New to working on my own car, noticed some things, should I be worried?

880 Views 15 Replies 9 Participants Last post by Cruze CTRL, 8 d ago

midnite99

Discussion Starter · 17 d ago

2

Hello! I've posted once before asking what sort of upkeep to do for my 2014 1.4L Cruze, which is now at 158k miles. DIY installed a new ZZP ignition coil today after having done my oil feed line and spark plugs with my last oil change, test drive was OK and acceleration response seems to be improved, however, I noticed some odd things:

1.) When I turned the car back on for the test drive, outdoor temperature wasn't showing on the entertainment center anymore. Is this because I disconnected the battery while working? Will it come back on its own? Is that something I have to configure in the computer? Or did I break something? 😂 I'm clueless.

2.) Noticed this is cracked. Seems to connect to the battery up on the top, what is it and I should I get this replaced/fixed ASAP?

Motor vehicle Automotive tire Automotive exterior Gas Auto part

3.) Also noticed a LOT of electrical tape seems to be holding various hoses (?) together under my hood, should I consider getting these parts all replaced soon? Not sure what they all are, but I'm pretty sure they shouldn't be taped together like this...

Automotive tire Motor vehicle Automotive exterior Automotive exhaust Gas

I also noticed I am yet again leaking coolant! Argh! I've had the water pump, surge tank, and purge valve all done, what could it possibly be this time? Any thoughts are welcome...

Background for anyone who didn't see my previous post: I bought this car used with 125k miles on it two years ago, so I have no idea what was done/not done to it before then. I've had the camshaft cover, front crank seal, valve solenoid seals, catalytic converter, water pump, coolant, timing belt, surge tank, purge valve, intake manifold, air filters, LF wheel bearing, tires, transmission fluid, oil feed line, spark plugs, and now ignition coil (phew!) all replaced in the time I've owned it. Serpentine belt, ABS sensors, and brake pads/rotors are next on my list.

I daily it 30-60 miles a day and need it to keep running smoothly. Would like it to make it to 300k miles if possible.

Thanks in advance!

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MP81

· #2 · 17 d ago

Noticed what is cracked? All I see is the split in the loom. That cloth tape all looks fine.

Reactions: 1

Valpo Cruze

· #3 · 17 d ago

That is split loom. It is SUPPOSED to look like that

Reactions: 1

midnite99

Discussion Starter · #4 · 17 d ago

MP81 said:
Noticed what is cracked? All I see is the split in the loom. That cloth tape all looks fine.

Oh...I feel rather dumb now 😅 Good to know, thank you!

Reactions: 1

ChevyGuy

· #5 · 17 d ago

Wrapping the split loom in electrical tape wouldn't be a bad idea to keep the dirt out.

Odds are the temperature will come back in time. If not, then something has disturbed the wring going to the sensor in the front driver's side bumper.

As for coolant, that all depends on where it's leaking. Without some idea of location, it's hard to say.

Reactions: 1

gyrfalcon

· #6 · 17 d ago

midnite99 said:
Oh...I feel rather dumb now 😅 Good to know, thank you!

I thought you were trolling us...

gyrfalcon

· #7 · 17 d ago

ChevyGuy said:
Wrapping the split loom in electrical tape wouldn't be a bad idea to keep the dirt out.

It can also keep the moisture in, especially on a split loom facing upwards collecting water like a bucket...

The wiring technology in modern cars is really stone age. There is no need for the amount of wires, specialty connectors or other junk they come up with. 2 wire Ethernet is a thing... PoE is also established.

We live in an age where you can buy 256Gb of storage that can communicate on a USB bus at highspeed for under $20... yet a stupid sensor to detect oil level costs $25+ and probably uses more wiring.

ChevyGuy

· #8 · 17 d ago

gyrfalcon said:
It can also keep the moisture in, especially on a split loom facing upwards collecting water like a bucket...

It depends on how the ends are handled. In this case I'd think it would be a good idea to wrap it to prevent water from going on. Either that or replace it with a loom where the gap is pointing down.

Either way, not a big deal, just some car lovin'.

gyrfalcon

· #9 · 17 d ago

ChevyGuy said:
It depends on how the ends are handled. In this case I'd think it would be a good idea to wrap it to prevent water from going on. Either that or replace it with a loom where the gap is pointing down.

Either way, not a big deal, just some car lovin'.

Naw remove the plastic loom crap and go with sealtite conduit like they should have done in the first place

Cruze CTRL

· #10 · 16 d ago (Edited)

Cruze's wiring loom looks improvement..
To fix the OP's first photo (the sliced corrugated loom) I use flannel tape.

Font Automotive lighting Advertising Measuring instrument Audio equipment

The golden ALU tape is best used sliced into stripes.
A glued golden ring just before each loom connector will give the otherwise unwinding old flannel tape a really nice tidy look! (will post photo)

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midnite99

Discussion Starter · #11 · 16 d ago

gyrfalcon said:
I thought you were trolling us...

Nope, just clueless and new to cars 😅

Valpo Cruze

· #12 · 16 d ago

No worries, we were all the FNG at some point

jwhite2436

· #13 · 8 d ago

As far as your ambient temp not being displayed, with your radio on, just push in the the volume knob. Coolant leak may be the water outlet housing, or if your hoses are old, may be to soft and leaking past the clamp. Where abouts is the puddle under the car.

jtbrazeal92

· #14 · 8 d ago

I bought my 2011 cruze in 2021 and immediately started having coolant leaks. I think I've replaced most of the hoses as well as the thermostat housing and the overflow reservoir at this point. If it were me doing it all over again I'd check the stem on the overflow reservoir(coolant tank) that is fitted to the top hose and make sure it's not cracked. Then I'd check the water inlet valve on the right side of the engine for leaks. I had issues with both and I think they're notorious for leaks.

vwbluebug71

· #15 · 8 d ago

Get used to it it's a common issue with the Cruze I just got done replacing the turbocharger all the lines on it and just turn around had to order another hose because the new one broke and started leaking it's just a continuous battle with the water line so just get used to it just make sure you have plenty of antifreeze with you also don't be surprised if you're going to have to replace the turbocharger soon do not get a direct GM replacement get a different one otherwise you'll get have the same issue later on also to watch out the all drain lines from the turbocharger to the pan has a has a Tennessee to melt cuz they're plastic too

Cruze CTRL

· #16 · 8 d ago (Edited)

3

jtbrazeal92 said:
I bought my ... cruze in 2021 and immediately started having coolant leaks... I'd check the stem on the overflow reservoir(coolant tank) that is fitted to the top hose and make sure it's not cracked. Then I'd check the water inlet valve on the right side of the engine for leaks. I had issues with both and I think they're notorious for leaks.

Dealing with those exact same issues right now here r my picks:

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