Buick Cascada Diesel Stalls: Intake Manifold Fix Guide

Had nearly identical symptoms with a 2012 Buick Regal diesel. The engine performance issues and stalling turned out to be a severely damaged intake manifold with multiple cracks causing inconsistent manifold pressure readings. The manifold sensor was giving false readings due to pressure loss, triggering the check engine light. The exhaust smell came from leaks where the manifold connected to the cylinder head. The scorching damage was quite extensive, making it a serious repair that couldn't be postponed. The car manifold needed complete replacement along with gaskets and sensor recalibration. This kind of damage typically happens from prolonged exposure to extreme heat and pressure variations. The repair took about 6 hours in the shop to complete, including testing. Key warning signs that confirmed the manifold issue: Rough idle and stalling, Performance loss during acceleration, Strong exhaust odors, Visible damage around manifold mounting points, Inconsistent engine vacuum readings This repair definitely requires an experienced technician with proper diagnostic tools. Testing manifold pressure and checking for vacuum leaks should be the first steps to confirm the issue.

That list of symptoms sounds exactly like what my Cascada was doing last winter. The intake manifold gasket leak was causing all sorts of engine performance problems. I ended up getting it fixed at an independent shop since my previous mechanic kept missing the obvious vacuum leak signs. How much did the repair cost you in total? Also curious if you have had any similar issues pop up since getting it fixed? My repair has held up well so far but I keep a close eye on the check engine light just in case.

Got the intake manifold completely fixed at my local shop about 8 months ago and the car has been running perfectly since then. The total repair bill came to 1180€, which included replacing the damaged manifold, new gaskets, and sensor calibration work. The scorching damage was pretty severe, but the replacement solved all the performance issues. No engine misfires or vacuum leaks since the repair. The rough idle and stalling problems disappeared completely. The exhaust smell that was coming from the gasket leak is totally gone too. The check engine light hasnt come back on either, which is always a good sign. Regular maintenance and keeping an eye on engine temperature has helped prevent any repeat issues. If you notice any similar symptoms starting up again, catching them early can help avoid more extensive manifold damage.

Thanks for the detailed info about your repair costs. After seeing your success with the independent shop, I finally took my Cascada to a different mechanic who specializes in European cars. The manifold pressure issues were exactly as you described, cracked manifold and failed gaskets causing vacuum leaks. The repair cost was slightly higher at 1400€ since they also had to replace some damaged sensors, but it was worth every penny. The engine runs so much smoother now. No more jerking during acceleration or stalling at idle. The strong exhaust smell is completely gone too. Been about 3 months since the fix and no check engine lights or performance issues have returned. Really glad I switched mechanics, the new shop did a proper diagnostic instead of just guessing at the problem. They even showed me the cracked manifold parts to explain what was causing all those symptoms. For anyone else dealing with similar issues, getting a second opinion from a qualified shop can make all the difference in getting the right fix the first time.