The Chevy Equinox is a popular crossover SUV among car owners for its sleek design, spacious interior, and fuel efficiency. However, if you are a Chevy Equinox owner, you may have come across the issue of burning oil.
This article will provide you with all the necessary information about this common problem and how to address it.
Why does my Chevy Equinox burn so much oil?
The burning of oil in a car’s engine is a common issue that can be caused by various factors. In the case of Chevy Equinox, the most common cause for excessive oil consumption is due to piston ring wear. This occurs when there is too much space between the piston rings and cylinder walls, allowing oil to pass through and burn along with fuel during combustion.
Another possible reason for burning oil is as below:
- Piston ring wear
- Faulty PCV Valve
- Worn Valve Seals
- Leaking Gaskets
- Oil Pan Damage
- Engine Overheating
Piston ring wear
Piston ring wear in the Chevy Equinox is a common issue that occurs over time with regular use.
This can be caused by factors such as poor maintenance, dirty engine oil, or high mileage.
As the piston rings wear down, they allow more oil to pass through and burn during combustion, leading to excessive oil consumption.
Piston rings are small metal rings that fit around the pistons inside the engine of a Chevy Equinox. They create a seal between the piston and cylinder walls to prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber.
There are typically three to four rings per piston, located near the top, middle, and bottom of the piston.
Symptom/sign: One of the main symptoms of piston ring wear is excessive oil consumption. This can be noticed by checking the oil level on the dipstick.
Another sign of piston ring wear is increased exhaust smoke, which may appear bluish-grey in color due to the burning oil.
Additionally, a decrease in engine performance and a noticeable drop in fuel efficiency may also be experienced. If left unaddressed, piston ring wear can lead to more serious engine damage and costly repairs.
Self-inspection: If you suspect piston ring wear in your Chevy Equinox, there are a few things you can check before taking it to a technician.
First, check the oil level and condition. If the oil is low or dirty, it may be a sign of excessive oil consumption.
Next, inspect the exhaust for any smoke or unusual smells. Excessive smoke or a burning smell could indicate that oil is being burned during combustion.
Lastly, pay attention to any changes in engine performance or fuel efficiency. If you notice a decrease in either, it could be a symptom of piston ring wear.
In some cases, a check engine light may illuminate and display an error code related to piston ring wear. This is because the faulty rings can affect the air-fuel ratio in the engine, causing it to run rich.
As a result, the oxygen sensors may detect too much fuel in the exhaust and trigger an error code. If you experience any of these symptoms or see a check engine light with an error code, it is essential to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage.
Some potential error codes related to piston ring wear include:
- P0300: Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- P0171: System Too Lean (Bank 1)
- P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
Solutions: While self-inspection can give you an idea of potential issues, the most accurate way to diagnose piston ring wear is through a professional inspection by a certified technician.
During this inspection, the technician will perform a compression test to measure the pressure in each cylinder. If there is a significant difference in pressure between cylinders, it could indicate piston ring wear.
Additionally, they may also check for any signs of oil leakage or deposits on the spark plugs which can also be indicators of piston ring wear.
Faulty PCV Valve
A faulty Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can also contribute to excessive oil consumption and ultimately, piston ring wear. This valve is responsible for removing excess gases from the engine’s crankcase and returning them to the combustion chamber.
The PCV valve is a small, one-way valve located in the engine’s crankcase ventilation system. It is typically attached to the valve cover and connected to the intake manifold.
When functioning correctly, the PCV valve helps regulate the pressure inside the engine and prevents excessive oil from being sucked into the combustion chamber.
However, if the valve becomes clogged or fails, it can cause a buildup of pressure in the engine, leading to oil leaks and increased oil consumption. This, in turn, can contribute to piston ring wear.
Reasons: One of the main reasons for a faulty PCV valve is simply wear and tear over time. As with any mechanical component, the valve can become worn or stuck due to regular use.
Exposure to excessive heat and oil vapors can also cause the valve to deteriorate, resulting in decreased performance.
Symptom/sign: Some common symptoms of a faulty PCV valve include excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust, and a misfiring engine.
Self-Inspect: If you suspect that your PCV valve may be faulty, there are a few simple steps you can take to self-inspect before bringing your vehicle to a technician.
Firstly, locate the PCV valve in your engine. This information can typically be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or by doing a quick online search with your specific make and model.
Once located, remove the valve from the engine and shake it. If you hear a rattling noise, this is a good sign that the valve is functioning correctly.
Next, inspect the valve for any cracks or damage. If you notice any issues, it’s best to replace the valve to prevent further damage to your engine.
Error code: Some common error codes related to a faulty PCV valve on a Chevy Equinox include
- P0171 (fuel system too lean)
- P0506 (idle control system RPM lower than expected)
- P0522 (engine oil pressure sensor circuit low voltage)
Basic troubleshoot: If you have received one or more of these error codes, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. Some basic troubleshooting steps that may solve the issue without having to meet a technician include checking and replacing any damaged or cracked hoses connected to the PCV valve, ensuring proper oil levels, and cleaning or replacing the valve itself.
Solutions: Depending on the severity of the issue, there are a few different solutions that may help fix a faulty PCV valve on a Chevy Equinox.
In some cases, simply cleaning or replacing the valve may solve the problem. However, if there is significant damage to other engine components due to the faulty valve, it may be necessary to also replace those parts.
If you are experiencing frequent oil burning and suspect a faulty PCV valve, it’s best to consult a mechanic for a thorough diagnosis and appropriate solution. They may recommend an engine rebuild or replacement if the issue has caused significant damage.
Worn Valve Seals
Another possible cause of oil burning in a Chevy Equinox is worn valve seals. These are responsible for sealing the openings between the valves and the engine block, preventing oil from leaking into the combustion chamber.
If these seals become damaged or worn out, they can allow oil to leak into the combustion chamber and be burned off.
Reasons: Some possible reasons for worn valve seals in a Chevy Equinox include age and wear over time, poor maintenance and neglect of regular oil changes, or exposure to extreme temperatures.
In some cases, faulty manufacturing may also contribute to premature wear on these seals.
Symptom/sign: Some signs that your valve seals may be worn include excessive oil consumption, blue smoke coming from the exhaust, and decreased engine performance.
Self-inspect: If you suspect that worn valve seals may be causing oil burning in your Chevy Equinox, you can perform a quick self-inspection before taking it to a technician.
This includes checking for any blue smoke coming from the exhaust and monitoring oil levels and consumption over time.
Error code: An error code related to worn valve seals in a Chevy Equinox may be the P0304 code, which indicates a misfire in cylinder 4. This can be caused by oil leaking into the combustion chamber due to worn valve seals.
Other potential error codes may include P0300 (random/multiple cylinder misfire) or P0301-P0306 (specific cylinder misfires).
Basic troubleshoot: If you suspect worn valve seals as the cause of your oil burning issue, a simple way to test is by performing a compression test on the cylinders. This will determine if there is excessive leakage between the valves and the engine block.
Solutions: There are a few solutions that can be done to fix the issue of worn valve seals in a Chevy Equinox. The most common solution is to replace the worn valve seals with new ones. This can be done by a trained technician and is typically a more expensive option.
Another solution is to use an oil additive designed specifically for older engines with increased wear and tear, such as those with worn valve seals. These additives can help to reduce oil consumption and prevent further damage to the engine.
Leaking Gaskets
Another common cause of oil burning in a Chevy Equinox is leaking gaskets, specifically the valve cover gasket. This gasket is responsible for sealing the gap between the valve cover and the engine block to prevent oil from leaking out.
When this gasket becomes worn or damaged, it can lead to oil leaks and ultimately oil burning.
Reasons: One of the reasons for gaskets wearing out is age and use. Over time, gaskets can become brittle and lose their ability to seal properly, leading to leaks. Extreme temperature changes can also cause gaskets to wear out faster.
Symptom/sign: If you notice oil leaks around the valve cover or smell burning oil when driving, it may be a sign of a leaking gasket. You may also see visible oil pooling under your car.
Self-inspect: Before bringing your Chevy Equinox to a technician, you can perform some self-inspection to determine if there is a gasket leak. Check the valve cover for any visible signs of oil leaks or damage. You can also check the oil level and see if it has significantly decreased in a short amount of time.
Error Code: The most common code associated with the Leaking Gaskets issue is P0521, which indicates a problem with the engine oil pressure sensor. This sensor monitors the engine’s oil pressure and can signal a potential issue with gasket leaks if it detects a pressure drop.
Solutions: Replacing a gasket is a relatively simple fix that a qualified technician can do. They will inspect the gasket and determine if it needs to be replaced entirely or just resealed. In most cases, this repair can be done within a day, and your car will be back on the road in no time.
Oil Pan Damage
Another potential cause of oil burning in Chevy Equinox is damage to the oil pan. The oil pan is located at the bottom of the engine and holds the engine’s oil when it is not circulating through the system.
Reasons: If you drive over a pothole or hit an object on the road, it can cause damage to your car’s undercarriage, including the oil pan. This damage can lead to cracks or holes in the pan, which can result in oil leaks and ultimately burning. Additionally, the gasket between the oil pan and engine block can also become damaged over time, leading to leaks.
Symptoms/sign: Aside from the obvious burning oil smell and visible oil pooling under your car, you may also notice an oil light on your dashboard or a low oil level warning. These are signs of a potential issue with the oil pan. You may also experience engine misfires or decreased performance if the oil level becomes too low.
Self-inspect: If you suspect your Chevy Equinox is burning oil due to a damaged oil pan, you can do a quick self-inspection before taking it to a technician.
Look under your car for any visible signs of damage or leaks.
You can also check the oil level and condition using the dipstick. If you notice low levels or dark, sludgy oil, it may be an indication of an issue with the oil pan.
Error code: If you have experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to also check for any error codes related to the oil pan in your Chevy Equinox.
Some common error codes associated with oil pan damage include P0014, P0016, and P0021.
Basic Troubleshooting: If you are experiencing issues with your oil pan, there are a few steps you can take before bringing it to a technician.
First, try changing the engine oil and filter to see if that improves the performance of your Equinox. Make sure to use the recommended oil for your specific model.
You can also try using a quality oil additive or stop leak product, which may help seal any small cracks or leaks in the oil pan.
Lastly, make sure to regularly check and replace your oil pan gasket to prevent any issues with your oil pan.
Solutions: If you have determined that your Chevy Equinox is burning oil due to a damaged oil pan, several solutions can help fix the issue.
One option is to replace the entire oil pan with a new one. This may be necessary if the damage is extensive and cannot be fixed with simple repairs.
Another solution is to repair the existing oil pan by welding any cracks or holes and then resealing it properly. This can save time and money compared to a complete replacement.
Additionally, using high-quality engine oils and additives designed to prevent leaks can also help resolve the issue of burning oil in your Chevy Equinox.
Engine Overheating
In some cases, burning oil in a Chevy Equinox can lead to engine overheating. This occurs when there is not enough oil to properly lubricate the engine, causing it to overheat and potentially cause serious damage.
Symptom/sign: One sign that your engine may be overheating is if you notice smoke coming from the hood of your Equinox. This could be a result of oil burning and causing friction, leading to excess heat.
Self-inspect: Before taking your Equinox to a technician, you can perform a self-inspection to see if there are any visible signs of damage or leaks in the oil pan.
First, park your car on level ground and wait until the engine has cooled down. Then, use a flashlight to inspect the underside of the vehicle and look for any visible cracks or holes in the oil pan. Additionally, check for any signs of oil leaking from the gasket or drain plug.
If your Equinox is experiencing engine overheating due to burning oil, you may also see an error code related to the issue.
Error code: Some common error codes that may appear in this situation include P0172 (System Too Rich Bank 1) and P0174 (System Too Lean Bank 2). These codes indicate that the air/fuel mixture is not balanced, which can be a result of burning oil in the engine.
Solutions: If you notice that your Chevy Equinox is burning oil and experiencing engine overheating, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible.
The first step would be to have a mechanic inspect the vehicle and determine the root cause of the problem. If the issue is related to burning oil, they may recommend using a higher quality engine oil or adding additives specifically designed to prevent leaks.
In more severe cases, the technician may need to replace gaskets or seals in order to resolve the issue and prevent further damage to your engine.
FAQs
Chevy Equinox burning oil lawsuit
Aside from the inconvenience and potential damage to your vehicle, burning oil in your Chevy Equinox may also have legal implications.
In recent years, there have been numerous lawsuits against General Motors (GM), the parent company of Chevrolet, regarding excessive oil consumption in various models including the Equinox.
If you believe that your Equinox is experiencing burning oil due to a defect or design flaw, it may be worth consulting with a lawyer to explore your options for seeking compensation.
This could potentially include reimbursement for repair costs and/or compensation for the decreased value of your vehicle.
Does Chevy Equinox have oil problems?
Oil consumption issues have been reported in certain model years of the Chevy Equinox, particularly those with the 2.4L engine. This issue may be more prevalent in high mileage vehicles or those that are not regularly maintained.
It’s important to regularly check your oil levels and address any signs of excessive burning or leaks to prevent further damage.
The Chevy Equinox model years most commonly reported to have issues with burning oil are 2010-2013. However, this issue has also been reported in certain newer models as well.
If you own a Chevy Equinox from one of these model years and are experiencing burning oil, it’s important to address the issue promptly to prevent any potential damage to your engine.
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