Recived a letter from GM Chevrolet

[sdpapet]

Hi, I received a letter from Chevrolet. It says "my car (2013 LT sonic 1.8L) may have a condition where a P0171 Fuel System Lean or P0101 Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Performance diagnostic trouble code may set as a results of a cracked air cleaner outlet duct".

It also says "Do not take your vehicle to your Chevrolet dealer as a result of this letter unless you believe that your vehicle has the condition as described above."

To be honest, I know nothing about car. I even don't understand what it says. Does this mean my air cleaner outlet duct can be cracked because some kind of design problems (it says they will repair free). I don't have the knowledge to make a judgement about my car has the condition or not? Should I take it to dealer?

Or anyone can tell me how to check if my car is affected or not?

Thanks.

 

[Maddmatts]

Check out these threads:
http://www.sonicownersforum.com/for...0171-1-8l-cracked-intake-addressed-chevy.html

http://www.sonicownersforum.com/for...7-pic-air-intake-cracked-will-happen-you.html

 

[sdpapet]

Check out these threads:
http://www.sonicownersforum.com/for...0171-1-8l-cracked-intake-addressed-chevy.html

http://www.sonicownersforum.com/for...7-pic-air-intake-cracked-will-happen-you.html

Hey, thanks. I saw the pictures, but I don't know where this pipe at. I need to know where I can find it, so I can check it.

 

[Maddmatts]

It'll be on the passenger side of the car in the engine bay towards the firewall. There will be a large, rounded box (contains the engine air filter) and the pipe in question will be the largest thing attached to it. The pipe turns downwards and to the back of the engine.

 

[sdpapet]

It'll be on the passenger side of the car in the engine bay towards the firewall. There will be a large, rounded box (contains the engine air filter) and the pipe in question will be the largest thing attached to it. The pipe turns downwards and to the back of the engine.

Hi, I found the pipe, but a lots of dust and grease covers the pipe, so I couldn't tell if there is a small crack on the pipe. Should I go to the service center and ask them to replace this pipe, just in case it breaks in future? They should fix it for free, right?

 

[Maddmatts]

Note the underlined paragraph on the letter (I'm assuming yours is the same as in the first link I gave). You're not supposed to bring your car in unless you're pretty sure you have the problem described. It doesn't sound like they'll replace it pre-emptively.

Chances are good that you will see the "check engine" light turn on when the codes described in the letter are active.

 

[franl24fan]

Check engine light on

Note the underlined paragraph on the letter (I'm assuming yours is the same as in the first link I gave). You're not supposed to bring your car in unless you're pretty sure you have the problem described. It doesn't sound like they'll replace it pre-emptively.

Chances are good that you will see the "check engine" light turn on when the codes described in the letter are active.

My light came on yesterday, made appointment with dealer.

I have to drive car about 50 miles locally before I can get to dealer. Is it OK to do this , will car die on me?? Stressful to see the warning light on.

 

[Maddmatts]

If the light is on for this problem, it should be ok to drive for the short-term. The leak will potentially affect air/fuel mixtures so maybe avoid high-to-full throttle until it's fixed.