Carbon Build-Up and Stalling and Loss of Audio

[sib715]

I was a mile from the dealership when for the 2nd time in a year my radio audio went mute and phone screen came on and couldn't "end" a conversation that didn't exist. Pulled over and shut off ignition and restarted and same error occurred. Pulled into service center and kept engine running so service writer could experience the problem. Unfortunately, he was delayed and I shut off engine and when he came out....guess what? Yup, everything back to normal and service guys couldn't get it to replicate the error. I discussed my 2 times stalling in last couple of months in heavy traffic and they acknowledged that newer cars with direct injection have been experiencing same issues. Wasn't sure but ethanol may be the culprit. They suggested changing my fuel to Shell/Chevron and the Qt's and Race Tracs and Costco fuels don't have additives and contribute to the problem of carbon build up. I use ALL of the latter to save a few pennies. he also said occasionally flooring the pedal helps clean out the carbon....I rarely do this. He said a complete clean out of "stuff" several hundred dollars would "solve" the problem. I'm opting to change gas stations and see what happens. Interesting day in Genesis land.
Steve, Atlanta 12 Genesis V6, Tech & premium, 25k miles

 

[landtuna]

I don't think carbon build-up will affect your audio. Probably a different cause.

As for the stalling.....your engine would most probably throw a code if there was a miss in either cylinder bank that would be severe enough to cause a stall. Does the engine just have no power but keep running or does the engine actually quit? Is most of your driving at low speeds or do you do any highway driving?

Unless there is something unusual about a GDI engine that causes blockage of the fuel injectors I am going to guess that carbon build-up is not your problem. You can easily check by pulling one or two random spark plugs and checking the insulator color. It should be a light tan color. Anything darker suggests incomplete combustion and should be looked into.

I have been using the same gas as you have for years and have never had any problems in my street cars, race cars, boats or off-road vehicles. There is a chance that the particular station(s) you are using do not purge water from their tanks and that is what caused the stall. Changing to a new station might be in order to test that theory. You can also use an additive called Dry Gas in the tank to ensure that water isn't an issue. This is especially important if you use an ethanol blend as alcohol absorbs moisture and can contaminate the gas over time.

 

[WowCool]

Hi, a little tip, I use my iPhone or the digital camera I keep in my car to photograph the "happenings" --
You then have a dated & timed image to show the Service Manager..

 

[sib715]

Both excellent suggestions and I will use them. On driving habits, I actually do more highway driving than city, except Atl traffic on highway many times is like in town. I'm not mechanically inclined but have a couple of friends that own service/repair centers and will ask them for their opinion.
Steve

 

[QuantumRift]

No fuel or additive will correct a 'carbon buildup' problem in a GDI engine. The fuel never hits the valves, but the PVC 'fumes' are still passed thru the intake, where oil vapor will leave deposits that can never be cleaned.

Install an oil catch can to remove the oil from the other gases and keep your intake cleaner.

I was a mile from the dealership when for the 2nd time in a year my radio audio went mute and phone screen came on and couldn't "end" a conversation that didn't exist. Pulled over and shut off ignition and restarted and same error occurred. Pulled into service center and kept engine running so service writer could experience the problem. Unfortunately, he was delayed and I shut off engine and when he came out....guess what? Yup, everything back to normal and service guys couldn't get it to replicate the error. I discussed my 2 times stalling in last couple of months in heavy traffic and they acknowledged that newer cars with direct injection have been experiencing same issues. Wasn't sure but ethanol may be the culprit. They suggested changing my fuel to Shell/Chevron and the Qt's and Race Tracs and Costco fuels don't have additives and contribute to the problem of carbon build up. I use ALL of the latter to save a few pennies. he also said occasionally flooring the pedal helps clean out the carbon....I rarely do this. He said a complete clean out of "stuff" several hundred dollars would "solve" the problem. I'm opting to change gas stations and see what happens. Interesting day in Genesis land.
Steve, Atlanta 12 Genesis V6, Tech & premium, 25k miles