# 2017 Equinox Burning Oil: Excessive Consumption & Engine Damage > ClearTheCode — Experiencing a 2017 Equinox burning oil? Learn common causes, symptoms, and effective fixes for excessive oil consumption to prevent costly engine damage. Get expert advice. Source: https://clearthecode.com/articles/excessive-oil-consumption-engine-chevrolet-equinox-2017 Author: ClearTheCode # 2017 Equinox Burning Oil If you own a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox and have noticed a persistent burning oil smell, blue smoke from the exhaust, or find yourself frequently adding oil between changes, you're likely dealing with excessive oil consumption. This isn't just an inconvenience; it can lead to serious engine damage if not addressed promptly. Understanding the underlying causes and how to properly diagnose this issue is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's health and avoiding costly repairs. For more general repair guides, visit our [articles hub](/articles). ## What drivers notice on this 2017 Chevrolet Equinox Drivers of the 2017 Equinox often report a distinct smell of burning oil, particularly after the engine has warmed up or when stopped at a light. You might also see a puff of blue or grayish smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, especially during startup or hard acceleration. The most common indicator, however, is the engine oil level consistently dropping much faster than expected, requiring frequent top-offs long before the scheduled oil change interval. Ignoring these signs can lead to low oil pressure, increased engine wear, and eventual engine failure. For more information on your specific model, check out the [Equinox model hub](/vehicles/chevrolet/equinox). ## At a glance: difficulty, repair cost, and diagnostic workflow - **Difficulty Rating:** 6/10 — Easy to moderate - **Common Symptoms:** Burning oil smell: A distinct, acrid odor, often noticeable inside the cabin or around the vehicle after driving.; Blue or gray exhaust smoke: This is a classic sign of oil being burned in the combustion chambers. It may be most visibl; Consistently low oil level: You find yourself adding a quart or more of oil every few hundred or thousand miles, signifi; Check Engine Light (CEL): While not specific to oil consumption, related issues like fouled spark plugs or oxygen sensor - **Estimated Repair Cost:** $100–$800 (parts + typical shop labor) - **OEM Tooling Required:** Standard OBD-II scanner and hand tools **Diagnostic workflow:** 1. Confirm the symptom on your vehicle. 2. Scan for stored or pending codes with an OBD-II tool. 3. Inspect the most common causes in this guide (visual checks first). 4. Run verification tests before replacing parts. 5. Repair, clear codes, and verify on a test drive. ## Symptoms and warning signs Recognizing the symptoms of a 2017 Equinox burning oil early can save you from more severe issues. Keep an eye out for these common indicators: - **Burning oil smell:** A distinct, acrid odor, often noticeable inside the cabin or around the vehicle after driving. - **Blue or gray exhaust smoke:** This is a classic sign of oil being burned in the combustion chambers. It may be most visible on cold starts, during acceleration, or when decelerating and then reapplying throttle. - **Consistently low oil level:** You find yourself adding a quart or more of oil every few hundred or thousand miles, significantly more often than usual. - **Check Engine Light (CEL):** While not specific to oil consumption, related issues like fouled spark plugs or oxygen sensor problems due to oil burning can trigger the CEL. If your CEL is on, you may want to [browse OBD-II codes](/codes) for more information. - **Reduced engine performance:** Sluggish acceleration, rough idle, or a general lack of power can occur if oil burning affects combustion efficiency. - **Engine knocking or ticking noises:** Extremely low oil levels can lead to insufficient lubrication, causing internal engine components to wear prematurely and create unusual noises. - **Fouled spark plugs:** Oil residue can build up on spark plugs, leading to misfires and poor engine operation. ## Common Causes of Excessive Oil Consumption in the 2017 Equinox Several factors can contribute to a 2017 Equinox burning oil. Identifying the root cause is critical for effective repair: - **Worn Piston Rings:** Over time, the piston rings, which seal the combustion chamber and scrape oil from cylinder walls, can wear out or become stuck with carbon deposits. When this happens, oil can seep past them into the combustion chamber and burn. - **Worn Valve Stem Seals:** These small seals prevent oil from the cylinder head (where the camshafts and valves are lubricated) from leaking down the valve stems into the combustion chamber. As they age, they can harden, crack, or lose their elasticity, allowing oil to pass. - **PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) System Issues:** A clogged or malfunctioning PCV valve or associated hoses can lead to excessive crankcase pressure. This pressure can force oil past seals and rings, or draw oil vapor directly into the intake manifold, where it is then burned. - **Turbocharger Problems:** Many 2017 Equinox models are equipped with turbocharged engines. A failing turbocharger, specifically worn bearings or seals within the turbo, can allow oil to leak into the exhaust or intake side, leading to burning oil symptoms. - **Oil Leaks (External vs. Internal):** While the focus here is internal consumption, significant external leaks can lead to low oil levels, mimicking consumption. Always rule out external leaks first. - **Incorrect Oil Type or Viscosity:** Using an oil with the wrong viscosity or one that doesn't meet GM's specifications can sometimes contribute to increased consumption, especially in engines designed for specific oil properties. ### Related guides on this vehicle - [2018 Chevy Equinox 1.5L Oil Burning: Excessive Consumption Fix](/articles/excessive-oil-consumption-engine-chevrolet-equinox-2018) - [2019 Equinox Low Oil Light Comes On Frequently: Excessive Consumption](/articles/excessive-oil-consumption-engine-chevrolet-equinox-2019) - [P0011 2024 Lexus Gx: Intake Camshaft Timing Over-Advanced](/articles/p0011-lexus-gx-2024-diagnostic-guide) ## Diagnosis and Verification Steps Confirming that your 2017 Equinox is indeed burning oil (and not just leaking it externally) involves several steps, some of which require professional tools: - **Regular Dipstick Checks:** Establish a routine of checking your oil level every 500-1,000 miles. Note how much oil you add and how frequently. This helps quantify the consumption rate and is often the first indicator. - **Visual Inspection for External Leaks:** Before assuming internal consumption, thoroughly inspect under the vehicle and the engine bay for any signs of fresh oil spots, seepage around gaskets (valve covers, oil pan, timing cover), or seals (front/rear main seals). A clean engine bay makes internal consumption easier to identify. - **Observe Exhaust Smoke:** Have a friend watch the exhaust tailpipe during different driving conditions (startup, idle, acceleration, deceleration) to confirm the presence and color of smoke. Blue smoke is a strong indicator of oil burning. - **PCV System Inspection:** A faulty Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve or clogged PCV system can significantly contribute to oil consumption. Inspect the valve, hoses, and connections for clogs, cracks, or damage. A simple test might involve shaking the valve to hear a rattle or checking for vacuum. - **Perform an Oil Consumption Test:** This is often done by a dealership or professional mechanic. It involves draining the oil, refilling with a precise amount, sealing the drain plug, and monitoring consumption over a specified mileage (e.g., 1,000-2,000 miles) before re-measuring. This provides a definitive consumption rate. - **Compression and Leak-Down Tests:** These advanced diagnostic tests assess the integrity of your engine's combustion chambers. Low compression or high leak-down in specific cylinders can point directly to worn piston rings or valve seals. - **Spark Plug Inspection:** Remove and inspect the spark plugs. Oil-fouled spark plugs (black, oily residue) in one or more cylinders are a clear sign of oil burning in those specific cylinders. - **Borescope Inspection:** A small camera (borescope) can be inserted into the spark plug holes to visually inspect the cylinder walls for scoring and the valve stems for oil accumulation, providing direct evidence of internal wear. - **Scan for Related Codes:** While there isn't a direct --- This guide is not a substitute for OEM service procedures; use a qualified technician for safety-critical repairs. ## Frequently asked questions ### How urgent is this problem? If symptoms are worsening or safety systems are affected, diagnose soon; minor issues can often wait for a scheduled service visit. ### Can I drive with this issue? Short trips may be acceptable for some faults, but stop driving if you notice overheating, loss of braking, steering problems, or strong fuel smells. ### Do I need a dealer scan tool? A basic OBD-II scanner helps confirm codes; some steps still need visual checks and meter tests described above. ## Explore related guides on ClearTheCode - [Browse OBD-II codes](/codes) - [All repair guides](/articles)