A drive belt squeak or engine noise from the front of the engine may be noticed on some 2016-2019 ATS, CTS, Camaro; 2016-2020 CT6; 2017-2019 LaCrosse, Acadia; 2017-2021 XT5, Colorado, Canyon; 2018-2020 Regal; 2019-2021 Blazer; and 2020 XT6 models equipped with the 3.6L engine (RPO LGX) or 3.0L engine (RPO LGW), built prior to October 30, 2020. DTC P0324 (Knock Sensor System Performance) also may be set in the Engine Control Module.
The drive belt squeak or engine noise, which may not be present at the time when the vehicle comes into the dealership, may be caused by the water pump. (Fig. 18) If the water pump condition is bad enough, the engine will pick up the knock noise.
Fig. 18
If the condition is found, listen to the water pump with a stethoscope or J-39570 Chassis Ears to determine if any unusual noises can be heard. Compare the sound to a similar vehicle. In addition, check the knock retard bank-to-bank using GDS2. Next, remove the belt (Fig. 19) and observe the knock retard again.
Fig. 19
If a noise is heard or there is a difference when removing the belt, replace the water pump. After installing a new water pump, check to ensure the engine noise or belt squeak has been eliminated.
TIP: When installing the new water pump, be sure to tighten the water pump and engine front cover bolts in sequence according to the Service Information.
For additional details and parts information, refer to Bulletin #21-NA- 030.
– Thanks to Bryan Salisbury
