I have 2012 Chevy Cruze LS. (I think....I just know it's the base model haha) I believe it's 1.8 if I recall.
I reached 100k Mileage this morning and notice I'm receiving a "Check your Timing Belt See Manual" Which instantly struck a PTSD moment in me because long time ago (about 6 years ago) I had a 2003 Dodge Neon that the Timing Belt decided to snap on me while I was heading to work.
So I'm currently in panic mode since my first thought is "OMG what if this happens again I don't have the money to afford this!!!!"
Ok, What say you've paid the dealer to replace the belt at around 140k. Now we're just past 200k and we have the reminder light on the dash. Is there a way to make the light go away for right now? We'll do the belt again next summer. And yes I'll post a pic of the odometer for a badge.
You should still have some life left in the timing belt but don't take too long. The LS timing belt is supposed to be changed every 100,000 miles as general maintenance.
Check with your mechanic first. Getting one that will use your parts may be like trying to find a McDonald's that will make a Egg Muffin with your eggs.
Wow I have the exact same model and year as you... Have you had much issues with it? Mine only have 43k miles though, only issue I have is my brakes are squeaking in the first 5 mins of driving...
Fair enough....guess I have another issue to deal with haha. My dad did always say cars sometimes go R.I.P the closer they get to 100k and beyond hehehe
Hello Again,
Quick question.
What's the difference between a drive belt and a serpentine belt? How can I know which I have?
I ordered the timing belt kit online but the mechanic also said "if I want" I can also replace the "drive" belt I believe he called as he claimed it would have to be taken off anyway during the timing belt replacement process.
I tried to look this up online but I suppose cars either have one or the other.
Sounds like he's referring to the serpentine belt that drives your alternator and A/C. Probably a good idea to change that too while you're at it as rubber parts (like tires) age out over time.
If I remember correctly, the diesel requires special tools to R &R the belt. Dealership might be only one that would have those tools. Also seems to be shortage of belts so better vibe sure you have one before taking car in for service
There are timing tools for the 1.8L gas engine. Like a pin for the crankshaft to hold it at TDC and a cam tool. But they seem to have a much greater availability than the diesel tool kit. More 1.8's in the market I guess. It's also a little easier given that the water pump if I recall is driven off the serpentine belt. vs. internal on the timing belt.
I recall seeing the timing tools at Gates.com when I was considering the 2.0 CTD and looking at Maintenance requirements. The 1.8L tools didn't seem that expensive. Like under $100. I'd hope your mechanic would use them. The design of the tools, pinning the crank to TDC seems a lot easier than trying to mark everything and hope to get it lined up in the future.
Back to the original post, I drove until 126,000 until I finally decided that I don't want to play the Russian roulette anymore and had my timing belt replaced. Right now, my brakes bothering me, also the car seem to developed a bit of hesitation lately. Not noticeable in cities, but on highways I feel like the gas pedal is only for decoration than something that changes things by pressing.
Run a fuel system cleaner through your car. I recommend Royal Purple. Also, are your spark plugs due for changing? If they are or are not, regardless, make sure to Gap (or re-gap) them to spec.
The general terminology is serp belt. But either works.
When i bought my 12 cruze from the dealer i was told it was timing chain. Is the motor one of them interference motors that ruins the motor should the belt break?
I own a 2013 Cruze. It has no letters such as LS or LT. The check timing belt message appeared yesterday. Looking through the owners manual I cannot find anywhere that tells me if my engine is a 1.4 or 1.8. I apologize for the simplicity of this question. Thank you
I just hit 200K miles on my 2012 Cruze and the Change Timing belt light came on. I see posts with fear after 100K. So, yeah, it can last for 200K. I'll think about changing it after watching some youtube videos on it.