CHEVY CRUZE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT P2097 P0420 & P0324 DIAGNOSIS

In today's video we take a look at a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze with a 1.4l 4 cylinder turbo engine. The vehicle has a check engine light illuminated and has codes P0324, P0420 and P2097 stored in the engine computer. Follow along as I take you through my thought process, so that we can diagnose this car together.
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Advanced Level Auto, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Advanced Level Auto assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Advanced Level Auto recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Advanced Level Auto, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Advanced Level Auto.

[@justsumguy2u]

That's some solid diagnostic work. An exhaust leak can absolutely affect fuel trim, because the O2 sensor is picking up unmetered air. It could also be the reason the new converter failed so soon

[@jonk6137]

Damn bro you are an automotive genius I wish I lived close

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Thank you!

[@EastCoastScott]

Eric!! Great to see ya bud, hope you and the family have a great year and stay safe. Don't worry about youtube, whenever your ready to make a video if ever, there's always someone here ready to watch it.

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Thanks 👍Happy New Year!

[@nuklhed6]

Learned two new terms today to add to my automotive terminology . Blip a throttle Jangly tensioner Great video as always Eric thanks

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Very scientific terms lol

[@mariotavizon2464]

A quick thing I do is have the engine running at idle and with my hand block the tail piper for a second while I look at the scanner if the o2 sensor responds then I know for a fact the leak is affecting the sensor reading. Good video I been following you and have learned a lot from your videos

[@rrmech11]

Excellent Explanation. Reminded me of my Indiana Emissions State Certification Course. Along with my ASE L1. Great job 👍👍. I see about 1 Cruze a week for lean codes due to the built in pcv valve in the valve cover.

[@eduardotejeda]

Good to see you back.

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Thanks!

[@ErikTheVikingMechanic]

Hey Eric nice to see you back. :) I hope you had a nice break. I'm looking forward to your next video. Keep it up

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Thanks! Will do!

[@blankpanic]

I ran into the same issue on a 2016 Buick Encore. We Changed the turbo assembly because the catalytic converter was filled with oil from bad seals so the turbo/manifold was changed (wastegate sealing area was also cracked inside the manifold, also codes for turbo pressure issues) and the catalytic converter was also changed along with all gaskets.This came from the chevy dealership who said they changed the catalytic converter and left the original turbo in place causing the new catalytic converter to get filled with oil. After the repair we test drove the vehicle and the p0420 code came up. When we looked at the 02's they looked fine and then randomly while driving the rear 02 would show what yours was showing in the video we assumed bad o2's and changed both with o.e parts unfortunately that did not fix the issue even though it was a brand new catalytic converter and 02's. We check pin fitment, wiring resistance, you name it and we were unable to fix the issue the only other thing that came to mind was a bad ecu. Im very interested to see the end result on this one.

[@simonparkinson1053]

Hi Eric, the Autel was more correct with the description of this code, post cat fuel trim high limit - it's added as much fuel as it can to try and get a response from the flatlined lean downstream. And with the chattering tensioner, remove the serpentine belt and *quickly* twist the alternator pulley back and forth repeatedly to check the one-way clutch is working. (I'm assuming it has one due to the black cap) The armature of the alternator should only spin one way even though you are rotating the pulley both ways. We see this fault a lot on diesels in the UK (usually they come to me with a new belt and tensioner but still chattering) but clutch pulleys are becoming more common where dual mass flywheels are fitted to petrol engines too.

[@engeneer_ru5827]

What are the benefits of using a one-way clutch?

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Thanks for the tips!

[@simonparkinson1053]

@@engeneer_ru5827 the alternator has a high rotating mass. When an engine has a dual mass flywheel, the forces exerted on the whole drivetrain are lower than they would be with a solid flywheel. It makes for a smoother drive and less wear on the drivetrain as a whole. However, because a large proportion of the flywheel's mass is decoupled from the crankshaft, the crankshaft's rotational speed will have a much larger change during each revolution. And because the alternator is a large rotating mass (almost a flywheel in itself), it wants to stay rotating at a constant speed. But because the crankshaft's speed is constantly changing, the belt will become cyclically slack and tight between the two pulleys. Having the one way clutch pulley allows the alternator to continue rotating at its own speed during the slowdown of the crankshaft. You can see this sometimes as you stop the engine, the armature of the alternator will continue to rotate a few turns.

[@engeneer_ru5827]

@@simonparkinson1053 thank you very much Simon!

[@KevinCar-jx1jw]

I recently found your channel an glad I did.u are one of the best at explaining things an wiring diagrams I've found on KZbin you are a natural teacher u have helped me out a lot.i hope to see more new videos but until then I'll keep watching your older ones..Really appreciate your time u take making videos.

[@bartscave]

Another great video Eric. I hope you’re doing well.

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Thanks! You too!

[@duyvo2953]

Thanks so much for the video! Appreciate you worked on the video along with your diagnosis mindset!

[@jgeorges3061]

ERIC, you are AWESOME been long time always enjoyable to learn from the master.

[@W.Khairi]

A few observations: 1- I wish u drove the car and observed O2S2 response at cruising speed. 2- Why would the CAT be replaced at 14K miles.....(the one before this one) 3- I think none of these codes can cause a hesitation at initial pickup, which I thought would be caused by a dirty throttle body, But I guess that would be too obvious for u to miss.

[@crosslofttipplerspigeons8227]

Great video. I wish you just used a thermometer to check temperature before and after the catalytic converter.

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Great suggestion!

[@Krispy1011]

Excellent vid - thx

[@briceb4826]

Daaaaaamn throwing your brother under the bus like that 😂

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Good diagnostics! Keep up the good work.

[@spelunkerd]

Great to have you back, Eric!

[@DIYDaveOK]

Good to see you again!

[@PistonShack]

Thanks again Eric for clear and detailed explanations. I came up here from part #2 video)

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Awesome, thank you!

[@mohammadsattarzada707]

Thank you so much . Your video is very good and you are awesome bro.

[@tinkerwest]

Absolutely on some cars the downstream sensor affects the fuel trims, one example is the 2004 Nissan Quest....🤯 Also, I came across a 2004 Sentra (4cyl) that had a bad Cat (rotten egg smell, no cat codes) causing "misfire" codes, go figure!!😖

[@bobbymiller8563]

I have a 2014 Chevy Cruze with 1.4L engine it has 180,000 mile. I have been getting a P0420 code. I would go away and come back. I fixed it just by disconnecting the Negative side on the battery 1st. Now find the computer it’s on the side where the battery is. It’s has 3 connectors on it. I disconnected all 3 connectors and cleaned each side male and female connector with CRC 05103 QD Electronic Cleaner. Let it dry 15 minutes. I plugged all 3 back in. I installed negative battery cable. I started and drove the car 50 miles. It never came back.

[@bird2can348]

Glad everything is good wit u Nd nice to see u back man.

[@GeneG-wk2mz]

Yes thanks fir the knowledge and let us know I got to get a scanner like that 💪🏿

[@luisbaez88]

Good video welcome back we haven't see you since last year. The cat for sure looks bad. But GM in that model year is looking for the ability of the cat to stored oxigen. The criteria to check for cat, one of the parameters car most be in gear and speed less then 1.24 mph. GM not longer is comparing front again rear O2 sensors. Keith Perkins from L1 Diagnostics have a class where he explain in deep details this strategies. I calling them new because I used to think that way across every single car brand till I was reading set criteria for p0420 in a 2015 chevrolet malibu.

[@W.Khairi]

I can confirm on what u r saying, On kia/Hyundai cars the CAT monitor is not run till the car is at cruising speed +50 KM, At start up u can only see bias voltage on rear o2 ...like 0.45v, take it for a spin u start to see actual o2 voltage ( hopefully straight line 0.6 - 0.7v )and it will remain On even if u stop the car and will not shut the CAT monitor till u shut the car.

[@Usmanthemecano]

He's back y'all!!

[@albertogarcia2809]

Ok guy im back, right on the money, software update and problem Solve For 2013 Chevy Malibú 2.5 liter, with the p2097 code ISSUE.

[@kingsleycollins6730]

Hey Eric, hope you good? You been offline more than expected Hope all is well with you man??

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

I've been ok. Just needed a break. Thanks for asking! I hope all is well with you!

[@kingsleycollins6730]

@@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO yes am fine. Take care man,...I always enjoy ur clips

[@PhillyDee215]

I had this same issue on a car the other day, cool vid👍

[@glowysinger928]

Chevy Sonic got same exact ISSUES. JUNK CARS! Thanks for your hard/dedicated work

[@chekelley6861]

The downstream sensor should not be switching at all. It should be mostly flat line rich.

[@engeneer_ru5827]

Fair for idle!

[@johnmorrow1628]

I thought the downstream o2 on a working cat is suppose to be flat lined around 700mV??

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

There is usually some movement, but it is very gradual and slow. Especially while driving. This one was flat lined near the 0v.

[@charlesbarkwell7693]

The Rear Oxygen Sensor should not be looking the same as the Front Oxygen Sensor - - when it does it indicates the CAT is No Good. When the Rear Sensor Voltage is within 70 % of Front Oxygen Sensor , a P0420 Code will be set...Also the Part #'s for Both Sensors should be different , thus that's why over 90 % of time - Todays "Sensors" should be purchased from the Dealerships Part Department. Ex - Smog Repair Tech. Southern California ( 90802 )

[@GeorgeMalonedj]

Glad you are back! Been waiting for a video!

[@roxanneabbott8424]

Missed you Eric, great video!!!

[@omar15964]

I have a colorado and the sensors in the exhaust pipe before catalytic convertor were making my engine light come and play up with the fuel supply. replaced both sensors then no more problem. The actual sensors themselves giveup.

[@JohnSRosamond]

Did your brother get a used Cat? Seems odd that even with an exhaust leak that the cat would go bad so quickly.

[@fire7765]

Another great video Eric

[@moumenahmed4500]

Special thanks from morocco ( north africa - south spain) I shared ur channel with my friends , but please try to talking not too fast ( just play with 85% of ur talking speed) Thank you ❤️

[@IAMNOSLEEP]

Thanks for sharing Eric... Cheers.

[@johnl3230]

Glad this isn't your car lol... Surprised it's made it 160k miles. Great video man!

[@baronvongrimm4780]

Good vid

[@steevo630]

Just a thought Eric you probably could have looked at freeze frame data to see what the o2 was reading when the code set might have given you a clue as to why it was a rich code. Good video bro! When i saw what car it was then it looked like a vacuum leak i was thinking valve cover lol.

[@cruzmgt]

Welcome back GRAND MASTER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[@felixdelahoz1658]

hello, thanks the video,,but i have a questions, at the beginning of the video you that your just replace the catalytic converter, those the mean that cat, is no good.

[@mshylton9503]

Hi Eric, Thank you for your videos I’ve learned a lot! I wondered if you ever were able to find out what was causing the issues with the Chevy Cruze?

[@Antimatter050]

Have the same issue with the same car. Had it check multiple times and replaced the catalytic converter and light is still on. Couldn't pass emissions tests for the third time. I am going to just take it back to the dealership and get a new car elsewhere.

[@francisdsa6790]

Very Good diagnosed appreciate your work.God bless you.💐🔧🕺

[@mikecont9742]

Great video.

[@stealthg35infiniti94]

Missed your videos...Glad your back...Some of the Ebay Catalytic Converters don't play well with cars...BTW, Did I miss the update on the flooded nightmare Lexus?

[@wallacegardner5090]

A+ good job more bolts and nuts

[@flyingmerkel54]

Hey bud where ya been, good to see a video

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Thanks for sharing Eric.correct me if I’m wrong but I was under the impression that the rear O2 sensor was was supposed to read relatively low and steady? Please correct me of I’m incorrect. Hope all is well and stay safe. Artie 😊

[@simonparkinson1053]

High and steady, 700mv or so. Why? Because the oxygen that's left over in the exhaust undergoes a reaction in the cat, CO becomes CO2, HCs become H2O and CO2, NOx become N and their O2 is also used up in formation of CO2. So, oxygen sensor reads rich, as after all those reactions there's less oxygen in the exhaust! When does it go lean? Follows upstream when cat isn't up to temperature. During normal running will usually drop lean during decel fuel cut. A measure of the time it takes to drop lean is a good measure of catalyst efficiency by oxygen storage capacity. A good OEM cat takes 3 seconds or so to drop lean once the throttle is released after being held at 4000rpm for 10 seconds. Any quicker, the cat is getting worn out.

[@arthurfricchione8119]

@@simonparkinson1053 thanks for the reply. Much appreciated 😊

[@themechanic6117]

I know someone with the same car. she got the p0420 code and after spending over $1k at a shop the p0420 came back , next time the shop changed both oxygen sensors , and the code came back. next time they said she had an exhaust leak so they fixed it ...but the code came back. next time they changed the convertor again and the code came back. eventually the owner got a full refund, its clear that those cheap convertors just wont cut it for that car. Bite the bullet and buy a oem convertor.

[@spelunkerd]

I wonder if there is a crop of counterfeit converters out there. Unscrupulous manufacturers.

[@johnt4962]

I watched a case study you videoed last year where you used the ThinkDiag you liked the tool in the video and recommend buying the tool... I haven't noticed you using the tool in any other videos since...I bought the tool and updates for two years my other two scanners are the Zeus and Solus Just wondering your opinion of the tool since you've used more...

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

I really like the ThinkDiag. Especially for the price! But I use my phone to film my videos, so it's hard for me to show this tool at work.

[@johnt4962]

@@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO I have the iPad pro 12.9 and the iPhone .... plus I'm not a KZbin SuperTech Super Star😉 lol

[@DIYDaveOK]

Hey I have the ThinkDiag Eric offered on that video and it is super. I actually installed it onto an Android Tablet (had to load the software APK separately) and with WiFi near I have a poor-man's "tablet style" scan tool! Works great. I guess I could do a video on how to set that up!!

[@a1automotivelearn208]

Good job Eric bro happy new year I wish you this year make consern vidio

[@weldingjunkie]

Great Video brother, thanks for sharing happy New Years... Jay

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Happy new year!

[@albertogarcia2809]

P2097 code found the exaust leak AND remplase the o2 sensor AND the same code came back, Whta do you think? I'm about yo do a PCM software upgrade, SEE if That fixes this ISSUE! Keep you guys update.

[@tylerwightman2315]

You seem like a smart tech with a well thought out diag. strategy. This coming from a fellow tech of 17 Yrs~ I work on cars all day and you would think I would want nothing to do with them after hours but somehow found myself over to your video and enjoyed it. I like your thought process and strategy. Good work. I like your autel maxisys too. Own one as well and it's been great!

[@makaveli801]

Replaced the imrc actuator with arm still have the p2076

[@cristi9944]

A very good video however you should make more videos.

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

I'm working on it. Thanks for watching!

[@moulaysaidien1907]

we're waiting ...

[@laithfahimalhamadani6296]

Thank you for the video. Do you have the wiring diagram of downstream sensor to the ECM please? because I might have a short in somewhere because I have upstream sensor readings is higher than the upstream one.

[@alejandracazarez9905]

I need help with my Cruze!!

[@martinarrieta248]

Grasias

[@garytattan]

Probably will need a factory catalytic converter. After market parts often don’t hold up.

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

My thoughts exactly!

[@neilmurphy845]

Ya as they say buy cheap buy twice

[@thetoolsonyoutube56]

Can u put in the description all the tools u used and a link to buy them from

[@leannecomerford8261]

Hi there. I have a 2014 cruze turbo deisel with the engine light on. I just had the car completely looked over and serviced last month, so not sure what's going on.

[@jcmobilediagnostics8611]

GM vehicles do not like anything other that OEM Cats.

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

I'm thinking the same.

[@neilmurphy845]

Toyota's are the same.

[@DIYDaveOK]

I had an aftermarket cat in my 04 Lesabre for the last several years I owned it with no problem. Fortunately, I live in a state that doesn't mandate OEM/CARB-certified replacements.

[@FromthaRoots4]

I have a 2015 Chevy Impala with a 2.5 l engine With the code p2097. I'm using a Bluetooth diagnostic car scanner on the oxygen sensor 2 bank 1 short term fuel trim no matter the changes on the other variables this one continues to say N/A% is that normal

[@mattcriswell3312]

Do you have an update on this yet? I’m fighting the same code replaced the cat and both 02 sensors, no exhaust leaks, I’m at a loss here

[@pl5882]

Nice to see you again. Do you plan on posting your videos on another platform like bitchute? Thanks!

[@johnjohannemann1220]

I too have been burned by aftermarket converters. They just are not worth the effort or risk.

[@SourDoegh]

I had a similar issue with my 2015 Chevy Cruze LT (1.4 Turbo). I just replaced my converter 2 weeks ago and passed my emissions test about 4 days after than. My car was idling and accelerating rough before replacing it, but has been better since. I’ve put about 500 miles on my car since then (mostly highway). Fast forward to today, my check engine light came back on, reading P0420. I just cleared the code, and if it comes back I’m gonna replace the O2 sensor. What are your thoughts on the Cruze? In my opinion, and from what I’ve read from others, it’s a poor quality car on Chevy’s part.

[@evansdarien5125]

Yeah im starting to hate this car

[@hectorhernandez9330]

Which catalityc did you buy? OEM or aftermarket

[@jugubantan7740]

Hay man it's been a while hope all is well

[@albertogarcia2809]

What up brother, just having a similar problem with a 13 Malibú 2.5

[@daprishayoung3093]

Me too did you figure what it is?

[@albertogarcia2809]

Yes, software update in your pcm will solve the ptoblem.

[@albertogarcia2809]

@@daprishayoung3093 yes software update in your PCM.

[@gaylegray7592]

Where you at I got a 2016 Chevy Cruze I need you to look at it

[@LSJUAN]

You injected white smoke but the car was ejecting black smoke and self diagnosed the leak lol. Didn’t need to use tour fancy smoke machine to see that leak.

[@elizabethrodriguez163]

If it is the catalytic converter how long canni drive it if i can't fix it right now?

[@joshboyer8449]

Those A/M cats can be a big issue and cause more problems

[@charlesbarkwell7693]

Around the 12 minute mark : Yes , Smoke Leak Check was Fantastic , found the Leak , however ; the Rear Oxygen Sensor should NEVER be an exact Photo of the Front Oxygen Sensor......Since the Rear Oxygen Sensor MEASURES the Integrity of the CAT.....The CAT is an INFERIOR Cat.......Vehicle needs an OE CAT or a CARB CAT ( California Air Resource Board )...Rear Oxygen Sensor should NEVER be within 70 % of Front Oxygen Sensor Voltage which will create the P0420.....Part #'s are different for both Sensors , some can be interchanged which will create a Cluster Flux & most people won't know what created it. Ex Smog Repair Technician Southern California ( 90802 ) Left the Big Horn Country ( Texas ) @ age 19 for the Military ( 1973 ) ( 3 year Honorable Discharge Ride )

[@fp8007]

👍⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🤓 😎

[@Noahkinz]

Please help, anyone. I have a 2015 Nissan Altima. My start button and radio got wet and now my car won't start. I can get the radio to turn on but it'll cut out eventually. What do I do?

[@neilmurphy845]

If I was your brother I'd wait until the car is due for a NCT test then go to the dealership and get a new cat nobody wants to be replacing a cat every few months because the AC delco one was a extra 200 learn from your mistakes.

[@donnierobertson3088]

Ok

[@fernandogodina505]

Cruze same code p0420 its the catalytic converter

[@joeluang8695]

You need to purchase an OEM or "California CARB catalytic converter". All these aftermarket converters are junk, they don't contain enough precious metals to be effective. California by law mandates a certain level of standards to be met in order for catalytic converters to be sold or installed thus they are label CARB catalytic converters.

[@charlesbarkwell7693]

When the Rear Sensor Voltage is within 70 % of Front Oxygen Sensor a P0420 Code will be Set...When the Rear Sensor Picture looks like the Front Sensor , the CAT is No Good. Example : If front sensor is 0.824 Volts. 0.824 X 70 % = 0.824 X .70 = ______ If the Rear Sensor ever reaches the Above Answer , P0420 is gonna be Set. Professional Automotive background Southern California ( 90802 )

[@kingbreather1982]

Changing the 02 sensors doesn't fix the problem

[@dasdasdsdasdasdasd363]

My thought process. 1. The original cat was probably okay and so is the new one. 2. Don't let your brother work on the car again. ;0

[@clintmalcome6224]

I changed my negative cable and my engine light went off and the p0420 stop registering as a fault. now the engine light came back on and p0420 came back so I ordered a cat to replace my bad one. now 3 days later the light has gone off again. is this typical for cat's on Cruze's to act this way? should I install the cat when it arrives?

[@TheWrench97]

Aftermarket Cat?

[@luismartines3772]

What about that oil stain on trans and engine 😳😳😳

[@brusk3978]

Why will you let ur lil brother buy that pos

[@Eremon1]

Be careful buying catalytic converters. There are fake Chinese converters going around that look perfectly normal but don't have platinum inside or very little at most.

[@aqeelsyed4614]

All baloney a newer car with c converter strange you gotta go to school again and don’t try to make fool to other people knowledge is power which you don’t have any you have to start with the visual inspection