Chevy Cruze 1.4T PCV Valve Cover Replacement

By the Radman Auto Repair team, independent auto repair in Etobicoke since 1999 · Updated November 2026

The 1.4-litre turbo in the Chevrolet Cruze, Sonic, Trax and Buick Encore has its PCV valve built into the plastic valve cover. When its diaphragm tears, the engine whistles, idles rough, sets lean codes and can push oil out of the rear main seal.

Symptoms

What Causes It

Before You Start

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels. Never work under a car held up only by a jack: use rated jack stands.
• Let the engine and exhaust cool before you touch them; coolant systems are under pressure when hot.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves, and disconnect the 12V battery before unplugging electrical parts or working near airbags.
• Check for open recalls on your VIN (Transport Canada or the manufacturer’s site) before you buy parts: a recall repair is free at the dealer.
• Remove the ignition coil carefully: the boots stick to the plugs.

Step-by-Step: Chevy Cruze PCV Valve Cover

1. Test with the oil cap. With the engine idling, slowly loosen the oil filler cap. Strong suction, or the idle changing a lot, means the PCV has failed.
2. Check the diaphragm. Look on top of the valve cover for the PCV area; a whistle from there or a torn membrane confirms it.
3. Remove the engine cover and coil. Pull off the plastic engine cover, unplug the ignition coil and remove it.
4. Disconnect the hoses. Unclip the PCV and breather hoses and any wiring brackets on the cover.
5. Unbolt the valve cover. Loosen the 10 mm bolts evenly and lift the cover off.
6. Clean and fit. Clean the cylinder head surface without scratching it. Fit the new cover with its gasket.
7. Torque in sequence. Tighten the bolts in the order and to the torque in the service manual: the plastic cracks if overtightened.
8. Reassemble and clear. Refit the coil, hoses and cover, clear the codes and check that the whistle and oil-cap suction are gone.

When to Stop and Bring It In

• Oil is pouring from the rear main seal: that’s a transmission-removal job.
• Misfires continue after the cover: see P0171 lean code diagnosis.
• The turbo is smoking or making new noises.
• You also have coolant leaks (common on these engines).

Not sure, or out of time? Radman Auto Repair in Etobicoke does this repair every week. Book online or call (416) 742-4521.

Also Known As

Searched as “Cruze PCV valve”, “Cruze whistling noise”, “Cruze valve cover replacement”, “Chevy Sonic PCV”, “Trax P0171”, “Encore valve cover leak” and “1.4 turbo PCV diaphragm”.

Frequently Asked Questions

See also GM, Chevrolet & GMC Repair, P0171 System Too Lean, Rough Idle Diagnosis, Check Engine Light Diagnosis.

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