Checking Exhaust System for Leaks, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated – DTC P2C7A and/or P0421 Set – 2020-2023 Cadillac Chevrolet GMC

NHTSA ID Number: 10222807

Manufacturer Communication Number: 22-NA-168

Summary

This bulletin provides diagnostic information when checking the exhaust system for leaks.

 


Condition

Some customers may comment that the MIL is illuminated.

Technicians may comment on one or more of the following DTCs set in the Engine Control Module (ECM):

 

Cause

This condition may be caused by an exhaust leak that will let oxygen into the exhaust and will make the Nitrogen Oxide sensors read incorrectly.

 

Correction

There are two different types of leak tests that can be performed on the induction or exhaust system. The first is a smoke leak test where the area being tested is filled with pressurized smoke and the leak is detected by visually inspecting for smoke exiting the system. The second is a pressure leak test where soapy water is applied to the outside of the area being tested and leaks are visually identified by the presence of bubbles forming over the leaking area.

Advantages to using a Smoke leak test vs. a Pressure leak test:

  • Smoke is easy to see exiting relatively large leak locations. The smoke bellows out.
  • You can sometimes smell the smoke to help identify a leak location.

Disadvantages to using a Smoke leak test vs. a Pressure leak test:

  • Smoke is hard to see exiting a small leak as the smoke is traveling fast.
  • Smoke can be removed when it passes through a DPF.

Advantages to using a Pressure leak test vs. a Smoke leak test:

  • Bubbles will easily form over a small leak making it easy to spot.
  • You can leave soapy water on the surface being tested while you go to eat lunch.

When you return, you should still see bubbles.

Disadvantages to using a Pressure leak test vs. a Smoke leak test:

  • It is very difficult for a soap film to form over a large leak to make a bubble.

 


25 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKEMODELYEAR
CADILLACESCALADE2021-2023
CADILLACESCALADE ESV2021-2023
CHEVROLETSILVERADO 15002020-2022
CHEVROLETSUBURBAN2021-2023
CHEVROLETSUBURBAN 15002021-2022
CHEVROLETTAHOE2021-2023
GMCSIERRA 15002020-2022
GMCYUKON2021-2023
GMCYUKON XL2021-2022

 


1 Associated Document

Manufacturer Communications

Bulletin No.: 22-NA-168
Date: September, 2022

MC-10222807-0001.pdf 312.547KB

 


NHTSA ID Number: 10218891

Manufacturer Communication Number: 22-NA-168

Summary

This bulletin provides diagnostic information when checking the exhaust system for leaks.

 

1 Associated Document

Manufacturer Communications

Bulletin No.: 22-NA-168
Date: August, 2022

MC-10218891-0001.pdf 311.861KB

 


 

SaleBestseller No. 1
AutoLine Pro HyperSmoke™ Automotive Smoke Machine EVAP Vacuum Leak Tester – Adjustable Pressure – OEM Approved Smoke Fluid – Built-in Air Compressor Motor – Includes Cone and Gas Cap EVAP Adapter.
  • HyperSmoke Technology – Creates Thick Visible Smoke for Easy Leak Testing. Adjustable Pressure. Infinite Smoke. Instant Warmup. Built-In Air Compressor Motor. OEM Approved Smoke Fluid. Designed and Engineered by AutoLine Pro USA, an American Team of Individuals bringing the latest innovation to you.
  • HyperSmoke Benefits – Hypersmoke never overheats, has EVAP mode to protect EVAP from permanent damage, has a mode with higher pressure to test for more leaks like boost/turbo, has a built-in air compressor, comes with proper automotive-grade leak detection fluid for safe and accurate testing, engineered in the USA with custom components and is a professional-grade tool made for serious diagnostic work.
  • Includes Everything You Need – Made for ALL Leak Testing Scenarios - EVAP, Vacuum, Intake, Exhaust, Turbo, Superchargers, EGR, Cooling Systems, Engine Blocks, Oil Leaks, Body Work, Wind & Water Leaks, worn rubber, gaskets, seals, connectors, Cars, Trucks, Tractors, Semis, Motorcycles, Scientific Apparatus, and more!
  • OEM Approved Smoke Fluid Included – Safe for all systems and sensors. Premium High-Smoke output formula. We’ve included plenty of fluid so you can focus on what’s important – 240 minutes of runtime!
  • Adjustable Pressure – Adjustable Pressure gives you the flexibility to leak test a significantly wider array of systems ranging from EVAP all the way to Turbocharged systems. Why is this feature important? EVAP must be tested at under 1 PSI otherwise DAMAGE WILL OCCUR. This is a feature MISSING from other overseas copy-paste smoke machines.
SaleBestseller No. 2
AutoLine Pro HyperSmoke™ Automotive Smoke Machine EVAP Vacuum Leak Tester – Adjustable Pressure – OEM Approved Smoke Fluid – Built-in Air Compressor Motor - Includes Smoke Fluid x2.
  • HyperSmoke Technology – Creates Thick Visible Smoke for Easy Leak Testing. Adjustable Pressure. Infinite Smoke. Instant Warmup. Built-In Air Compressor Motor. OEM Approved Smoke Fluid. Designed and Engineered by AutoLine Pro USA, an American Team of Individuals bringing the latest innovation to you.
  • HyperSmoke Benefits – Hypersmoke never overheats, has EVAP mode to protect EVAP from permanent damage, has a mode with higher pressure to test for more leaks like boost/turbo, has a built-in air compressor, comes with proper automotive-grade leak detection fluid for safe and accurate testing, engineered in the USA with custom components and is a professional-grade tool made for serious diagnostic work.
  • Includes Everything You Need – Made for ALL Leak Testing Scenarios - EVAP, Vacuum, Intake, Exhaust, Turbo, Superchargers, EGR, Cooling Systems, Engine Blocks, Oil Leaks, Body Work, Wind & Water Leaks, worn rubber, gaskets, seals, connectors, Cars, Trucks, Tractors, Semis, Motorcycles, Scientific Apparatus, and more!
  • OEM Approved Smoke Fluid Included – Safe for all systems and sensors. Premium High-Smoke output formula. We’ve included plenty of fluid so you can focus on what’s important – 240 minutes of runtime!
  • Adjustable Pressure – Adjustable Pressure gives you the flexibility to leak test a significantly wider array of systems ranging from EVAP all the way to Turbocharged systems. Why is this feature important? EVAP must be tested at under 1 PSI otherwise DAMAGE WILL OCCUR. This is a feature MISSING from other overseas copy-paste smoke machines.
Bestseller No. 3
AutoLine Pro HyperSmoke™ Automotive Smoke Machine EVAP Vacuum Leak Tester | Pro Vers. w/Gauge | Adjustable Pressure - OEM Approved Smoke Fluid - Built-in Air Motor - Cone and EVAP Gas Cap Adapter
  • HyperSmoke Technology – Creates Thick Visible Smoke for Easy Leak Testing. Adjustable Pressure. Infinite Smoke. Instant Warmup. Built-In Air Compressor Motor. OEM Approved Smoke Fluid. Designed and Engineered by AutoLine Pro USA, an American Team of Individuals bringing the latest innovation to you.
  • HyperSmoke Benefits – Hypersmoke never overheats, has EVAP mode to protect EVAP from permanent damage, has a mode with higher pressure to test for more leaks like boost/turbo, has a built-in air compressor, comes with proper automotive-grade leak detection fluid for safe and accurate testing, engineered in the USA with custom components and is a professional-grade tool made for serious diagnostic work.
  • Includes Everything You Need – Made for ALL Leak Testing Scenarios - EVAP, Vacuum, Intake, Exhaust, Turbo, Superchargers, EGR, Cooling Systems, Engine Blocks, Oil Leaks, Body Work, Wind & Water Leaks, worn rubber, gaskets, seals, connectors, Cars, Trucks, Tractors, Semis, Motorcycles, Scientific Apparatus, and more!
  • OEM Approved Smoke Fluid Included – Safe for all systems and sensors. Premium High-Smoke output formula. We’ve included plenty of fluid so you can focus on what’s important – 240 minutes of runtime!
  • Adjustable Pressure – Adjustable Pressure gives you the flexibility to leak test a significantly wider array of systems ranging from EVAP all the way to Turbocharged systems. Why is this feature important? EVAP must be tested at under 1 PSI otherwise DAMAGE WILL OCCUR. This is a feature MISSING from other overseas copy-paste smoke machines.
Bestseller No. 4
Solary Automotive Smoke Machine Leak Detector - 12V DC EVAP Vacuum Diagnostic Tester for Pipe System
  • [Built-in Air Pump]: Smoke machine features a built-in air pump, eliminating the need for an external air source, allowing you to perform tests anytime, anywhere. Simply add about 20ml of baby oil or Glycerin (oil not included) to start your testing effortlessly
  • [Multi-Function]: Suitable for a wide range of tests, including EVAP systems, vacuum leaks, low-pressure turbo leaks, intake manifolds, cooling/EGR/exhaust systems, and more. It can be used on cars, motorcycles, and various other vehicles
  • [Quick Detection]: The machine generates thick smoke within just 10 seconds of startup, providing enough output to detect even the smallest leaks, ensuring fast and accurate problem identification
  • [Lightweight and Portable]: Weighing only 4.4lb, the Solary automotive smoke machine is compact, easy to store, and transport, making it an essential tool for every car owner
  • [User-Friendly]: With a simple and intuitive interface, the device has a low entry barrier, making it easy for even first-time users to quickly get started
SaleBestseller No. 5
Solary Automotive Smoke Machine Tester - 30s Rapid Smoke Output
  • Rapid 30 sec start and 1 min leak pinpoint: Generates thick smoke in 30s, localizing leaks within 60s. Built - in air pump eliminates need for external air source. This automotive smoke machine is ideal for weekend DIYers, letting you go from power‑on to visual confirmation smoothly.
  • Pinpoint EVAP & Fuel Line Micro-Leaks: Featuring high - sensitivity output,this smoke tester automotive delivers pressurized smoke to trace EVAP,fuel lines,and intake manifolds. It visually exposes hairline cracks that visual inspection misses,solving the anxiety of recurring engine warnings and unclear leak origins.
  • Compatible With Multiple Vehicle Systems: Designed for automotive leak diagnostics, this smoke machine supports EVAP systems, intake manifolds, throttle body connections, vacuum hoses, and related components. Multiple adapters help simplify connections across different vehicle systems, allowing DIY vehicle owners to perform a wider range of leak inspections and maintenance tasks with a single diagnostic tool
  • Built-In Air Pump for Easy Setup: No external air compressor or additional air source required. Simply connect to a 12V vehicle battery and begin leak testing, helping simplify setup and making inspections more convenient in home garages and maintenance environments
  • Easy Operation for DIY Vehicle Owners: Complex diagnostic equipment can discourage routine vehicle inspections. This smoke machine requires only 10–20ml of test oil and a DC 12V power connection to begin operation. The simplified setup process helps users start EVAP leak testing, vacuum system inspection, and intake diagnostics with minimal preparation and no complicated procedures

 


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