Hi - new to this forum and first post. I am original owner of 2006 H3 with about 100,000 miles on car. Have been getting intermittent "traction fail" "service stability system" plus "check engine" light signals. Took it to the dealer who got back just now saying the engine code is indicating a leaking valve on #5 cylinder. Fix seems to be to pay $2,300.00 for new head including labor (told that new head alone costs $1,000).

Has anyone else experienced this problem? Seemed funny that a leaking valve could cause a drivetrain problem -- service manager said that torque controls the stability system, and loss of torque through bad valve is disabling the stability system.

Did search but did not see any posts addressing this issue -- thanks in advance for input/help.

Bob

 

Hi to H3 Sub-Forum

Posted this to the General Forum, but should have posted it here.

Hi - new to this forum and first post. I am original owner of 2006 H3 with about 100,000 miles on car. Have been getting intermittent "traction fail" "service stability system" plus "check engine" light signals. Took it to the dealer who got back just now saying the engine code is indicating a leaking valve on #5 cylinder. Fix seems to be to pay $2,300.00 for new head including labor (told that new head alone costs $1,000).

Has anyone else experienced this problem? Seemed funny that a leaking valve could cause a drivetrain problem -- service manager said that torque controls the stability system, and loss of torque through bad valve is disabling the stability system.

At any rate, I have searched and have seen some posts that are related to this issue -- should have also indicated that ours is an early H3 -- the first head failed, and then we got it replaced under warranty -- would have thought the second head would be good to go for the duration with regular maintenance.

Thanks in advance for input/help.

Bob

 

Leaking valve- carbon buildup could cause that, just use a better fuel,(Why Top Tier Gas | Top Tier Gas )+induction cleaning and tb cleaning, will correct that.
What code did you get?
More info needed.

 

Agree...
Let's start with the code list first.
Clean tb & maf. Check breather hose under resonator for dry rot. Also run some cleaner through intake and make sure air intake bolts are tightened.

Way before the jump to head replace spark plugs, c.o.p & injectors. Lol!

 

hummerz and Happy Hummer -

Thanks for getting back so quickly. I agree that I am not just going to give $$$ to the dealer - especially since the initial head was replaced with what I hope was a greatly improved version (that is with hardened seats).

I will get the car back from the dealer tomorrow -- not sure if they will tell me exactly what codes they saw -- but mgr did say "intake on #5 was leaking" and "not closing at idle". Said they can't reset.

Regarding induction cleaning and tb (assume this is throttle body) cleaning -- what is best way to do this? Understand notion of going with higher grade fuel (and non-ethanal) - should I also put a jar (or two) of Chevron Techron in the gas? Also what are the "maf" and the c.o.p.?

Thanks,

Bob

 

MAF = Mass Air Flow Sensor
C.O.P = Coil On Plug

Yes to Techron.

Also, there are some really helpful videos and write ups on cleaning TB (Throttle Body).

 

I like Chem Tool as it really cleans everything super good. I get it in spray can. But make sure to cover any paint you don't want missing lol! Highly corrosive.

 

MAF cleaner only... do not use aggressive cleaners as it will ruin your MAF.

 

I will assume they found a P0300 with a light misfire on cylinder 5 at idle. Ask for the leak down test results as that is the test that should have been done to indicate a poor valve to seat seal.

 

Welcome to HF.

MOVED this to the H3 section, where........ ready..... H3 questions go.


It would have been helpful if you were provided the actual code stored for the SVC Stability System and CEL, the mere fact that a message illuminated is of minimal value by itself.

From GM: "The StabiliTrak® control module compares your steering input with the vehicle’s actual response and, if necessary, makes small, individual brake and engine torque applications to enhance control and help you keep on track. StabiliTrak® automatically intervenes when it senses loss of lateral traction."

Your one valvetrain issue has virtually nothing to do with the stabilitrack glitch. One leaking low pressure combustion chamber is not going to create a massive loss of torque such that the system would shut down. There are many possible reasons for the issue, most involve TB position, Throttle Pedal position, and brake system irregularities, like a frayed or poor connection, short, defective sensor, or bad Stabilitrack module itself.