The PCV valve on a 2013 Cadillac ATS is located on the engine’s valve cover, with the exact position depending on which engine is in the car. In most configurations, it sits on the valve cover and connects to the intake manifold via a vacuum hose. For precise placement, reference the engine code in your ATS’s manual or service guide.
Engine variants and PCV valve locations
Because the 2013 ATS offered multiple engines, the PCV valve location varies by engine type. The following general locations apply to common configurations used in the ATS lineup. Always confirm with the specific service manual for your vehicle’s engine code.
- 2.5L I4 (base engine) — PCV valve is mounted on the valve cover, typically on the passenger side near the firewall, with a vacuum hose running to the intake system. It is generally accessible from the top of the engine bay.
- 2.0L Turbo I4 — PCV valve sits in or on the valve cover and is connected to the intake/manifold via a vacuum hose; it may be located toward the front or passenger side of the engine and can be accessed from above with the hood raised.
- 3.6L V6 — PCV valve located on the valve cover (often the passenger side near the firewall) with a hose routing to the intake manifold. Access is typically from the top of the engine bay or from the underside of the hood area.
Note: Exact placement can vary by engine code and production revision. If in doubt, consult the vehicle’s service manual or GM’s official diagrams for your specific engine code (such as LCV/LLT for the V6, or LTG/LCG family for the 2.0T).
How to locate the PCV valve on your engine
Use these steps to identify the PCV valve on your 2013 ATS, regardless of engine variant. This will help you confirm the exact location before inspection or replacement.
- Open the hood and locate the valve cover on the engine. Look for a small cylindrical valve connected to a vacuum hose.
- Trace the hose from the valve cover to where it connects to the intake manifold or throttle body. The PCV valve is in line within that hose or mounted directly to the valve cover in some designs.
- Look for a small, vacuum-operated valve (often plastic or metal) with a squeeze or removable cap. If you’re unsure, refer to the engine code in your owner’s manual and compare with a service diagram.
- If needed, lift the hood further or remove engine covers to gain clearer access to the passenger-side valve cover area where the PCV valve most commonly resides.
After identifying the PCV valve, you can perform routine inspection or replacement following the manufacturer’s guidelines. If the car shows signs of PCV issues—rough idle, oil leaks via vacuum lines, or check engine light—you may want to replace the valve or check the associated hoses.
Maintenance notes
PCV valves are inexpensive and simple to replace. When replacing, use the correct GM part for your engine code and ensure the hose connections are secure and free of cracks. Periodic inspection of vacuum hoses for kinks or cracks helps maintain proper PCV function and engine performance.
Summary
In the 2013 Cadillac ATS, the PCV valve is located on the engine’s valve cover, with the exact spot varying by engine type (2.5L I4, 2.0L turbo, or 3.6L V6). Always verify against your vehicle’s engine code and service manual for the precise location and replacement procedure. Proper inspection and timely replacement keep the PCV system functioning and help prevent vacuum leaks and related performance issues.