Why not have OnStar run a full systems diagnostic? If you take the Car back for warranty service you will have to remove those mods. I had the pleasure of meeting OnStar on day one when I bought the CRUZE and they tried to sell me stuff, and day two when the CRUZE had a fault that told me not to use the engine.

 

So why wouldn't the check engine light turn on if the system saw something wrong??

It probably kicked it into limp mode when misfires started happening, which means turbo boost is essentially cut off.

That said, I wonder if you've actually got misfires or just a massive air metering problem/leak. Nothing should glow red unless the fuel mixture is REALLY off.

Put your air intake back to stock if you can (exhaust won't matter) and have it towed to the dealer.

Wow so you think I shouldn't even try driving it home tonight?? Is there any way to get back from "limp mode" other than taking it to the dealer?

 

It probably kicked it into limp mode when misfires started happening, which means turbo boost is essentially cut off.

That said, I wonder if you've actually got misfires or just a massive air metering problem/leak. Nothing should glow red unless the fuel mixture is REALLY off.

Put your air intake back to stock if you can (exhaust won't matter) and have it towed to the dealer.

 

It could store codes and not turn on the CEL but it's rare. I should think after such an event you'd definitely have something there, like O2, MAF, or misfire codes.

Call OnStar when you get to the car and see if they can diagnose or reset any trouble codes. Double check your intake install for a loose clamp or hose.


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if you know someone with a scan tool run the car to check for pending codes. it could be related to a mass air flow issue with the
intake. car may have run lean and engine detected knock throwing it into limp mode or pull timing.

 

Do not know about the Cruze but Dodge/Cummins do not like K&N air filters.
If you have a CTD that experiences engine/turbo failure while running a K&N expect a fight. IIRC Cummins/Dodge spells out the K&N air filter in a bulletin from the '90s. Many CTD owners over at the TDR have shown higher silicon levels in their UOA running a K&N.

 

If you have a CTD that experiences engine/turbo failure while running a K&N expect a fight.

While this may be true, there's no way a K+N filter caused this unless it spewed a bunch of oil into the MAF sensor. Poor filtration takes thousands of miles to show up in a UOA and tens or thousands of miles to do significant damage to a turbo, unless you drive in the absolute dustiest environments.

His car is brand new with 1200 miles on the clock.

 

I assume you actually meant your "exhaust" manifold was glowing red, not the intake... the intake manifold is plastic and is at the rear of the engine.

If the exhaust manifold was glowing red there's a good chance the engine pulled lots of timing in an effort to reduce power. Reducing timing increases Exhaust Gas Temperature. That, or maybe there's a physical problem with the turbo and it's become a restriction in the exhaust path? Either way, you're best to get it checked out. Put your stock intake back on and get it in to the dealer, but as others have mentioned check your intake install for leaks before removing it. That could be the source of the issue.

 

So after work last night, I called onstar and had then run the diagnostics.......everything came back clean with no problems. I pulled out the parking lot and the car ran fine. So now I'm stumped....



Yeah I meant the exhaust. Could the K&N CAI mess with the fuel mixture?? Shouldn't the maf sense more air going through for a different mix??

I drove it today to work and it ran fine, I do notice a few cuts in acceleration when going up hill in 6th. My first thoughts were towards the spark plugs. I read on here that changing the plugs to copper was a huge improvement.

 

If the OP is experiencing any misfires the cel would be throwing codes I suspect.

This red hot manifold (exaust) is odd though.

Rob