SB-10045885-4618
File in Section:

Service Bulletin

Bulletin No.:
Date:

PI0797
September, 2012

PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
Subject:

Hard Brake Pedal at Startup or Idling

Models:

2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze
Equipped with 1.4L Engine (RPO LUJ)
This PI replaces PIC5498A. Please discard PIC5498A.

Condition/Concern
In rare cases, a customer or technician may state that the brake pedal is hard to depress with the engine running and
vehicle stopped/idling.
This condition may be caused by a restriction in the electronic vacuum pump (EVP) vent hose or by a faulty brake
booster vacuum switch.

Recommendation/Instructions
With engine off and ignition off, apply or pump the brake pedal three times. This should deplete the vacuum in the
brake system. Turn the ignition to run with the engine off. The electronic vacuum pump (EVP) should be heard
running at the driver front wheel opening. The pump should run for approximately 10 seconds and then shut off; with
a maximum run time of 20 seconds.
Does the EVP run for a maximum of 20 seconds and then shut off?
Yes – Continue to step 1.
No – Continue to step 2.
Step 1
Follow diagnostics for ”Brake Pedal Excessive Effort” in SI. If after following "Brake Pedal Excessive Effort"
diagnostic does not identify a concern, the brake booster vacuum switch may be intermittently faulty. Replace the
brake booster vacuum pipe that contains the switch.
Step 2
If the pump continues to run for more than 20 seconds, disconnect the small rubber hose from the back of the EVP.
This EVP vent hose is approximately 9 mm in diameter. Once the rubber hose is disconnected the EVP may stop
running almost immediately. Connect a vacuum pump to the vent hose and apply vacuum. The hose should not
restrict or hold vacuum. If the hose holds vacuum, inspect the routing of the hose as it may be misrouted behind the
EVP mounting bracket or into an opening in the frame rail, or trapped under the ABS bracket, etc. The hose should
be routed upward and behind the BPMV and to the right of the brake booster. Reroute and secure as needed (refer
to the photo for more details).

2662585

1. EVP Vent Hose
2. Electronic Vacuum Pump (EVP)

2662504

1. Driver Front Wheel Opening
2. Brake Booster Vacuum Hose Outlet
3. Electronic Vacuum Pump (EVP)
4. EVP Connector
5. EVP Vent Hose 9 mm
Important: If the pump does not run, check pin 1 at the B19C Brake Booster Vacuum Switch. There should be B+
present on pin 1 with the ignition in run. If there is not, check the schematic in SI for appropriate model year. When
the vacuum switch is closed, B+ flows from pin 2 of the vacuum switch to pin 2 of the EVP to close the relay contacts
and turn the pump on. The pump motor and internal relay are grounded by circuit 1050 and G120, which is located
on the left strut tower.

Parts Information
Part Number

Description

13375241

Pipe, Power Brake Booster Vacuum (includes
Switch)

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

H1239

Power Brake Booster Vacuum Pipe Replacement

Use Published
Labor
Operation Time