good, reliable experience with the ii.4L GM engine.

GM 2.4 Ecotec Engine Problems Summary

Chevy/GM 2.4L Ecotec engines offer a good remainder of performance and efficiency. The power definitely isn't impressive by modern standards, just it'southward enough for smaller vehicles to get from A to B and so some. Regardless, no engine is perfect and that applies to the GM ii.4 Ecotec engine.

Earlier models, especially the Chevy Equinox and Malibu, were prone to some serious flaws with the timing bondage and piston rings. Directly injected models with the 2.iv LAF, LEA, and LUK engines are prone to carbon build-upwardly. It'southward but a trade-off to direct injection, which offers many other benefits. Lastly, as the 2.iv Ecotec engines historic period they're prone to occasional oil leaks – as with just about whatever engine.

2.four Ecotec engines certainly aren't the most reliable engines around, but they're still pretty solid. Maintain the 2.4L engine well and hope you have a bit of luck on your side. These engines can hold up to 200,000+ miles with proper maintenance and a little expert fortune.

What'southward your experience with the GM ii.4L Ecotec? Are you considering one?

Drib a annotate and let us know!

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Source: https://tuningpro.co/the-4-most-common-gm-2-4l-ecotec-engine-problems/