CEL codes

[suitcasejefferson]

I recently replaced the canister purge valve solenoid on my 2013 Sonic 1.4T. It was making a loud ticking noise and not long before I replaced it the CEL came on and it started running rough, especially at idle in drive. Replacing it stopped the loud ticking sound, and the engine no longer runs rough. I never got around to checking the codes. The CEL stayed on after I replaced the purge valve. So I had it checked at Autozone. They got a code P0171 system too lean, and P1101, intake air flow system performance. They diagnosed it as faulty fuel injectors. Before I replace the injectors, has anyone else had these codes show up, and if so, what was the problem? Thanks

 

[Maddmatts]

P0171 is pretty commonly seen when a vacuum leak occurs so recheck the purge valve's connection to the intake manifold. I think it's sealed with an o-ring?

 

[suitcasejefferson]

Ok, I disconnected the purge valve at the orange clip, and plugged the end that connects to the intake manifold with a vacuum cap. It took a lot longer for the CEL to come on, but it finally did, after over 200 miles and 10 or so stops and starts. I'm going to remove the entire valve and plug the connection on the intake manifold to see what happens. If the CEL still comes on, there is something else wrong besides that valve.

I had heard that there was an 0-ring seal at the connection secured by the orange clip, and that it was sometimes hard to get apart. Mine came apart easily, and I couldn't find any 0-ring. The fact that capping the purge valve made it take a longer for the CEL to come on would seem to indicate that a vacuum leak at that connection was at least part of the problem.

 

[JTee2017]

Get some poster board tack putty and apply liberally around the connection you think the o ring has failed or disappeared. See if the CEL comes back. This poster board tack is great for all sorts of temporary sticking and sealing. In my tool box always. Ever drops a nut or bolt somewhere where you can't reach but see it? Put some of this on a tool or dowel rod and retrieve it. Lots more jobs for it too.
Knead or "work" the putty some before applying especially if it is cold.

https://www.staples.com/sticky+tack/directory_sticky+tack

https://www.amazon.com/Elmers-Tac-Stik-Reusable-Adhesive/dp/B001CEMCXQ

 

[suitcasejefferson]

Where is this 0-ring supposed to be exactly? I am assuming it is supposed to seal the end of the valve where the orange and blue clips are. There is no seal there at all. The tube from the valve just slips inside the other tube, and the orange clip holds it in place. There is a flange on the valve tube where the orange plastic clip holds the two tubes together. It looks like maybe the 0-ring should go up against that. But the tube from the valve has been removed at the orange clip and completely capped off, and still the CEL comes on.

Is there supposed to be vacuum at that little vent at the front of the round thing just above the oil filler cap. I'm assuming this is the crankcase vent. But it is very difficult to get information on this engine. I have access to the Haynes manual for the first gen Cruze, which includes some information in the 1.4T, but not much in the way of troubleshooting CEL codes. All I know for sure is the P0171 code indicates a lean condition.

I had various hoses off when I replaced the water pump, thermostat, and water outlet assembly, including the ones from the air box to the turbo, and from the turbo to the throttle body. I rechecked everything, but can't find a problem. It was several thousand miles after I replaced those parts till the CEL came on.

 

[JTee2017]

The o-ring on the connector would be inside the connector and usually fits into a groove inside to hold it in place. You would have to look inside the connector (use an LED flashlight) to see the o-ring. Maybe it slipped out of place ot got nicked when taking it off/on?

 

[suitcasejefferson]

I reconnected the valve and sealed the connection with putty. I'm sure it is air tight. I disconnected the battery to erase the codes, then restarted it. after 3 starts, the CEL came back on. I'm beginning to believe it has nothing to do with the purge valve. Which end of the valve assembly is the O-ring supposed to be on? The end that connects to the intake manifold or the end that connects to the line going to the canister where the orange clip is. The end where the orange clip is as where I sealed the joint with putty.