[_641]

Chevrolet Cruze Forum – The oil pump in the engine of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze takes a laid-back approach to its work, delivering the precise amount of oil needed during all driving conditions. That requires the engine to work less versus a conventional pump and ultimately saves fuel.
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A standard feature in the Cruze’s Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine, the variable displacement oil pump reduces the displacement during engine warm up and high speed conditions. The volume of oil from the pump varies with rpm by changing the pump’s displacement through a pivoting control chamber mechanism and sliding vanes. A fixed displacement pump would typically bypass the extra oil internally.
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“By lowering the volume of oil we reduce the amount of energy, or torque, required to pump the oil, without taking necessary lubrication away from the engine,” said Mike Katerberg, assistant chief engineer for the 1.4L. “Reducing the torque demand reduces fuel consumption. It’s a simple, durable, maintenance-free design that we have used in our transmissions for years and more recently in our hybrid vehicles.”
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The Ecotec 1.4L turbo is standard on Eco, LT and LTZ models and helps the Cruze Eco, with a standard six-speed transmission, achieve an expected segment-leading estimated 40 mpg on the highway.
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The benefits of the variable displacement oil pump increase when used with other technologies such as variable valve timing which operate using oil pressure. Variable valve timing adjusts the engine valves' opening and closing timing for optimal performance, fuel efficiency and emissions across the rpm band – including greater low-rpm torque.
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The all-new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will begin arriving in U.S. dealerships this September, starting at $16,995, including destination. Priced to compete in the compact-car segment, the Cruze offers more interior room, more miles per gallon in the Eco model, and more standard safety features than any of its competitors.

[Disbeliever]

_641, on 25 August 2010 - 08:25 AM, said:

PONTIAC, Mich. – The oil pump in the engine of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze takes a laid-back approach to its work, delivering the precise amount of oil needed during all driving conditions. That requires the engine to work less versus a conventional pump and ultimately saves fuel.

A standard feature in the Cruze’s Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine, the variable displacement oil pump reduces the displacement during engine warm up and high speed conditions. The volume of oil from the pump varies with rpm by changing the pump’s displacement through a pivoting control chamber mechanism and sliding vanes. A fixed displacement pump would typically bypass the extra oil internally.

“By lowering the volume of oil we reduce the amount of energy, or torque, required to pump the oil, without taking necessary lubrication away from the engine,” said Mike Katerberg, assistant chief engineer for the 1.4L. “Reducing the torque demand reduces fuel consumption. It’s a simple, durable, maintenance-free design that we have used in our transmissions for years and more recently in our hybrid vehicles.”

The Ecotec 1.4L turbo is standard on Eco, LT and LTZ models and helps the Cruze Eco, with a standard six-speed transmission, achieve an expected segment-leading estimated 40 mpg on the highway.

The benefits of the variable displacement oil pump increase when used with other technologies such as variable valve timing which operate using oil pressure. Variable valve timing adjusts the engine valves' opening and closing timing for optimal performance, fuel efficiency and emissions across the rpm band – including greater low-rpm torque.

The all-new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will begin arriving in U.S. dealerships this September, starting at $16,995, including destination. Priced to compete in the compact-car segment, the Cruze offers more interior room, more miles per gallon in the Eco model, and more standard safety features than any of its competitors.

This oil pump badly needed on the Diesel Cruze with its appal bad/high fuel consumption

[Ferroviaphile]

Disbeliever, on 25 August 2010 - 06:16 PM, said:

This oil pump badly needed on the Diesel Cruze with its appal bad/high fuel consumption

I don't see how this oil pump or variable shutters in front of the radiator are going to make the wonderful difference in fuel consumption that you seem to think. Bear in mind that this turbo 1.4 is a petrol (gas) engine. And you've no idea whether this "special oil pump" would work on a diesel engine. If I remember correctly, the Cruze diesel engine is made by Chevrolet under licence from the Italian designer VM; so Chevrolet are hardly in a position to start tinkering with bits of it.
You keep going on about the poor fuel economy, but I've never seen anything constructive from you.....where do you drive, in London or outside? As you have an automatic, which has full manual override, have you tried using that, and with what effect? Have you also got your head round the continuous mpg read out, and tried to use that (it doesn't need to be spot-on accurate) to decide where the car is economical and where not?
I'm sorry to be so blunt, but I think I've held my tongue for too long. I'm fed up with reading posts from you where you present your opinions as if they were facts. And such remarks as, you wouldn't buy another Cruze unless it were to US spec....when, as far as I know, there aren't even any cars in the showrooms in the US to know what the spec is. The best bit of news I've seen was when you declared that you now wouldn't buy another Cruze at all, after you've single handedly rubbished it from end to end. If things like power mirrors and tyre pressure monitors etc are so important to you, why did you buy a car which hasn't got them? If you didn't check the specification in the brochure, or on the website, or when test-driving the vehicle, in my opinion you shouldn't blame the car for your lack of diligence. It's a good job car salesmen don't read forums like this, or they would be ready for someone wanting to part-exchange an automatic Cruze, and refuse to sell to you, on the basis that it would be too damaging for their brand.

[Disbeliever]

Ferroviaphile, on 25 August 2010 - 04:04 PM, said:

I don't see how this oil pump or variable shutters in front of the radiator are going to make the wonderful difference in fuel consumption that you seem to think. Bear in mind that this turbo 1.4 is a petrol (gas) engine. And you've no idea whether this "special oil pump" would work on a diesel engine. If I remember correctly, the Cruze diesel engine is made by Chevrolet under licence from the Italian designer VM; so Chevrolet are hardly in a position to start tinkering with bits of it.
You keep going on about the poor fuel economy, but I've never seen anything constructive from you.....where do you drive, in London or outside? As you have an automatic, which has full manual override, have you tried using that, and with what effect? Have you also got your head round the continuous mpg read out, and tried to use that (it doesn't need to be spot-on accurate) to decide where the car is economical and where not?
I'm sorry to be so blunt, but I think I've held my tongue for too long. I'm fed up with reading posts from you where you present your opinions as if they were facts. And such remarks as, you wouldn't buy another Cruze unless it were to US spec....when, as far as I know, there aren't even any cars in the showrooms in the US to know what the spec is. The best bit of news I've seen was when you declared that you now wouldn't buy another Cruze at all, after you've single handedly rubbished it from end to end. If things like power mirrors and tyre pressure monitors etc are so important to you, why did you buy a car which hasn't got them? If you didn't check the specification in the brochure, or on the website, or when test-driving the vehicle, in my opinion you shouldn't blame the car for your lack of diligence. It's a good job car salesmen don't read forums like this, or they would be ready for someone wanting to part-exchange an automatic Cruze, and refuse to sell to you, on the basis that it would be too damaging for their brand.

I am not the only one complaining about poor fuel consumption on this forum Alice & others, my comments are meant to be constructive in that I want to see a better specified car, if no one complains GM will get away with rippinng off customers outside the US where cars are much cheaper and the US version CRUZE due shortly has a much better specification. My previous Dodge Caliber a similar priced car has a much better detailing instruments etc and I would have bought my third one but the latest model is not being sold in the UK. I was misled into buying the Cruze because of the false fuel consumption figure which can not be obtained. I drive both in London & the Country and best combined figure has been 29.4 mpg. currently down to 26 mpg as against claimed 42 mpg combined. My 2 litre auto petrol was getting 27 mpg combined . Following my posts you must be well aware of all the bad quality & design faultsI find with the Cruze which I am going to repeat. I can not read the instrument dials fully when driving with sunglasses, or when going fast, the instruments look great lit up at night like a xmas tree but totally inpractical during the day, the Caliber has excellent easy to read dials. I miss the excellent tyre pressure monitor ( soon to be made mandatory in the EU.) I miss the powered foldback door mirrors, I miss the drivers vanity mirror, I miss the chilled drinks locker, I miss the fact that the front map lights do not illuminate when opening the doors. I miss the accurate fuel consumption display of the Caliber, I miss the independant trip odometer insterad of the ridiculous menu system of the Cruze, and I find the Auto Lights & rainsensing wipers to be a continual annoyance I do not like the poor quality rubbish plastic & rock hard centre arm rest , Car magazines do not review cars properly. Our leading Consumer magazine WHICH ? does not like the Cruze and predicts poor resale value. So Consumers should be aware of all these problems before buying a Cruze. Good points of the Cruze are IMO it looks good, drives OK( apart from very poor ride on rough UK roads) and fortunately has a full size steel spare wheel or though tyre size is different to those on the alloys. and because sales in UK are slow now comes with 5 year warranty & free serviceing etc. Finally I have had no problems with the DPF.

[ChevyCruzeBE]

@ Disbeliever , You sounds like Dodge car sales manager....

[Disbeliever]

ChevyCruzeBE, on 26 August 2010 - 05:52 AM, said:

@ Disbeliever , You sounds like Dodge car sales manager....

it shoud be sound not sounds


I am interested to see what FERROVIAPHILE has to say and where does he live ? It will be interesting to see what happens to CRUZE , Dodge got a a bad press and they could not sell them despite being a very good car. I got my second Caliber SXT CVT for only £11250 a pre-reg. with only 25 miles on the clock. List price same as Cruze 2.0 vcdi auto approx £17K but much less in the US.

[ChevyCruzeBE]

Disbeliever, on 26 August 2010 - 03:55 PM, said:

it shoud be sound not sounds


I am interested to see what FERROVIAPHILE has to say and where does he live ? It will be interesting to see what happens to CRUZE , Dodge got a a bad press and they could not sell them despite being a very good car. I got my second Caliber SXT CVT for only £11250 a pre-reg. with only 25 miles on the clock. List price same as Cruze 2.0 vcdi auto approx £17K but much less in the US.

Now You soundS like " frustrated " Dodge car sales manager

[Ferroviaphile]

Disbeliever, on 26 August 2010 - 02:55 PM, said:

it shoud be sound not sounds


I am interested to see what FERROVIAPHILE has to say and where does he live ? It will be interesting to see what happens to CRUZE , Dodge got a a bad press and they could not sell them despite being a very good car. I got my second Caliber SXT CVT for only £11250 a pre-reg. with only 25 miles on the clock. List price same as Cruze 2.0 vcdi auto approx £17K but much less in the US.

I live in North Nottinghamshire, about 30 minutes drive from Nottingham itself. I'm fortunate as far as fuel consumption is concerned, in that I have quick access to the A1 (the main London-Edinburgh road which is 2-lane dual carriageway or 2/3/4 lane motorway, for those not in the UK), and I am 15 minutes or so from the nearest town. My fuel consumption is gradually improving by slightly more concentration on driving technique.....not carrying excess rubbish in the car, not racing up to traffic hold-ups, and generally keeping my foot away from the brake pedal. The (totally inaccurate in your opinion) display is showing 48.9mpg for the last 150 miles. I've been daft about cars since I was about 3 years old; I passed my driving test in 1967; I'm only on my eleventh car (and one of those was twice), and I drive for my job.
My car came second hand ex Chevrolet demonstration fleet through W H Brand, a small, family-run garage in Whaplode Drove, near Spalding in South Lincolnshire. And the more I drive it the more I like it. It's quiet, comfortable, well equipped, and quick.

Now, I also cannot understand why you bought a Cruze if it is missing so many of the features which your beloved Dodge had. In fact, why didn't you keep the Dodge? I don't know why you took the time typing in all your dislikes again....you've already scattered them like confetti across the internet.
But just for good order's sake I'll give you my opinion: I have no problem reading the instruments. If you must wear sunglasses change them for ones with a lighter band at the bottom. I've no need for tyre pressure monitors....they bring along their own problems, such as you can't swap wheels around if you want to, you have to swap tyres on wheels. Power fold door mirrors are nice to have, but not essential. And I don't particularly want to frighten myself by looking in a vanity mirror. My last Megane had a chilled glovebox; the number of times I used it for chilling? None!
The menu system on the left-hand stalk is just what Ford had on the Scorpio more than a dozen years ago. I run with it set on average fuel consumption, occasionally check the continuous mpg figure, then change to mileage left to empty when the fuel gauge gets to the last quarter tank. All the information is available just by turning the collar on the stalk!! How easy is that? I have no problem with the auto lights and wipers.........try a Ford Transit with auto lights...it has to be nearly dark before they come on, and the garage "can't do anything about it". Incidentally, have you realised that you can over-ride the auto lights by turning the headlamp switch anti-clockwise? You have to do it each time you start up, though. But these aren't "problems", they are just your opinion of the Cruze.
I think car magazines give a distorted view of the world of motoring....which journalist is going to rip apart a Ford, Vauxhall or VW? To do so will get him taken off the Christmas card list, and he'll find that cars are unavailable for test. Rip apart a Chevrolet, a Dodge or a Chrysler, and what does it matter? He can't go overboard and praise the latter against his journo colleagues, as questions will be asked about the accuracy of their reports.
Now, I'm going to tell you a bit of information. The Renault Megane forum was monitored by Renault, and their guy would intervene from time to time to help resolve issues. Have you noticed that GM aren't cutting in? That's because they aren't watching!!!!! After all you've said don't you think they'd have been round to your house with a big bag of money, taken your Cruze off you, and given you a bus ticket to a dealership of your choosing, if they were taking any notice?
In my view, this is the wrong place to be expressing your real concerns. Write to the Managing Director (by name) at the dealership you bought your car from, with a letter focussed on your real problem, the poor fuel consumption. Or write to Chevrolet UK's head office. Or go to a local solicitor who gives half an hour free advice to see if there is a possibility of bringing a court action for mis-selling. But I would suggest you are wasting your time keep repeating on this forum your personal dislikes, because that's what they are, and they certainly won't get you any help from dealership, head office or courts....in fact it will undermine your case.
Or you could just admit you bought the wrong car for the wrong reasons, and quietly sell your Cruze.
Have a nice day!

[Disbeliever]

Ferroviaphile, on 28 August 2010 - 02:19 PM, said:

I live in North Nottinghamshire, about 30 minutes drive from Nottingham itself. I'm fortunate as far as fuel consumption is concerned, in that I have quick access to the A1 (the main London-Edinburgh road which is 2-lane dual carriageway or 2/3/4 lane motorway, for those not in the UK), and I am 15 minutes or so from the nearest town. My fuel consumption is gradually improving by slightly more concentration on driving technique.....not carrying excess rubbish in the car, not racing up to traffic hold-ups, and generally keeping my foot away from the brake pedal. The (totally inaccurate in your opinion) display is showing 48.9mpg for the last 150 miles. I've been daft about cars since I was about 3 years old; I passed my driving test in 1967; I'm only on my eleventh car (and one of those was twice), and I drive for my job.
My car came second hand ex Chevrolet demonstration fleet through W H Brand, a small, family-run garage in Whaplode Drove, near Spalding in South Lincolnshire. And the more I drive it the more I like it. It's quiet, comfortable, well equipped, and quick.

Now, I also cannot understand why you bought a Cruze if it is missing so many of the features which your beloved Dodge had. In fact, why didn't you keep the Dodge? I don't know why you took the time typing in all your dislikes again....you've already scattered them like confetti across the internet.
But just for good order's sake I'll give you my opinion: I have no problem reading the instruments. If you must wear sunglasses change them for ones with a lighter band at the bottom. I've no need for tyre pressure monitors....they bring along their own problems, such as you can't swap wheels around if you want to, you have to swap tyres on wheels. Power fold door mirrors are nice to have, but not essential. And I don't particularly want to frighten myself by looking in a vanity mirror. My last Megane had a chilled glovebox; the number of times I used it for chilling? None!
The menu system on the left-hand stalk is just what Ford had on the Scorpio more than a dozen years ago. I run with it set on average fuel consumption, occasionally check the continuous mpg figure, then change to mileage left to empty when the fuel gauge gets to the last quarter tank. All the information is available just by turning the collar on the stalk!! How easy is that? I have no problem with the auto lights and wipers.........try a Ford Transit with auto lights...it has to be nearly dark before they come on, and the garage "can't do anything about it". Incidentally, have you realised that you can over-ride the auto lights by turning the headlamp switch anti-clockwise? You have to do it each time you start up, though. But these aren't "problems", they are just your opinion of the Cruze.
I think car magazines give a distorted view of the world of motoring....which journalist is going to rip apart a Ford, Vauxhall or VW? To do so will get him taken off the Christmas card list, and he'll find that cars are unavailable for test. Rip apart a Chevrolet, a Dodge or a Chrysler, and what does it matter? He can't go overboard and praise the latter against his journo colleagues, as questions will be asked about the accuracy of their reports.
Now, I'm going to tell you a bit of information. The Renault Megane forum was monitored by Renault, and their guy would intervene from time to time to help resolve issues. Have you noticed that GM aren't cutting in? That's because they aren't watching!!!!! After all you've said don't you think they'd have been round to your house with a big bag of money, taken your Cruze off you, and given you a bus ticket to a dealership of your choosing, if they were taking any notice?
In my view, this is the wrong place to be expressing your real concerns. Write to the Managing Director (by name) at the dealership you bought your car from, with a letter focussed on your real problem, the poor fuel consumption. Or write to Chevrolet UK's head office. Or go to a local solicitor who gives half an hour free advice to see if there is a possibility of bringing a court action for mis-selling. But I would suggest you are wasting your time keep repeating on this forum your personal dislikes, because that's what they are, and they certainly won't get you any help from dealership, head office or courts....in fact it will undermine your case.
Or you could just admit you bought the wrong car for the wrong reasons, and quietly sell your Cruze.
Have a nice day!

As for experience with cars I am on my 43rd. You are right about one thing though I made a mistake by selling my Dodge Caliber and buying the Cruze a waste of money. , 26 mpg is just not acceptable for a diesel despite seeing up to 44 on the inacurate fuel display.The instrumentation on the Cruze IMO is total crap,.I had no problems with the excellent Chrysler TPM which showed exact pressures not just low as on VW etc. TPM now to become mandatory on all new EU cars in 2011. WHICH ? car magzine & others killed the sales of the Dodge Caliber in the UK and may have done the same for the Cruze by saying expect poor resale values.

[arrivinghere]

@ Disbeliever: I can't understand why you find the Auto Lights & rainsensing wipers to be a continual annoyance. I have them too and I like 'em. And you don't have to put them on automatic. I suppose you are aware of the fact that you can switch off the auto-function of those (nice) features and use them "manual". So what's the problem?

[ChevyCruzeBE]

Disbeliever, on 29 August 2010 - 09:51 AM, said:

. WHICH ? car magzine & others killed the sales of the Dodge Caliber in the UK and may have done the same for the Cruze by saying expect poor resale values.

Resale in Flanders Belgium will come to a death stop the Flemish government is planning for an extra tax on resale cars with a higher Co2 output than 120g/Km .

On the other hand for me , I hoping to ride my new Chevrolet Cruze so long as my Chevrolet Corsica 2.2 LT from 1993, if it does than I can say its a good car.

[Ferroviaphile]

Disbeliever, on 29 August 2010 - 08:51 AM, said:

As for experience with cars I am on my 43rd. You are right about one thing though I made a mistake by selling my Dodge Caliber and buying the Cruze a waste of money. , 26 mpg is just not acceptable for a diesel despite seeing up to 44 on the inacurate fuel display.The instrumentation on the Cruze IMO is total crap,.I had no problems with the excellent Chrysler TPM which showed exact pressures not just low as on VW etc. TPM now to become mandatory on all new EU cars in 2011. WHICH ? car magzine & others killed the sales of the Dodge Caliber in the UK and may have done the same for the Cruze by saying expect poor resale values.

But what have you actually done to try to improve the mpg figure? You've a 6-speed automatic with full manual over-ride. At what rpm does the car change up as it goes through the gears in your normal driving style? What sort of figure is the continuous mpg display showing? If you use the sequential manual at higher, or perhaps lower, rpm does that have any effect?
At no point in all of your assassination of the Cruze have you ever explained what you have done to try to improve the car's mpg figure. I can only assume that you are so fixated with rubbishing the poor car you've forgotten that your driving style may need to be modified to get the best out of it. You may have had 43 cars, but that is no guarantee that you can drive this diesel economically. I'm well aware of the artificial nature of the Government fuel consumption figures, but it's got to be worth some experimentation to see if it is possible to improve on your currrent consumption.

[Disbeliever]

Ferroviaphile, on 29 August 2010 - 02:14 PM, said:

But what have you actually done to try to improve the mpg figure? You've a 6-speed automatic with full manual over-ride. At what rpm does the car change up as it goes through the gears in your normal driving style? What sort of figure is the continuous mpg display showing? If you use the sequential manual at higher, or perhaps lower, rpm does that have any effect?
At no point in all of your assassination of the Cruze have you ever explained what you have done to try to improve the car's mpg figure. I can only assume that you are so fixated with rubbishing the poor car you've forgotten that your driving style may need to be modified to get the best out of it. You may have had 43 cars, but that is no guarantee that you can drive this diesel economically. I'm well aware of the artificial nature of the Government fuel consumption figures, but it's got to be worth some experimentation to see if it is possible to improve on your currrent consumption.

My petrol Caliber had a 6 speed auto CVT box and I got 26 mpg, 32 mpg on a very long run. I drive the Cruze exactly the same way. I buy automatics to avoid having to manually change gears, In D it is not possible to see what the revs are going through the gears . The average mpg display starts of at a low figure and gradually increases it is mostly in the 30's mpg but can increase after 3/4 miles up to 40 + A diesel car stays below 2000 rpm even up to 70 mph unless accelerating hard going up a hill or avoiding other cars. I do not see how it is possible to improve my current fuel consumption which is nearly close to Alice's who also complains about poor fuel consumption among others.