How to Fix a Rich Fuel System in the Cruze?
3 Answers
The solutions for a rich fuel system in the Cruze are as follows: 1. Check the throttle body, intake pipe, valves, and fuel injectors for carbon buildup and clean them if necessary. 2. Inspect the ignition system to ensure it is functioning properly. If there is leakage due to aging ignition coils or cylinder pipelines, replace the ignition coils or cylinder pipelines. 3. Verify the fuel pressure is normal and check for any fuel injector leaks. It is recommended to visit a specialized repair shop for these issues. 4. Additional information: The function of the fuel system is to supply the engine with a specific amount of clean, well-atomized gasoline according to its operating conditions, to mix with a certain amount of air and form a combustible mixture.
My Cruze threw the same trouble code last year and it took me forever to figure it out. Diagnosing this requires step-by-step checks: First scan the ECU to identify the specific code, then focus on checking if the front oxygen sensor's data stream is distorted. Next, pinch the return fuel line to test fuel pressure - if it exceeds 300kPa, the fuel pump's pressure relief valve is faulty. Removing the spark plugs to find completely black electrodes confirms a rich fuel mixture. I ultimately fixed it by replacing both the oxygen sensor and charcoal canister purge valve. While cleaning the throttle body, I discovered sticky throttle plate movement was also contributing. Oh, and cottonwood fluff stuck on the MAF sensor can trick the ECU too - this issue really guzzles gas and often clogs the catalytic converter.
When encountering a rich fuel system issue, don't rush to replace parts. My repair shop experience suggests: 1) Use a diagnostic tool to check long-term fuel trim values - exceeding +25% confirms the problem. 2) Inspect if the charcoal canister purge valve is stuck open by listening for suction sounds when disconnecting the hose. 3) Perform a leak test on fuel injectors by removing and powering them to observe dripping. Once we found the fuel pump strainer clogged in the tank causing excessive pressure - only visible after tank removal. For modified intake systems, recalibrating ECU data streams is particularly crucial.
