NHTSA ID Number: 10218871
Manufacturer Communication Number: 17-NA-221
TSB/Document Date: 2022-08-29
Summary
This service bulletin provides repair procedures to correct customer concerns of Poor Engine Performance in Extremely Cold Weather Conditions for LE2 Engines, Charge Air Cooler (CAC) Icing - Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated.
Bulletin No.:
Service Bulletin
Date:
17-NA-221
August, 2022
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Poor Engine Performance in Extremely Cold Weather Conditions for LE2 Engines,
Charge Air Cooler Icing - Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated, DTC P0299,
P0234, P0236, P2227, P00C7 Set
Brand:
Model:
Encore
Trax
Model Year:
VIN:
from
to
2016
2019
2021
2022
2021
2022
from
to
—
—
Engine:
Transmission:
1.4L (LE2)
—
Involved Region or Country
North America
Condition
Some customers may comment that when driving short distances and/or slow speed
driving cycles, their vehicle experiences one or several of the following conditions within
the first 10 to 15 minutes of vehicle operation in extremely cold weather conditions (-18°C
or less / 0°F or less):
• Loss of power
• Smoke out the tail pipe
• Hesitation on acceleration
• Stalling condition
• Burning oil odor possibly caused by oil leak
• May also notice a Malfunction Indicator Lamp illuminated
• After driving for a period of time, the driveability issues seem to diminish.
This condition may also cause an increase in crankcase pressure, creating oil leaks at
seals and gaskets.
Technicians may find one or more of the following DTCs set:
• P0234
• P0236
• P0299
• P2227
• P00C7
Cause
This condition may be caused by ice accumulation in the charge air cooler (CAC),
restricting air flow to the throttle body.
Copyright 2022 General Motors
LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Page 2
August, 2022
Bulletin No.: 17-NA-221
If any of the above conditions are present, allow time for possible ice build up in the CAC
to melt by allowing the vehicle to thaw in a warm climate.
If any of the following conditions are validated to be caused by freezing/icing, replace
the CAC.
If not previously performed, an oil change may be necessary to remove any moisture
from the engine. Prior to the oil change, run the engine at idle for an extended period of
time to melt any ice in the engine.
If there is a check engine light with a P0234 or P0299 DTC during cold weather driving,
refer to Turbocharger Air Pressure Sensor Inspection below.
Note: Frozen oil/water contaminant in the turbocharger wastegate regulator solenoid
valve (TCV) is often concurrent with vehicle operating conditions that cause CAC
freezing. If DTC P0234 is set - Turbocharger Wastegate Regulator Solenoid Valve
Inspection.
Correction
Important: For additional information on Oil/Moisture Condensate Freezing Up in the
turbocharger wastegate regulator solenoid valve, refer to Turbocharger Wastegate
Regulator Solenoid Valve (TCV) Thermo-Wrap below.
Important: The new ECM calibration is only applicable for MY 2018, 2019 and 2021
vehicles with LE2 engines. In MY 2020 there was no LE2 engine.
Note: The Engine Control Module calibration should be updated. The new calibration will
enable a revised transmission shift pattern during cold weather operation, which does not
use overdrive as frequently. As a result, some customers may notice elevated engine
RPMs during highway operation. This operating mode will reduce the potential for ice to
build up inside the charge air cooler, and the potential for setting P0299 or P0234
diagnostic codes.
The customer must be informed by dealership personnel by explaining the new engine
control module calibration and its effects on transmission shift patterns at highway
speeds during cold weather to avoid a customer return to the dealership after the
programming is completed.
Important: Service agents must comply with all
International, Federal, State, Provincial, and/or
Local laws applicable to the activities it performs
under this bulletin, including but not limited to
handling, deploying, preparing, classifying,
packaging, marking, labeling, and shipping
dangerous goods. In the event of a conflict between
the procedures set forth in this bulletin and the
laws that apply to your dealership, you must follow
those applicable laws.
Turbocharger Wastegate Regulator
Solenoid Valve (TCV) Thermo-Wrap
Important: Allow time for the vehicle to thaw in a warm
environment to avoid damaging or breaking parts that
may be required to be re-installed.
3686945
1. Remove the turbocharger wastegate regulator
solenoid valve (1). Refer to Turbocharger
Wastegate Regulator Solenoid Valve Replacement
in the Service Manual.
2. Drain the turbocharger wastegate regulator
solenoid valve (TCV) by turning the valve
upside down.
Bulletin No.: 17-NA-221
August, 2022
Page 3
Note: Check port #2 to assure the spring gets lifted off
the seat. This will be determined by the compressed air
not dead heading when applied to port #2. When
applying air to this port a small amount of air should be
observed at port #3 and even less air will be noticed at
port #1. If this does not happen, the TCV plunger may
have hardened deposits from hot operating conditions
which will impede TCV plunger movement, and the
turbocharger wastegate regulator solenoid valve should
be replaced.
6046314
Note: The end result of the wrap, will surround the
TCV as shown in the graphic above.
5. Install the TCV. Refer to Turbocharger Wastegate
Regulator Solenoid Valve Replacement in the
Service Manual.
6055068
3. Using clean shop air regulated to 80-100 PSI, blow
through all three ports (1, 2 & 3) for 5
seconds each.
⇒ Repeat step 3 twice.
6046334
6. Once the mounting bolt and hoses are properly
installed, pull the lower portion of the wrap upward,
and snap it into position.
7. Clear all DTCs using GDS and evaluate.
6055077
4. Prior to reinstalling the TCV, pre-position the
thermal wrap. This will aid in installation of the
wrap once the TCV is reinstalled.
Page 4
August, 2022
Grille Winter Cover Installation
Warning: Remove grille cover during temperatures
above 32°F/ 0°C to prevent engine and transmission
overheating. Remove grille cover before towing a
trailer of any size. Failure to do so will decrease
transmission cooling efficiency and possibly cause
damage to the drivetrain.
Note: The cover may appear to be undersized. The
vinyl used may stretch during installation to ensure a
tight fit. It is highly recommended that the cover be
installed in a warm shop environment.
5197596
1. Using care, orientate the fascia winter cover to the
bumper fascia.
5193266
2. Attach the cover to the fascia by pushing the hooks
through the grille openings.
3. Validate that all the hooks are engaged and the
cover is a tight fit.
Bulletin No.: 17-NA-221
Bulletin No.: 17-NA-221
August, 2022
Page 5
Turbocharger Air Pressure Sensor
Inspection
Important: Only perform steps 1-5 if DTC P0299
is set.
4108751
Page 6
August, 2022
1. Remove the turbocharger air pressure sensor (3).
Refer to Turbocharger Air Pressure Sensor
Replacement in SI.
4910683
Important: Due to the sensitivity of the sensor, Do Not
use any chemical cleaners including water and Do Not
use compressed air to remove contaminates.
2. Inspect the sensor for any contaminates.
5020216
3. Allow time for any ice build-up to melt by placing
the sensor port down.
4. Clean the sensor with a clean towel.
5. Install the sensor.
Bulletin No.: 17-NA-221
Bulletin No.: 17-NA-221
August, 2022
Page 7
Service Procedure
2851444
1. Install the CAC (2). Refer to Charge Air Cooler
Replacement in SI.
Important: Do Not perform an oil change if the oil
change was recently done.
• If the oil change was recently done and no
signs of moisture have been confirmed, Do
Not proceed with procedure.
• If the oil change was not previously done or
moisture has been found in the oil, proceed
with procedure.
2. If required, perform an oil change. Refer to Engine
Oil and Oil Filter Replacement in the Service
Manual.
Engine Control Module Programming
Important: Updated Engine Control Module
calibration: The updated calibration will enable a
revised transmission shift pattern during cold weather
operation, which does not use overdrive as frequently.
As a result, the customer may notice elevated engine
RPMs during highway operation. This operating mode
will reduce the potential for ice to build up inside the
charge air cooler, and the potential for setting P0299 or
P0234 diagnostic codes.
Caution: Before downloading the update files, be sure
the computer is connected to the internet through a
network cable (hardwired). DO NOT DOWNLOAD or
install the files wirelessly. If there is an interruption
during programming, programming failure or control
module damage may occur.
• Ensure the programming tool is equipped with the
latest software and is securely connected to the
data link connector. If there is an interruption
during programming, programming failure or
control module damage may occur.
• Stable battery voltage is critical during
programming. Any fluctuation, spiking, over
voltage or loss of voltage will interrupt
programming. Install a GM Authorized
Programming Support Tool to maintain system
voltage. Refer to www.gmdesolutions.com for
further information. If not available, connect a fully
charged 12V jumper or booster pack disconnected
from the AC voltage supply. DO NOT connect a
battery charger.
• Follow the on-screen prompts regarding ignition
power mode, but ensure that anything that drains
- 6X better wear protection on critical engine parts than...
- 1.3X better sludge protection than industry standards*
- 3X Stronger against viscosity breakdown than leading full...
- Protection for 10,000 miles between oil changes
- Meets or exceeds the following specifications: API SP/SN...
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TSB/Document ID: 17-NA-221
Replacement Service Bulletin Number:
MFR Communication Date: 2022-08-11
MFR Internal Campaign ID/Software Version:
Communication Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
NHTSA Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
MFR Component System:
MFR Component Subsystem:
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