Coolant in Combustion Chamber

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 GMC Yukon, 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2012 Cadillac Escalade. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Cause	Correction
Review the system operation in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions. As required, disable the auto-stop function prior to repair. Refer to Hybrid Modes of Operation Description .
DEFINITION: Excessive white smoke and/or coolant type odor coming from the exhaust pipe may indicate coolant in the combustion chamber. Low coolant levels, an inoperative cooling fan, or a faulty thermostat may lead to an engine overtemperature condition, which may cause engine component damage. A slower than normal cranking speed may indicate coolant entering the combustion chamber. Refer to Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate . Remove the spark plugs and inspect for spark plugs saturated by coolant or coolant in the cylinder bore. Inspect by performing a cylinder leak-down test. During this test, excessive air bubbles within the coolant may indicate a faulty gasket or damaged component. Inspect by performing a cylinder compression test. Two cylinders side-by-side on the engine block, with low compression, may indicate a failed cylinder head gasket. Refer to Engine Compression Test .
Cracked intake manifold or failed gasket	Replace the components, as required.
Faulty cylinder head gasket	Replace the head gasket and components, as required. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection , and Cylinder Head Replacement - Left Side , or Cylinder Head Replacement - Right Side .
Warped cylinder head	Machine the cylinder head to the proper flatness, if applicable and replace the cylinder head gasket. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection .
Cracked cylinder head	Replace the cylinder head and gasket.
Cracked cylinder liner or engine block	Replace the components, as required.
Cylinder head or engine block porosity	Replace the components, as required.