What the diverter valve does and why it fails

The diverter valve on your 2020 Chevy Trax sits between the turbocharger and the intake manifold. When you lift off the accelerator, it vents excess boost pressure to the atmosphere instead of letting it back into the engine—that's the "pssh" sound you hear when a turbocharged car shifts gears. If the valve sticks or the seal fails, you'll notice a loss of boost pressure, rough idle, or a check engine light with a code pointing to the turbo system.

The diverter valve on the 2020 Trax is a wear item. The internal poppet valve can stick from carbon buildup, or the rubber seal can harden and crack after years of heat cycling. Replacement is straightforward enough for someone with basic mechanical skills and the right tools, though you'll need to remove the intake manifold to access it.

Key Takeaways

  • The diverter valve sits on top of the turbocharger and requires removal of the intake manifold to reach it.
  • You will need a socket set, a torque wrench, gasket scraper, new gaskets, and the replacement diverter valve (part number 55565049 for the 2020 Trax 1.4L turbo).
  • The job takes two to four hours and involves draining coolant, disconnecting hoses and electrical connectors, and removing multiple bolts in a specific sequence.
  • Reuse of old gaskets will cause vacuum leaks and boost loss, so purchase new gaskets for the intake manifold and diverter valve before you start.
  • If the turbocharger itself is damaged or the boost pressure does not return after replacement, have a shop scan for codes and test boost with a gauge.

Tools and parts you will need

Gather these items before you begin. You'll need a socket set (metric, 8mm through 15mm), a torque wrench rated to 25 foot-pounds, a gasket scraper or plastic putty knife, jack stands if you're working under the car, and new gaskets—specifically the intake manifold gasket and the diverter valve gasket. Do not reuse the old gaskets; they compress and will leak.

The replacement diverter valve for a 2020 Chevy Trax with the 1.4L turbo engine is part number 55565049. Order it from a Chevrolet dealer or a parts supplier that stocks OEM components. You may also want a new coolant hose clamp or two, since the clamps are often damaged during removal. A service manual or online repair guide specific to the 2020 Trax will show you the bolt sequence and torque specs—this is worth having on hand or on a tablet while you work.

Draining coolant and disconnecting the intake system

Start by letting the engine cool completely. Open the hood and locate the coolant drain plug on the radiator or engine block (check your manual for the exact location on your model). Place a drain pan underneath and open the plug. Let the coolant drain fully—this usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Close the plug when done.

Next, disconnect the intake air hose that runs from the air filter box to the turbocharger inlet. Loosen the hose clamp with a socket or screwdriver and slide the hose off. Disconnect the PCV hose and any vacuum lines that run to the intake manifold; take a photo or label them so you know where they go back. Unplug the electrical connector on the diverter valve itself—it's a single clip connector on top of the valve.

Removing the intake manifold

The intake manifold is held on by six to eight bolts that run through the manifold into the cylinder head. You'll see them around the perimeter of the manifold. Remove them in a crisscross pattern (opposite corners first, then work toward the center) rather than all at once—this prevents warping the manifold. Keep the bolts in order; some are different lengths.

Once all bolts are out, carefully pull the manifold away from the engine. It may stick slightly due to the gasket seal. Do not pry hard on the manifold itself; instead, tap gently with a rubber mallet around the edges. As you pull it free, watch for any remaining hoses or connectors. Set the manifold on a clean surface where it won't roll or get damaged.

Scrape the old gasket material off the cylinder head and the back of the manifold using a gasket scraper or plastic putty knife. Work slowly to avoid gouging the aluminum. Wipe the surfaces clean with a lint-free cloth and a small amount of brake cleaner. Let them dry completely before proceeding.

Unbolting and replacing the diverter valve

With the intake manifold removed, you can now see the diverter valve bolted to the top of the turbocharger. It's a cylindrical component about 3 inches long. Two bolts hold it in place. Remove both bolts and set them aside. Gently pull the valve straight up and away from the turbo.

Scrape the old gasket off the mounting surface on the turbocharger. Clean the area with a cloth and brake cleaner. Take the new diverter valve and install the new gasket on the mounting flange. Position the valve over the turbo and insert the two bolts. Tighten them by hand first, then use your torque wrench to tighten to the specification in your manual—typically 15 to 18 foot-pounds for the 2020 Trax. Do not over-tighten; you'll crush the gasket.

Reconnect the electrical connector to the top of the new valve. It will click when seated correctly.

Reinstalling the intake manifold and refilling coolant

Place the new intake manifold gasket on the cylinder head. Carefully lower the intake manifold back into position and insert all bolts by hand first. Once they're all started, tighten them in a crisscross pattern. Use your torque wrench to bring each bolt to the specification in your manual—usually 15 to 22 foot-pounds depending on bolt size. Tighten in stages: first pass at half the final torque, second pass at full torque.

Reconnect the PCV hose and vacuum lines in the order you noted them. Reattach the intake air hose and tighten the clamp. Refill the coolant reservoir with the correct type for your Trax (check the owner's manual). Start the engine and let it idle for a minute, then turn it off and check the coolant level again—it may drop slightly as air bleeds out of the system.

Listen for any vacuum leaks (a hissing sound) while the engine idles. If you hear one, turn off the engine and check that all hose connections are tight. Take the Trax for a short test drive and feel for normal boost response. The turbo should spool smoothly without hesitation.

When to call a professional

If you're not comfortable working under the hood or don't have the tools, a shop can do this job in two to three hours. Labor costs vary by region, but expect to pay $300 to $600 in labor plus the cost of the valve and gaskets.

If you complete the replacement and the check engine light returns, or if boost pressure is still low, the turbocharger itself may be damaged or there may be a boost leak elsewhere in the system. A shop with a turbo boost gauge can test the system and diagnose the real problem. Do not ignore a persistent check engine light; it usually points to a specific fault code that will guide the next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace the diverter valve without removing the intake manifold?

No. On the 2020 Trax, the diverter valve is mounted directly to the turbocharger, and the intake manifold sits on top of it. You must remove the manifold to reach the valve bolts. Trying to work around it will damage hoses and connectors.

What does a diverter valve sound like when it fails?

A failing diverter valve often causes a loss of turbo boost, rough idle, or hesitation during acceleration. You may also see a check engine light with a code like P0045 (turbo boost control malfunction). Some people report a whistling or hissing sound from the turbo area when the seal is leaking.

Do I need to reset the check engine light after replacement?

The light should turn off on its own after a few drive cycles once the new valve is working correctly. If it stays on, use an OBD-II scanner to read the code. A persistent code suggests the turbo system has another problem that needs diagnosis.

How long does a diverter valve last on a 2020 Trax?

Most diverter valves last 80,000 to 120,000 miles, though some fail earlier if the engine runs hot or if carbon buildup is heavy. Regular oil changes and using quality fuel help extend the valve's life.

Can I drive the Trax if the diverter valve is bad?

You can drive it, but you'll lose turbo boost and fuel economy will drop. The engine will run in a reduced-power mode to protect itself. It's not dangerous to drive, but the sooner you replace it, the better your performance and efficiency will be.