Chevrolet Cruze is a great vehicle, but like all cars, it can have problems. One of the most common issues is turbo failure. In this article we are going to look at why these turbos fail and what are the main symptoms of a damaged turbo on a Chevy Cruze.
The function of a Turbocharger on a Chevrolet Cruze
A turbocharger is a device that is used to increase the amount of air that is drawn into an internal combustion engine.
This extra air allows for more fuel to be burned, which in turn increases the power output of the engine. On a Chevrolet Cruze, a turbocharger is used to boost the performance of the engine, providing additional power and torque when needed.
Why Do Chevy Cruze Turbos Fail?
Turbochargers are an integral part of modern engines. They allow for an increase in power and efficiency, but they also come with their own set of problems. One of these problems is turbo failure.
Chevy Cruze turbos often fail due to a problem with the actuator pin that controls their wastegate.
The wastegate is essentially a valve that regulates the flow of exhaust gases out of the engine compartment into the exhaust system. It’s used to prevent over boosting, which would cause too much pressure in your engine and could result in damage or failure.
Chevy Cruze Turbo Failure Symptoms
Here are the main signs of a bad turbo on a Chevrolet Cruze:
1. Significant Loss of Power:
A sudden and significant loss of power is a sure sign that your turbocharger is failing. This can result in reduced acceleration and difficulty maintaining speed.
2. Lag when accelerating:
A turbocharger is designed to provide boost only when needed, but when the turbo is failing, it will provide less boost. This can result in a lag when accelerating from a stop and can make it feel like you’re driving a car with a very small engine.
3. Exhaust Emmiting Grey Smoke:
Another Symptom of a failing/failed turbo on a chevy cruze is exhaust emitting grey smoke. This can result in a loss of power, but more importantly it is a sign that your turbocharger is failing and should be repaired as soon as possible.
4. Excessive Engine Oil Consumption:
Since a bad turbo won’t be providing the much-needed performance boost, the engine has to work harder to produce enough power. This can result in excessive engine oil consumption, which will require you to fill up your tank more often than usual.
5. Check Engine Light:
The check engine light is your car’s way of telling you that there is a problem with the vehicle. In this case, the light will come on because of a bad turbocharger.
Can You Drive Your Cruze with a Bad Turbo?
If you’re experiencing issues with your turbo on your Chevrolet Cruze, it’s best not to drive it as it can lead to decreased performance, increased fuel consumption, and can cause damage to other engine components.
Therefore, it is best to have your turbo inspected and repaired or replaced if necessary to avoid further damage to the engine and other components.
I wrote an article about the chevy Cruze turbo replacement cost, you can read it here
Thomas is a retired Chevy Auto Technician, Father to two incredible daughters. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help you solve and find reliable information on Chevrolet vehicles.
