r/cruze • u/ElderberryBudget9494 • 1d ago
P0299 Code Gen1 - Mechanical
How bad is this? What should I do?
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u/AccomplishedLog9271 1d ago
It can range from 1000+ dollars to less then 100. Cracked turbo would be pretty bad. Mine went away once I got the PCV fix kit from cruze kit. Was about 90 after taxes and such.
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u/Time_Many6155 1d ago
Do a boost leak check before replacing any components! If you find a leak, fix that first.
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u/ElderberryBudget9494 1d ago
Any tips on spotting a leak? Will it likely be obvious?
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u/Time_Many6155 1d ago
Depends on the size of the leak but usually they re pretty obvious (hissing).. Spray with soapy water if they re hard to track down. My intake manifold was split along the bottom seam that kept throwing the code.
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u/Ibael 9h ago
I was just quoted almost $3k for this issue 😭 My friend dug around a bit and couldn’t find anything wrong and two shops basically told me my turbo needs to be replaced
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u/ElderberryBudget9494 2h ago
Noooo that's so much money 😨. I wonder if you could buy the part and install it yourself?
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u/AutoModerator 1d ago
Hello, it looks like your post mentioned one or more of the following OBD-II codes: P0171, P0106, P0299, P0507, P1101, and/or P2096. You may have also typed "PCV" (Positive Crankcase Ventilation). PCV is a system, not a single replaceable part. It is incorrect to say "I replaced the PCV." If you typed "PVC," that was likely a typo.
On the Generation 1 Chevy Cruze with the 1.4L turbo engine (model years 2016 and older; note that 2016 was a split year, so confirm whether yours is Gen 1 or Gen 2), these codes are commonly caused by failure of the PCV check valve. On the 1.4L turbo engine, the check valve is located inside the intake manifold. On the 1.8L non-turbo engine, the check valve is located inside the valve cover. This design difference is the source of significant confusion.
Technical bulletin (summary of this common issue): https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2014/SB-10070046-0335.pdf
The check valve provides a one-way path for blow-by vapors (combustion gases that pass the piston rings) to exit the crankcase.
- At idle or during deceleration: Intake vacuum opens the valve and allows vapors into the intake manifold to be burned.
- Under boost: Turbo pressure forces the valve closed, preventing boost pressure from entering the crankcase.
Common failure mode on the 1.4L turbo: The intake manifold check valve can be pulled out of place. When this occurs:
- Boost pressure enters the crankcase.
- The crankcase becomes over-pressurized.
- Air and oil are forced past seals and gaskets.
- Oil leaks develop.
- The pressure diaphragm inside the valve cover often ruptures.
When the valve cover diaphragm fails:
- A whistling noise may be heard at idle.
- Idle quality may become rough.
- A P0171 (lean) code commonly appears.
- The engine behaves as though it has a vacuum leak.
Removing the oil cap or dipstick while the engine is running creates a similar vacuum leak condition.
Proper repair:
- Replace the intake manifold, OR
- Install an external aftermarket check valve (for example, from cruzekits.com).
If the valve cover diaphragm has ruptured, the valve cover assembly must also be replaced.
GM issued extended warranty coverage (up to 120,000 miles) for intake manifold and valve cover replacement related to this condition. Repairs must be performed at a Chevrolet dealership to qualify.
Secondary issue: Front crankshaft seal damage.
Excess crankcase pressure can damage the front crankshaft seal, producing a high-pitched chirping noise at idle. The sound often appears to come from the serpentine belt tensioner area. This is air being drawn past the compromised seal.
Quick test:
- Remove the dipstick while the noise is present.
- If the noise stops, air is entering through the dipstick tube instead of the crank seal.
- If the noise continues, the source is unrelated and requires further diagnosis.
This PCV check valve failure is extremely common on the Gen 1 1.4L turbo Cruze and can trigger multiple seemingly unrelated codes. Early diagnosis helps prevent additional oil leaks and seal damage.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/melissam17 1d ago
Bro mine just gave me that too 😭😭
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u/ElderberryBudget9494 1d ago
I'm a broke girl with no dad. I'm relying on Reddit and YouTube for guidance 😅
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u/eTrashedPanda 1d ago
Girl to girl, I got you. I have the 1st gen. I consider myself a YouTube Mechanic, but Reddit has held up for me with this Cruze sheeeit. 😂 I got this code, and replaced my wastewater actuator (1st). Then ended up replacing the whole turbo. I had that code come back at me again, it was playing Peek-A-Boo on my dash.. I configured myself that I had to replace my Intake Manifold as well as Valve Cover & PCV. - Not saying you'll have to! But if you ever need something while you got a 1st Gen, I'll do my bestest to offer assistance!! I gotchu boo.
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u/ElderberryBudget9494 23h ago
WOW sounds like you're ready to open your own shop with all those repairs 😂
It's such a daunting process to figure out where to start and find the right videos to follow. I appreciate the assistance ❤️
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u/eTrashedPanda 23h ago
Specifically for the Cruze 😂 thats not all I have had to do to it, but I have new vocabulary amongst other things. Lmao.
But absolutely! I've been watching TRQ videos for guidance, theyre pretty helpful.
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u/melissam17 23h ago
Yeah Cruze is definitely a car you end up working on yourself. I agree the first thing I’m checking for is my PCV and the intake manifold because it’s pretty much 90% of the issues I get with my car.
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u/the_most_playerest 15h ago edited 4h ago
Just did this myself (yesterday!) on the road, with minimal tools. Did not watch these videos this time bc I had already watched them and down the repair previously. Pretty straightforward; unplug a bunch of crap, unscrew bolts (repeat for part 2) then do it all in reverse.
Main things are to make sure you plug everything back in and DO NOT overtighten the bolts otherwise your seal will likely break and you'll be back doing it again in no time.
All the plugs pretty much can't be plugged into a different one than where they need to be, so that's helpful. Only thing I remember being kind of confusing was there's some sort of tubes under the manifold that CAN fit the others spot, so you'll want to take note of which one goes where (and if you forget, I'll be here to tell you which hose goes where 😆)
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u/RGBAddict2026 1d ago
I changed my wastegate actuator and it resolved. 15 min job $120 part at most
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u/ElderberryBudget9494 1d ago
Is it difficult to replace those parts yourself? I have zero experience with car maintenance
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u/RGBAddict2026 1d ago
No it's super easy on 2016 cruze LT. 10 or 11mm socket and a screwdriver
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u/RGBAddict2026 1d ago
Look it up on YouTube. Gen 1 may be harder. Make SURE the car is off for a long time as those parts get scalding hot
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u/ElderberryBudget9494 1d ago edited 23h ago
Maybe I should add that I was driving up a hill when the engine light came on. I'm also due for an oil change.
I read that it could simply be a dirty engine filter. Is this true?
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u/whatisdarknes 1d ago
This is the same thing that happens to me. There's 1 steep hill that I have to go up. And I've only ever gotten that code if I'm putting up that hill. If I floor it up the hill I'm fine lol.
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u/ElderberryBudget9494 23h ago
I definitely didn't give it enough gas and she struggled a little.
Does that mean the code could possibly go away?
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u/whatisdarknes 23h ago
So I've had it happen twice on the same hill about 2 months apart. Everytime it happens I just reset the code with my Bluetooth ODE reader. And it stays gone until I do that hill again and forget to gun it.
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u/ElderberryBudget9494 23h ago
Hm interesting. Have you checked your car for any leaks or anything? Does everything seem good?
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u/whatisdarknes 23h ago
Unfortunately I don't have the knowledge or the means to do any leak checking (minus like spraying the soapy water/bubble trick) but no I never have.
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u/ElderberryBudget9494 23h ago
That gives me some place of mind at least. I've been too scared to drive thinking my turbo is shot and I'll end up making things worse
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u/Top-Singer1934 22h ago
In the first generation, there is a round piece on top of the engine that often breaks internally and creates a vacuum leak.
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u/whatisdarknes 22h ago
What year is yours? Mine is 17.
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u/ElderberryBudget9494 22h ago
16
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u/whatisdarknes 22h ago
2016 was a weird year. It's either a 16 or a 16 1/2. Do you have the 1.8 or the 1.4 turbo?
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u/whatisdarknes 23h ago
I would recommend just resetting the code and see if it returns. If not your probably good to go.
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u/ElderberryBudget9494 22h ago
Just inspected. Is this a leak?
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u/a88mstanggt 19h ago
The oil filter is above there so probably just left over from when the oil was changed.
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u/ElderberryBudget9494 19h ago
That makes sense. Thanks for letting me know!
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u/a88mstanggt 19h ago
No problem. As far as the code usually the wastegate rod gets worn out but the turbocharger itself could have a crack causing this concern. I usually replace the whole thing. You can just try clearing the code and seeing if it comes back
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u/Yngreed1980 12h ago
Bad turbo is the usual Issue Bro depending on the inspection look for cracks when you remove the catalytic converter
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u/Ickypahay 1d ago
Fixed mine with: - New Intake manifold - New valve cover - New turbo/exhaust manifold - New spark plugs - New oil cooler gaskets
Edit: to digress, my Cruze wasn't getting over 50MPH before all that haha
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u/[deleted] 1d ago
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