Engine stalling and will not start after momentary high RPM drive

CSAHOTA83

MEMBER
2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE
1.4L
4 CYL
TURBO
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

I was driving my car entering a highway so I was speeding up. I didn't realize my car was in manual mode and only in second gear (music was up and just didn't notice), my car got up to about 45 mph before I noticed the high rpm's. I let go of the throttle and moved the shifter back to the right, to automatic. But right after I did that the rpm completely dropped and the engine stopped. The engine temperature gauge was still less than half as the entire time of driving in second gear was less than 1 full minute. But when I opened the hood the turbo was glowing red hot. It only started again after 10 minutes. I drove it back to my place which was 45 minutes away (not on highway speeds), but it shut off before I reached home. The car started afterwards but would just drop rpm instantly and shut off, then afterwards it wouldn't start at all. (Didn't continuously try didn't want to cause further damage). Money is kind of tight right now so I was wondering if anyone may have any ideas as to what might have happened before I take it to the mechanic. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 1:32 PM

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

The idea that the turbo was red hot is a concern. Has the vehicle been running properly up until now?

Also, have you had the computer scanned for diagnostic trouble codes? In this case, we really should scan the can bus system. CAN stands for computer area network. Basically, all the modules/computers on the vehicle are tied together via a few wires. This type of scan will indicate if there is a specific module where the problems are starting from

Here is a quick video showing how it's done:

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

Also, let me know if when the engine is cranking if it sounds normal and if it seemed to drive okay prior to it not starting at all.

Let me know.
Joe

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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 5:57 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

I think we need to start with checking for codes. More then likely we have some pointing to the issue but the turbo glowing red is most likely caused by lack of oil.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

The engine will most likely not overheat as a result of this but if the turbo is failing or failed, it may cause all the issues you are seeing. Clearly we need to start with codes but if none, the turbo glowing red is the next place we need to go. Thanks

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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 6:23 PM