How to Replace the Engine Valve Cover in a ‘14 Chevy Cruze or Sonic 1.4
One of the most common failures on the Chevy Cruze and Sonic Ecotec 1.4 liter turbo engine is the valve cover-or cam cover. In my time as an auto tech, I’ve replaced dozens of these valve covers due to a failed PCV valve caused by a poor design. Because changing the valve cover can be expensive, I’m going to show you how to change the valve cover on a Chevy Cruze at home.
Before we do get into the procedure of changing the valve cover though, we want to make sure that’s the problem. In the interest of diagnosis, I’m going to discuss a couple things.
First, I’ll give you some background on why the Chevy Cruze and Sonic valve cover fails. Second, I’ll explain what engine codes to look for when the check engine light comes on. Third, we will talk about some symptoms of a failing PCV valve in the valve cover. And last, I’ll show you how to replace the valve cover and where to buy the parts for your Chevy Cruze or Sonic.
Why does the valve cover go bad on the Chevy Cruze?
Usually I can think of only a couple reasons to change a valve cover. One being that the timing chain broke and put a hole in it. The other being that the cover was damaged in some other way. With the Chevy Cruze and the lovely EcoTec there’s one more very common reason to replace the valve cover.
The PCV or “positive crankcase ventilation” valve fails.
Starting in 2011, Chevrolet came out with a newly designed valve cover on the 1.4 liter EcoTec engine. Instead of using a PCV or positive crankcase ventilation valve, Chevy implemented a built in PCV valve on the top of the valve cover. This new valve cover vented the crankcase through a built in diaphragm similar to a design Volkswagen uses.The Volkswagen PCV system has issues too. It’s a good idea, just executed poorly on the EcoTec.
Unlike the Volkswagen design, GM decided that their version would not be replaceable. When the PCV valve fails- and it will- Chevy Cruze owners are forced to buy a new valve cover in order to get the car to run right, keep the check engine light off, pass inspection or likely all three.
What’s so important about the PCV valve?
Crankcase ventilation removes excessive pressure that builds up from “blow by” or gases that escape the combustion chamber past the piston rings. The origin of the PCV valve can be traced back to the 1960’s for emissions purposes. By recirculating the gases that escape the cylinder, the vehicles engine makes a second attempt at burning them.
So, instead of releasing the blow by and unused combustion gas into the crankcase it gets a second chance. This is beneficial for the environment but also because these combustion gases can damage seals and other internal engine components.
When the PCV system becomes problematic is when the gases are instead released back into the engine. On Chevys 1.4 EcoTec the problem is complicated further due to the turbocharger.
What symptoms to look for when the Chevy Cruze valve cover fails.
Once the disc inside the PCV valve fails and condemns the valve cover on a Chevy Cruze there will be notable symptoms. Ranging from performance issues to warning lights on the dash, your Chevy Cruze will give you hints when the valve cover is going bad.
Symptoms of a failing valve cover on the 1.4 liter Chevy Cruze.
1). Check Engine Light
Often times the first sign your Chevy Cruze needs a valve cover is the Check engine light. Codes that most often present on the 1.4 liter EcoTec are P0171 or related lean codes.
Anything manifold related such as a P0101 may present along with the P0171 and P0174 as a signal that the engine computer has detected a lean condition. Before deciding to replace the valve cover based on codes alone, be sure to smoke the intake and look for exhaust leaks. These are symptoms that can cause lean codes also in a Chevy Cruze.
2.) Rough idle, other engine performance issues.
Due to the nature of how the PCV system works in the Chevy Cruze, engine performance issues may present. Symptoms like rough idle, poor gas mileage and sputtering may be a sign of a failing valve cover.
Because these symptoms on a Cruze may be caused by many issues, a professional diagnosis might be a good idea. Once a trained technician tells you the valve cover is bad, we can get to replacing it at home.
3.) Whistle from the engine bay of your Cruze.
It’s common to hear a whistle coming from the engine of a Cruze with a bad valve cover. Causing the audible whistle is a tear in the diaphragm of the PCV valve that’s pulling vacuum. Although this isn’t the most professional diagnosis, it’s another way to confirm the valve cover is bad on your Chevy Cruze.
4.) Failed State Inspection
In states like New York where I live, vehicles must pass an OBD ready cycle to be inspected. This cycle starts with the check engine light being off, which will be a problem if the valve cover on your Cruze is causing a fault code.
In order to get the car inspected, you must fix the valve cover, shut off the check engine light and get through the readiness monitors.
These are the most common, but other symptoms may present if your valve cover fails.
Once you diagnose a faulty valve cover, it’s time to replace it.
One would be surprised to know that the steps to change a valve cover on the 1.4 EcoTec are not all that complicated. With a few tools and some parts, most serviceable DIY mechanics can perform this repair.
Some basic tools to do the job include screwdrivers, pliers, a pick set, a ratchet with some extensions and an E-torx set. The last thing, inverted torx are the least common but can be purchased on Amazon for $20 a set. I have a Lexivon brand set of E-Torx that does the job well.
Ive actually bought a bunch of Lexivon tools and haven’t been disappointed with the quality. I might do a review here soon.
Here are the steps to replace the valve cover on your Chevy Cruze.
Buy a valve cover for your Chevy Cruze.
Best Bang for your Buck on Chevy Cruze Valve Covers
Before you can actually change the valve cover on your Cruze, you have to buy one. Mainstream auto parts stores sell them for around $120, but you can buy a Chevy Cruze valve cover much cheaper online. Amazon sells them for under $50 and the quality is comparable to Dorman which makes the most common aftermarket.
Remove the faulty valve cover from the Cruze or Sonic
This post actually applies to a couple GM models with the 1.4 liter EcoTec but the Cruze is most common. Other models that use the turbo engine are the Chevy Sonic and Buick Encore. Here are the steps you will take to replace the valve cover on any of the three.
Steps to remove the 1.4 EcoTec valve cover-
1.) Remove the breather/air box.
Removing the breather isn’t a necessary step. The valve cover can be replaced with it installed, but more space to work is helpful and it’s easy to remove.
Step 2.) Remove the ignition coils and connector.
Once the breather tube is out of the way, remove the ignition coils and connector. In the picture above, the cover for the coil pack has ECOTEC stamped on it. Some years are slightly different but they all have a cover over the ignition coil and connector.
The cover just snaps into place, so a gentle pull up will remove it. Underneath the cover there will be a single coil for all four spark plugs. It’s usually held in with a couple T25 torx screws. On the driver side of the engine, there is a connector that needs to be unplugged so the coil pack can be removed.
It’s possible to just swing the coil out of the way, but I would recommend just unplugging it. It may have a white lock on the connector. If so, a pick works well to remove that. I call these GM style connectors and they can be a pain. The one on the Cruzes coil pack is out in the open though, so it’s not hard to remove.
Step 3.) Remove the intake tube on the back of the valve cover.
On the back side of the valve cover on a 1.4 Ecotec there is an intake tube that has to be removed. These tubes can be delicate, so be careful not to break it. The best way to remove it is to squeeze where it meets the valve cover, spin slightly a few times and wiggle the tube out of the valve cover.
If wiggling the tube doesn’t work, you can use a larger screwdriver and gently pull back on it. While doing so, work the tube back and forth with your fingers. It shouldn’t be that hard to take off.
Step 4.) Unplug the VVT solenoids and unclip the harness.
In order to actually remove the valve cover once you have unbolted it in a later step, the VVT solenoids need to be unplugged. The wiring for those and the injectors will prevent the valve cover from coming out of place.
Once you unplug the VVT solenoids, you will have to remove any clips holding the harness on or tight to the valve cover. Usually the clips can be removed by pulling them gently out of place but it may take a little effort. Just be careful not to break any wires. Once you go down that road, you could need some serious resources to fix the problem.
Step 5.) Remove the bolts holding the valve cover on the cylinder head.
If you’re a DIY guy or a novice that probably sounds scary. Removing the bolts that hold the valve cover on a Cruze is not very complicated though.
On most (all?) years, the bolts that hold the valve cover on a 1.4 Ecotec are what we call external torx fasteners. These are six sided “stars” and they will require specific sockets. A six or twelve point socket will not remove these bolts and anything other than E-torx is certain to mess them up.
I recommend removing the bolts the same way I would install them. Start at the corners and work your way back and forth, releasing the torque as evenly as possible until the valve cover can be lifted off.
Be careful at this point.
The bolts should stay in the valve cover when you remove it as long as the inserts are not loose or broken. Still, be careful on removal as you now have an exposed cylinder head. Components inside the cylinder head of an engine do not play well with foreign materials.
Step 6.) Clean up the mating surface between the head and valve cover.
Where the valve cover sits against the cylinder head on a Chevy Cruze, there will be some light carbon and oil residue. As with any mating surface, it’s pertinent that you clean the area well before installing the new valve cover.
I normally use a Roloc disc very lightly but if you don’t have access to air or power tools, sand paper will work. Clean the area between the valve cover and cylinder head gently but thoroughly to prevent any oil leaks upon installation.
Replacing the valve cover might be a pretty easy job, but why do it twice if you don’t have to?
Step 7.) Install the new valve cover on your Chevy Cruze.
Once the damaged valve cover has been replaced, it’s time to install a new one on your Chevy Cruze. If you paid attention during removal, putting on the new valve cover will be a breeze. It’s the same process, just backward.
Be careful though- this engine isn’t built tough.
It’s worth noting that the Chevy EcoTec engine is very poorly built and designed though. For this reason, you need to be gentle with all components of the engine or risk much more expensive repairs.
One thing I have seen more than once is stripped holes in the cylinder hood where the valve cover mounts. The heads are essentially paper thin and the bolts are fine thread. The possibility of cross threading a hole for the valve cover is very real.
Over-tightening is also an issue I have seen. People use power tools to put the valve cover bolts in and break the ear off the cylinder head. Specifically the one in the left front closest to the accessory side of the engine. Take your time and use torque specs on the valve cover bolts.