[sparkman]

Sparkman's "Build" - 2012 1LT/RS

I'll keep this first post updated summarizing all 24+ pages of stuff. Updated 3/11/2018.

Well, I figured I would keep a log of the stuff I have done to my Cruze. Bought it with exactly 30,000 miles. It's going to be a long slow process because I'm in college, but it will get there eventually.

2012 Chevrolet Cruze 1LT RS

Current Modifications/Accessories:

• Diode Dynamics LED License Plate Lights
• LED Interior Lights (including trunk)
• Diode Dynamics XP50 Reverse Lights
• 50% Front Tint, 15% Rear Tint
• WeatherTech Floor Mats
• GiiNii GD-188x Dual Recording Dash Cam
• Cobra RAD450 Radar Detector

Completed Non-Regular Maintenance Repairs:

• 30,931 Miles | October 2015: Rear trunk button/light assembly replaced
• 31,859 Miles | December 2015: Water pump replaced
• 37,731 Miles | July 2016: Transmission rebuilt
• 37,742 Miles | July 2016: Transmission rebuilt again due to bad rebuild
• 39,905 Miles | September 2016: Front left hub assembly replaced
• 40,615 Miles | October 2016: Snapped e-brake cable replaced
• 43,483 Miles | December 2016: Loose transmission mount tightened (makes me wonder the quality of the second rebuild, ), HVAC system reflashed due to zones not functioning properly
• 50,842 Miles | May 2017: Replaced cracked ignition coil pack
• 56,070 Miles | September 2017: Valve cover replaced
• 59,209 Miles | December 2017: Value cover replaced, HVAC system checked (and cleaned due to loud noises)

Pending Repairs:

• Massive fuel smell at idle, dealer and I have no idea where it's coming from
• Occasional surging? PCV going out?
• Both visor mirror covers need replaced

Planned Modifications:

• None

The day I brought her home in September:

Water Pump Failure:

LED License Plate Lights:




LED Interior Lights:

PDR guy removing a ding in my fender:




Windows tinted!

Transmission Fiasco:

First meet up with CruzeTalk members in Vermilion, OH:




Brake change (and brake failure after this photo was taken):




Drums painted:




Photoshoot:

 

[Terryk2003]

I've been waiting for one of these from you! Looks like you're off to a great start!

Something to keep in mind on the door handles, I believe you want the GM Accessories handles, because I'm not 100% on this, but I think the LTZ handles all have the push buttons on them that work with the keyfob for keyless entry (I may be wrong, that may have been optional).

 

[sparkman]

Sparkman's "Build" - 2012 1LT/RS

I've been waiting for one of these from you! Looks like you're off to a great start!

Something to keep in mind on the door handles, I believe you want the GM Accessories handles, because I'm not 100% on this, but I think the LTZ handles all have the push buttons on them that work with the keyfob for keyless entry (I may be wrong, that may have been optional).

Thank you! I wish I had loads of cash to dump into this!

Ahhhhhhh, never thought of that. Good catch, I would have not been a happy camper.

 

[Merc6]

The handles would be way cheaper w/o the LTZ gadgetry. There was a random set of handles with wires for side markers but I didn't spend any time skipping over that video.

 

[rokstarcruze]

How was it doing license plate lights. My gfs cruze screws are rusted and one broke so I didn't mess with it further.

Sent from my HUAWEI Y536A1 using Tapatalk

 

[sparkman]

Sparkman's "Build" - 2012 1LT/RS

How was it doing license plate lights. My gfs cruze screws are rusted and one broke so I didn't mess with it further.

Sent from my HUAWEI Y536A1 using Tapatalk

Oh man, it sucked. My screws were starting to rust a bit, but I got them out. The hardest part was getting the left side lens to detach from the bulb socket and put back on. I don't know what GM was thinking when they designed this. I had to use needle nose pliers to grasp the bulb socket so I could twist the lens off, that took 5 minutes. Then after I got the LED's in I tried to attach the lens back to the socket and simply had no room to work. After 15 minutes and lots of swear words, I got it back together. Sheesh. At least they look nice and hopefully I don't have to replace them again.

 

[rokstarcruze]

Ya I'm gonna have to drill the screws out and I wanna put bolts there instead

Sent from my HUAWEI Y536A1 using Tapatalk

 

[chevrasaki]

Oh man, it sucked. My screws were starting to rust a bit, but I got them out. The hardest part was getting the left side lens to detach from the bulb socket and put back on. I don't know what GM was thinking when they designed this. I had to use needle nose pliers to grasp the bulb socket so I could twist the lens off, that took 5 minutes. Then after I got the LED's in I tried to attach the lens back to the socket and simply had no room to work. After 15 minutes and lots of swear words, I got it back together. Sheesh. At least they look nice and hopefully I don't have to replace them again.

I had this exact issue, if only the wires were 2 inches longer.

I've had them installed for about 3 months now, and one of them is now very dim don't know why.

 

[170-3tree]

Sweet. Your car looks exactly like mine did before wheels. But I haven't done anything but tune and wheels and mid pipe muffler delete yet.

 

[sparkman]

I had this exact issue, if only the wires were 2 inches longer.

I've had them installed for about 3 months now, and one of them is now very dim don't know why.

No kidding! Wonder if one went bad or your entire assembly is shot. You know the trunk button and the two license plate lights are all one unit?

 

[sparkman]

Has anyone used or have these?

Jackey Awesome® Chrome Head Light Lamp Cover Protector Trim 2Pcs/Set For 11 12 13 Chevy Cruze https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HO9MLGQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_gHVJwb49FWSSE

 

[BU54]

Sparkman what did you spill in the trunk there?
Nice pics thanks for sharing!!!

 

[sparkman]

Lol, that was just snow that fell in.

Thanks!

 

[BU54]

Lol, that was just snow that fell in.

Thanks!

OK LOL, next question is when are you going to put siding on the house?
Sorry I couldn't resist. lol

 

[sparkman]

OK LOL, next question is when are you going to put siding on the house?
Sorry I couldn't resist. lol

Lol! Yeah that was just built. Nice place too, heated garage floor with drains, Reznor heater, hot and cold water spigots....

 

[sparkman]

Just got my Diode Dynamics XP50's in the mail today! Can't wait too get home from work and install them!

 

[ranger024x4]

Just got my Diode Dynamics XP50's in the mail today! Can't wait too get home from work and install them!

jealous!

 

[CalamityRS]

Nice. Did you get an error when you replaced the license plate lights?

 

[ChevyGuy]

Nice. Did you get an error when you replaced the license plate lights?

I've also put Diode Dynamics LEDs in - no errors for license plate, backup, stop or tail lights.

 

[CalamityRS]

I've also put Diode Dynamics LEDs in - no errors for license plate, backup, stop or tail lights.

Thanks