TSBs

Diagnosing Chevy Intake Leak

Aug. 16, 2022

For an intake leak, the smoke can be introduced into the brake booster hose or the engine oil dipstick tube. For best effect, covering the air intake before the MAF sensor to allow air pressure to build is recommended.

Information courtesy of Mitchell 1,

Mike Mavrigian

Owners of a 2012 Chevy Aveo may comment about an SES light on. Initial diagnosis may display any of the following fuel trim and/or O2 sensor related codes: P0101, P0137, P0138, P0140, P0141, P0157, P0158, P0160, P0161, P0171, P0174, P0420, P0430, P1174, P1175, P2096, P2097, P2098, P2099, P2177, P2178, P2179, P2180, P2187, P2188, P2189, P2190, P2270, P2271, P2272 and/or P2273.

If normal SI diagnostics do not lead to a resolution and an intake vacuum leak or an exhaust leak is suspected, the use of a smoke machine (J41413-200 Evaporative System Tester) may be useful to find the leak.

For an exhaust leak, placing the hose into the tailpipe sealed with shop towels proves to be effective. This method is very good for finding small leaks around the O2 sensor embossments and slight cracks in an intake plenum or gasket.

About the Author

Information courtesy of Mitchell 1

Information for Technical Service Bulletins comes from ProDemand, Mitchell 1's auto repair information software for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in San Diego, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry since 1918.

About the Author

Mike Mavrigian | Motor Age Editor

Mike Mavrigian has written thousands of automotive technical magazine articles involving a variety of specialties, from engine building to wheel alignment, and has authored more than a dozen books that crisscross the automotive spectrum. Mike operates Birchwood Automotive, an Ohio shop that builds custom engines and performs vintage vehicle restorations. The shop also features a professional photo studio to document projects and to create images for articles and books.