Cruze P1101: meaning, causes and the right GM repair path

The 2016 model year appears in both engine families. Match the engine RPO and VIN before choosing a row. The LUJ/LUV references cover the older car, including a 2016 Limited when its VIN confirms that engine; the LE2 row is for the second-generation Cruze. The 1.8L naturally aspirated and 2.0L diesel Cruze are outside these bulletin applications.

PI0907C extends the earlier PI0907A application through 2016. PIP5197F also lists 2011–2016 LUJ/LUV Cruze models; this closes the gap left by the older PIP5197A range, which ended at 2014.

Source: PI0907C · PDF 1 · 20-NA-047 · PDF 1

PI0907C gives a warm-idle throttle-position reference of 8–12%, with air conditioning and defrost off. A reading below 7% points to unmetered intake air. GM identifies a PCV pipe whose back-pressure valve remains open; if the professional isolation test restores the reading, the correction is pipe replacement. For the Cruze, the bulletin also includes a check that the air-cleaner baffle is in its correct position.

PIP5197F describes another branch: a leaking cam-cover PCV port and a missing intake-manifold non-return valve. A confirmed cover fault leads to the cover assembly, and a confirmed missing manifold valve to the manifold assembly. Both findings matter when P1101 returns after cover work.

Source: PI0907C · PDF 1 · PIP5197F · PDF 1

20-NA-047 associates a blocked PCV orifice with excessive crankcase pressure, P1101 and crankshaft oil leakage. The GM correction consists of inspecting the orifice and cover passages and replacing the orifice as needed, together with the camshaft-cover gaskets.

Source: 20-NA-047 · PDF 2 · 20-NA-047 · PDF 3

These are inches of water, not inches of mercury. GM specifies a hot-idle test in Park for both normal ranges. Each reading belongs to its engine family; using the LUJ/LUV range to judge an LE2 would produce the wrong comparison.

Source: PIP5197F · PDF 3 · PIP5197F · PDF 4 · 20-NA-047 · PDF 2