Why is my Equinox burning oil?

That lawsuit alleges the engine's piston rings fail to maintain sufficient tension to keep oil in the crankcase, allowing the oil to sneak past the rings and into the combustion chamber. The oil burn issue can also apparently foul the spark plugs and lead to carbon buildup on the pistons and cylinder walls.

Why does my Equinox use so much oil?

Case Filed

A Chevy Equinox Ecotec engine lawsuit alleges the piston rings, spray jets and PCV systems all contribute to oil consumption and engine damage. In addition, owners allege the SUVs don't have adequate warning systems to protect the vehicles from negative effects of oil consumption problems.

Are Chevy Equinox known for burning oil?

These Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain models are the worst

And any model year of either, between 2010 and 2013, will likely experience oil consumption problems. Some of those 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines used within those years had a knack for burning oil prematurely.

Does the Chevy Equinox still have oil problems?

Chevy Equinox 2.4 L Engine Problems

All can potentially experience the same Chevy 2.4 liter engine problems. Most frequently, the complaint is for excessive oil consumption. Some owners report their Equinox consuming more than a quart of oil per 1,000 miles.

What is the most common problem with Chevy Equinox?

Chevrolet Equinox Common Problems

Common complaints related to the Chevy Equinox engine include the smell of gasoline and smoke, fuel pump failure, and excessive oil consumption.

2011 Equinox Excessive Oil Consumption

Why do Chevy engines burn oil?

The system uses an oil pressure relief valve that sprays oil directly onto the piston skirts, but this oil spray can allegedly overload the piston rings, leaking past the rings and burning off, or accumulating on the surface of the combustion chamber and causing carbon buildup.

Why is my car burning oil but not leaking?

Worn Out Piston Rings or Cylinder Walls

However, if your piston rings have worn out or the cylinder wall has begun to deteriorate, then the seal may no longer function properly. With a faulty seal, oil can enter the combustion chamber, burn, and leave you with less oil than you started with.

Is it bad to drive a car that burns oil?

Checking your engine oil level ensures optimum lubrication and engine protection and, when combined with regular oil changes, may increase your vehicle's longevity. However, sometimes engines burn oil, causing a gradual drop in oil level. That can lead to poor performance or even internal damage.

Is there a class action lawsuit against Chevy Equinox?

General Motors has settled a number of class action lawsuits alleging that its Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain SUVs are equipped with faulty 2.4-L Ecotec engines that suffer premature wear and consume engine oil at an excessively high rate.

Do 2021 Chevy Equinox have a lot of problems?

Electrical system and powertrain issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners. We are investigating reported engine issues with this vehicle.

How often should you change the oil in a Chevy Equinox?

Chevy recommends getting your Chevy Equinox oil & filter changed every 3,000-5,000 miles for conventional oil. Synthetic oil frequently should be changed every 7,500 - 10,000 miles. Own in mind it's best to check your owner's manual and with your dealer to learn the intervals that work best for your vehicle.

Why does my 2012 Chevy Equinox burn oil?

When the problems continued, the owner contacted GM directly and was allegedly advised that “some 2012 model year Chevrolet Equinox vehicles equipped with a 2.4 L engine may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption (less than 2000 miles per quart of oil), due to piston ring wear.

Why does my 2011 Chevy Equinox burn oil?

The problem: Affected vehicles may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption (less than 2,000 miles per quart). This may be due to excessive piston ring wear. Vehicles affected by this service bulletin: 2011 Chevrolet Equinox.

How many recalls does the Chevy Equinox have?

The Equinox has been recalled 20 times. The 2007 and 2018 model years have been involved in the most campaigns. Recalls are free repairs, initiated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or Chevrolet itself, for a widespread safety problem.

What is the best additive to stop oil burning?

What are the signs of worn piston rings?

When drivers notice excessive oil consumption, white or gray exhaust smoke, poor acceleration, and/or overall loss of power or poor engine performance, they may be seeing signs of worn piston rings.

Will bad spark plugs burn oil?

Oil in spark plugs is a sign that you have bad spark plugs. Smoke color: Blue smoke emitting from your exhaust pipe is a telltale sign that your car is burning oil. You would usually see this smoke when you start the vehicle.

How much oil burning is acceptable?

Oil consumption in modern passenger car engines is usually less than 0.05 %; the maximum permissible oil consumption stands at 0.5 % (all percentage values relate to actual fuel consumption). Normal oil consumption may be higher for older engine types, stationary engines and under special operating conditions.

Can a blown head gasket cause oil consumption?

Excessive consumption of oil can be caused by a rupture in the head gasket. Oil consumption can be caused by other things (like worn piston rings) but if your car is going through too much oil, a blown head gasket could be the culprit.

How do you know your car is burning oil?

Perhaps the best way to tell if your car is burning oil is to observe the vehicle's oil level. If it seems to be declining at a faster-than-normal rate, you may have a problem. Note if There Is a Burning Smell. Another telltale sign is the smell that burning oil emits.

How do I turn off AFM free?

Will disabling AFM stop oil consumption?

When you eliminate the AFM system, the extra oil is no longer needed. Excess oil will be pushed out of the pressure relief valve into the oil pan. This will spray oil on the bottom of the cylinder walls which can cause oil burning, especially in high-rpm engines.

Why does AFM cause oil consumption?

What Causes The Issue? From what owners have told us, it seems that when the AFM deactivates a cylinder that the oil “blows out.” There is also some speculation that when “the pistons in the cylinders (that shut down) overheat when they are not working and cook the oil right onto the piston and the rings.”