November 2010 Archives

New for the 2011 model year, GM will introduce dexos1™ certified engine oil (Fig. 1) as a factory fill and service fill for its gasoline engines worldwide. The new engine oil specification has been developed to help meet the increased demands for enhanced engine efficiency. dexos™ oil helps deliver increased fuel efficiency and reduced engine emissions.

(Fig. 1)

dexos™ is a GM proprietary engine oil specification that has been designed to:

·          Further improve fuel economy (to meet future Corporate Average Fuel Economy, CAFE, requirements) and fuel economy retention through improved viscometric properties that create less friction in the engine, which allows the oil to maintain its fuel economy benefits throughout the longer life of the oil

·          Provide a more robust formulation for added engine protection that offers improved oxidation and deposit-forming tendencies and aeration performance, which enables fuel-saving devices, such as Variable Valve Timing, to work optimally

·          Support GM's Oil Life Monitoring System (OLMS) by resisting degradation between oil changes

·          Ensure worldwide availability of equal quality oil while reducing the duplication of a large number of internal GM engine oil specifications, replacing GM specifications GM-LL-A-025, GM6094M and GM4718M

dexos1™ also is backward compatible for older vehicles; however, the owner manual oil specification in prior model years remains acceptable.

dexos™ Classifications

The dexos™ specification includes two classifications.

GM will require dexos1™ (Fig. 2) for global factory fill in spark ignited engines worldwide and service fill for gasoline engines worldwide. It will replace the GM6094M specification for most GM gasoline engines.

(Fig. 2)

dexos2™, required for diesel engines as well as a service fill for gasoline engines in Europe, was introduced in Europe late last year.

GF-5 Standard

In addition to GM dexos™, a new International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) standard, GF-5, will be introduced in 2010. There will be a new API engine oil service category - SN Resource Conserving. The current GF-4 standard was put in place in 2004. The GF-5 standard will use a new engine fuel economy test, called Sequence VID (six D), which provides a statistically significant increase in fuel economy versus the Sequence VIB (six B) test that was used for GF-4. Like dexos™, the new ILSAC GF-5 standard will call for more sophisticated additives.

It's expected that all dexos1™ approved oils will meet GF-5. However, not all GF-5 engine oils will necessarily meet the dexos™ specification.

Fuel Economy

Since CAFE standards were first introduced in 1974, the fuel economy of cars has more than doubled, while the fuel economy of light trucks has increased by more than 50%. Proposed CAFE standards call for a continuation of increased fuel economy in new cars and trucks. To meet these future requirements, all aspects of vehicle operation are being looked at more critically than ever before.

New technology being introduced in GM vehicles designed to address vehicle efficiency and fuel economy include direct injection, cam phasing, turbo-charging and Active Fuel Management. The demands of these technologies on engine oil also are taken into consideration when determining new oil specifications. Active Fuel Management, for example, can help to achieve improved fuel economy, however, alternately starting and stopping cylinders puts a lot of stress on engine oil.

To meet tough fuel economy mandates, the industry will shift toward lower viscosity oils. Testing has shown that thinner 0W-20 oil, for example, can provide as much as a 4% improvement in fuel economy over 15W-40 oil.

dexos1™ will be offered in these viscosities: SAE 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30 and 5W-30. dexos2™ will be available in SAE 5W-30, 0W-40 and 5W-40. Please check the appropriate vehicle owner manual for the proper viscosity grade.

Increased Service Intervals

To help reduce the consumption of oil while maintaining proper engine protection, many GM vehicles equipped with the GM OLMS have a maximum oil change interval that is much longer than what was considered a normal interval just a few years ago.

If all GM vehicle owners follow the OLMS intervals in their vehicles as intended, GM estimates that more than 100 million gallons of oil could be saved annually.

The second generation OLMS will rely on significantly more engine operating information than the current system, which, combined with dexos™ certified oil, could allow a significant extension of the maximum oil change interval. dexos™ specifications call for improved oil robustness to support extended drain intervals over a vehicle's lifetime.

When the OLMS determines that an oil and filter change is needed, the driver is notified by a Change Oil message on the instrument panel. The oil change should be performed within 600 miles (1,000 km). The OLMS must be manually reset when the oil is changed.

dexos1™ Availability

Currently, ACDelco Synthetic Blend dexos1™ 5W30 engine oil is available through the GM Oil Program in 55 gallon drums (which can be pumped into bulk tanks). Quart-size packaged product will be available in December 2010. Orders may be placed through your local ACDelco oil distributor.

Additional information about GM dexos™ engine oil is available on the GM dexos™ website, www.gmdexos.com.

Modern powertrains continue to increase the demands on engine oil, and in turn, engine oil filters, in order to enhance engine efficiency.

One example is the variable displacement vane oil pump in the Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine in the new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The oil pump delivers the precise amount of oil needed during all driving conditions. The volume of oil from the pump varies with rpm by changing the pump's displacement through a pivoting control chamber mechanism and sliding vanes, which requires the engine to work less than with a conventional pump, ultimately saving fuel because reducing the torque demand reduces fuel consumption.

The variable displacement oil pump is indirectly regulated by the oil pressure out of the main oil gallery. The purpose of this indirect regulation is to keep a defined maximum pressure in the main oil gallery independent of the individual pressure drop between the pump outlet, the main gallery inlet, and the various engine components.

The oil flow of a fixed displacement oil pump is linear to the speed of the pump. This would lead to a too high oil pressure after a certain engine speed (approximately 1000 rpm at cold oil temperature, approximately 3000 rpm at hot oil temperatures).

To reduce the high oil pressure, normal pumps have a relieve valve: a portion of the pressurized, already pumped oil is fed back to the intake of the pump. This is a waste of power. The oil flow of a variable displacement vane pump is linear to the speed and to the eccentricity of the rotor to the slide. The slide is moveable, so it is possible to reduce the oil flow for a given speed by reducing the eccentricity. The illustration shows that the oil pump body pivots (blue lines), which causes the vanes (red lines) to move. (Fig. 3) With a lower flow, the oil pressure is reduced; pump oil flow now equals engine oil flow.

(Fig. 3)

The benefits of the variable displacement oil pump increase when used with other technologies, such as variable valve timing, which operate using oil pressure. However, these technologies also place greater stress on the oil and oil filter. Another reason to use the recommended OES oil filter to help maintain oil life. Every ACDelco oil filter meets GM's specifications to help avoid potential engine damage from poor engine oil flow and engine lubrication.

The exhaust aftertreatment technology of the new Duramax 6.6L diesel engine available on the 2011 Silverado and Sierra trucks and 2010 interim and 2011 Express and Savana vans features the use of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).

The DEF system must be refilled periodically in order to maintain proper operation. Refer to the May/June issue of TechConnect for details on DEF system operation.

The DEF required for emission reduction is contained in a 5.3 gallon (20 liter) reservoir, providing a range of approximately 5,000 miles (8,000 km) between refills.

DEF Messages

If the DEF is not refilled, the vehicle's speed will be limited. The Driver Information Center (DIC) will provide the driver with current information about the DEF system operation and range. These messages include:

·       EXHAUST FLUID RANGE: 1000 MI

·       EXHAUST FLUID RANGE: 300 MI

Below a range of 300 miles (500 km), the range message or speed limiting messages will appear every time the vehicle is started.

With an empty DEF tank, limited speed messages will be displayed: (Fig. 7)

·          55 MPH MAX SPEED UPON RESTART (Vehicle speed limited to 55 mph (89 km/h) at the next restart.)

·          4 MPH MAX SPEED NEXT FUEL FILL (Vehicle speed limited to 4 mph (7 km/h) after the second fuel fill without refilling the DEF tank.)

(Fig. 7)

DEF should be added prior to receiving an Exhaust Fluid Empty message; however, it may take several miles of driving for the DIC message to update.

If the Exhaust Fluid Empty message is displayed:

·          When refilling, more than one gallon of DEF must be added to release the vehicle from speed limitation.

·          Wait for up to 30 seconds with the engine running for the Exhaust Fluid Empty message to clear.

·          If the vehicle is driven prior to the Exhaust Fluid Empty message clearing, the vehicle will still be speed limited.

·          If the Exhaust Fluid Empty message clears while driving, the vehicle must be brought to a complete stop to release the speed limitation.

If DEF is added under freezing conditions, additional time may be required to release speed limitations.

The DIC also provides similar warning messages for poor quality of DEF and tampering of the DEF system.

DEF Fill

The DEF tank fill location (identified by a blue cap) is next to the fuel filler on GM full-size vans and on the right rear side of the engine compartment (Fig. 8) on GM full-size trucks.

(Fig. 8)

When filling the DEF tank, it's important to not overfill it. With colder weather coming, keep in mind that DEF behaves like water and will freeze at 12°F (-11°C) and will expand. Adding more than the 5.3 gallon (20 liter) usable capacity may not allow for DEF expansion if it freezes.

DEF will not be damaged by freezing, and will remain fully usable when thawed. The fluid tank includes a DEF pump heater, reservoir heater and line heater.

The 5.3 gallon capacity of the DEF tank will last approximately 5,000 miles depending on drive cycles and vehicle use. The easiest way for customers to ensure that the tank is not overfilled is to wait until the EXHAUST FLUID RANGE: 1000 MILES message is displayed on the Driver Information Center. At this approximate mileage, add no more than 3.5 gallons (13 liters) of DEF. When fluid reaches the top of the fill pipe, stop filling.

DEF is available from ACDelco in:

·       1 gallon (3.78 liter) containers, part number 10-4022 (19286291)
(Fig. 9)

·       2.5 gallon (9.45 liter) containers, part number 10-4023 (19286292)

·       55 gallon drums, part number 10-4026 (88863494)

·       330 gallon totes, part number 10-4027 (88863495)

(Fig. 9)

Whether it's campers, construction equipment, snowmobiles or any other type of trailer, a vehicle works harder when towing, operating under higher loads and higher temperatures. (Fig. 10) When towing, it's important to pay close attention to vehicle maintenance as well as trailer maintenance. Be sure to check fluids, tires and brakes in the tow vehicle and brakes, bearings, tires and electrical systems in the trailer.

(Fig. 10)

In addition to maintenance, vehicle and trailer damage can result from overloading a vehicle. Ask your customers these common questions about towing to let them know the importance of proper loading and trailering in order to avoid vehicle damage.

Do you know the trailer weight?

Be sure drivers know the actual weight of the trailer and the items that are going to be towed, including the gear or supplies. Many truck stops, sand and gravel yards, grain storage sites, moving companies and salvage yards often have scales open to the public. Always check the total trailer weight and the trailer tongue weight before towing anything.

Do you know the tow vehicle capacity?

The vehicle as equipped must be properly matched to the trailer load. Many websites provide only maximum trailer weight ratings (TWR), which means drivers need additional equipment to achieve the greatest performance for a vehicle that is not equipped with the maximum TWR.

Add the weight of the trailer and tow vehicle, including the amount of people and gear in the vehicle. The total of the combination should not exceed the gross combination weight rating (GCWR). The owner's manual provides vehicle ratings and capabilities.

Are you exceeding the weight ratings?

Do not overload the trailer tongue weight, tow vehicle and trailer gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWRs), individual tow vehicle and trailer gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs), and individual tire ratings. Too much weight on a trailer can cause damage to the trailer and the tow vehicle, such as broken axles, bearing damage and excessive tire wear.

Is the combination set up properly?

Make sure that the hitch ball, brake controller, sway controls and weight-distributing spring bars (if used) are properly installed and adjusted. For example, the hitch ball should not be too high or too low. The hitch ball height will depend on the tow vehicle's rear GAWR.

Balancing the load over the length of the trailer is important. For a proper weight distribution, measure the height of the front fender, just above the center of one of the front wheels before the trailer is connected to the tow vehicle. After it is connected, the front end of the tow vehicle should rise slightly. It is important to apply only enough tension on the spring bars to restore the initial front end height but avoid bringing the front end to a lower position than where it started.

Are you driving safely?

Always practice safe driving techniques, keeping in mind that the tow vehicle and trailer combination may make it more difficult to maneuver, drive and stop the vehicle while towing. Passing and merging are more difficult with a trailer, so pay extra attention to spacing between other vehicles before attempting to change lanes. In addition, make wider turns than usual because the trailer will track inside of the tow vehicle, which could strike curbs, signs, or other vehicles on the inside of a turn.

The 2011 Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide annual convention and trade show will be held January 27-29, 2011, at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Fla. (Fig. 11) ACDelco continues its tradition as a proud sponsor of the convention.

(Fig. 11)

Several representatives from ACDelco will be presenting the latest service technical information. ACDelco also is sponsoring the Ask the Experts general session on January 28.

Some of the featured training programs at the convention include:

·       Diagnostic Case Studies from the 2010 Season

·       Compressor Replacement Procedures to Prevent Comebacks

·       Working on Hybrid Vehicle A/C Systems

·       Advanced Cooling System Diagnosis

·       Using Scan Tools to Diagnose HVAC System Problems

·       Diagnostic Best Practices

·       Coding, Re-Learns and Adaptations

·       Intermittent Electrical and Driveability Diagnostics

·       The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Coding, Reflashing and Reprogramming

For more information, go to the MACS website at www.macsw.org.

- Thanks to Mike Militello

ACDelco has announced a Total Service Support (TSS) Growth Incentive Program that can help TSS service centers trim their 2011 TSS program fee. The incentive is designed to reward TSS accounts that increase their purchases of ACDelco parts over year-ago levels in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2010. ACDelco will credit the increased investment by reducing the 2011 TSS program fee.

The incentive program works like this:

·          If the TSS service center's Q4 purchases increase by $1,000 or more over their 2009 Q4 purchases, ACDelco will credit three months worth of the 2011 fee - a $135 value.

·          If the TSS service center's Q4 purchases increase by $2,500, ACDelco will credit six months worth of the 2011 fee. That's a $270 value.

This incentive is a great way to save money going into next year. Ask your local ACDelco representative or DDG for more information.

- Thanks to Steve Sheldon

The ACDelco Total Service Support (TSS) program is exactly that -- a program that offers complete support from ACDelco to help grow your business profitably.

In the TSS program, ACDelco offers support and services ranging from access to training that help keep service center technicians up-to-date on the very latest automotive technology to discounts on everything from new GM cars and trucks to uniforms and tools.

New Vehicle Supplier Discount

New GM vehicle discounts are available to TSS accounts and their employees through the GM New Vehicle Supplier Discount program, which GM offers on all new and unused GM passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks. All that's needed to get the supplier discount savings is a GM New Vehicle Supplier Discount authorization number.

To get an authorization number, click the link to go to the Total Service Support page on the acdelcotechconnect.com website.

http://www.acdelcotechconnect.com/html/tss_main.jsp

Next, click the ACDelco TSS GM Supplier Discount button on the right side of the page. 

On the GM New Vehicle Supplier Discount page, scroll down the page and click the link, Get Your GM Supplier Discount. Always access the GM supplier discount website through www.acdelcotechconnect.com. This loads the website with the correct company code for TSS service centers.

On the website, input your user name and password or, if you don't have one, register on the site. Follow the prompts and input the required information in order to obtain a GM Discount Certificate. You can print out the certificate number, write it down or email it to a recipient.

If you have questions about the authorization number process, call the GM Supplier Discount program at 1-800-960-3375. When calling, state your company name as TSS/ACDelco, not your individual service center name.

TSS Benefits

The GM New Vehicle Supplier Discount is just one of many TSS program benefits. Other benefits and discounts include:

·       ACDelco instructor-led and web-based training courses. For details on available technical and business courses, click the Training tab on www.acdelcotechconnect.com

·       www.acdelco.com locator, directing consumers to your service center

·       Exclusively Yours Rewards program

·       Consumer Assurance program

·       ACDelco Image program

·       GM Service Information

·       SPX^® tools and equipment

·       Marketplace discounts

-      Uniforms for purchase or lease

-      Enterprise^® rental car

-      Dell^® computer

-      ASE Blue Seal program

-      Bosch^® diagnostic tools

-      Technical assistance diagnostic hotline

Current TSS accounts can learn more about all of the program discounts and benefits by logging in to www.acdelcotechconnect.com, clicking the Total Service Support tab and then clicking Marketplace. (Fig. 12)

For more details regarding the TSS Program, go to www.acdelcotechconnect.com and click the Total Service Support tab or call the ACDelco Customer Support Center at 1-800-825-5886, prompt #0.

The following technical tips provide repair information about specific conditions on a variety of vehicles. If you have a tough or unusual service repair, the TSS Technical Assistance Hot Line can help. Call 1-800-825-5886, prompt #2, to speak with a technical expert with the latest OEM information.

Door Latch Freezing in Cold Temperatures

2005-2007 GM passenger cars and trucks, including Saturn; 2003-2006 HUMMER H2 and 2006 HUMMER H3

In cold temperatures, water from a car wash or off the road may enter the latch and freeze, causing the detent to move slowly. GM Super Lube can be used to resolve latch freezing conditions.

Begin by verifying that the striker properly engages the latch and there are not any obstructions preventing the door from closing.

After the latch has completely thawed, apply compressed air for two seconds to the latch to force out any moisture. Next, spray GM Super Lube on both sides of the latch detent lever for approximately three seconds. (Fig. 13, shown with latch and backing plate removed) Operate the door latch several times to spread the lubricant on all surfaces.

(Fig. 13)

Ball Joint Installation

1999-2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV; Chevrolet Avalanche 3/4 ton, Suburban 3/4 ton, Silverado 1/2 ton HD, 3/4 ton and 1 ton, Express cab; HUMMER H2; GMC Sierra 1/2 ton HD, 3/4 ton and 1 ton, and Yukon XL models

Premature ball joint wear or control arm failure may result if the proper steps are not followed for ball joint removal, control arm inspection and ball joint installation.

Before removing the existing ball joint from the control arm, inspect the ball joint housing for damage or excessive rust that would make ball joint replacement unacceptable. Never remove a ball joint by hammering or pressing out at an angle, which could damage the control arm.

After ball joint removal, inspect the control arm for wear and elongation. If these conditions are found, the complete control arm assembly should be replaced.

ACDelco offers a complete control arm assembly with the ball joint installed for repairs that require the assembly due to a problem with the control arm hole.

If only the ball joint is being replaced, the ACDelco upper ball joint for these vehicles must have the ball joint housing properly indexed to the existing control arm prior to being pressed in. Because the ball joint is a directional type, the swing angle of the ball joint stud is limited in its range of motion. Incorrect orientation of the ball joint housing could cause premature ball joint wear or control arm failure.

INSTALL INBOARD is stamped on the bottom of the upper ball joint. Install the words INSTALL INBOARD facing toward the engine compartment of the vehicle. (Fig. 14)

(Fig. 14)

 

Duramax Diesel Glow Plug Replacement

 

2006-2011 Duramax diesel engine (RPOs LMM, LGH, LML)

 

After replacing a glow plug on a Duramax diesel engine, it may be noted that a P0671-P0678 DTC (glow plug control circuit DTCs for cylinders 1-8) will not clear. This is because the control module will not clear the DTC if the glow plugs are not energized during the next key cycle.

 

A glow cycle is necessary to allow the Glow Plug Control Module (GPCM) to reset the glow plug resistance calculation, which will clear the DTC. The GPCM will not power the glow plugs if the engine coolant has an elevated temperature (greater than 50° C).

 

To clear the DTC, a scan tool can be used to perform a forced glow service procedure. Do not replace the GPCM because the DTCs do not clear after replacing a glow plug.

 

Using a scan tool, it can be seen that the resistance values of the glow plugs will not be reset in the GPCM -- and the DTCs will not clear -- without a glow cycle on the current engine start.

 

To perform a forced glow using a scan tool:

1.     Perform the necessary repairs

2.     Connect a scan tool

3.     Turn on ignition 0 and ignition 1

4.     Command glow via device control for 1-2 seconds

5.     Clear DTCs

6.     Disconnect the scan tool

7.     Turn off ignition 0 and ignition 1 for 30 seconds

8.     Start the vehicle and verify DTCs are not present

 

The voltage that is applied to the glow plugs during device control is very low at 4 volts. In addition, the GPCM has a maximum glow plug ON time of three minutes. The glow plugs cannot be turned on for a time period longer than three minutes.

How to Take ACDelco Training

Go to www.acdelcotechconnect.com and click the Training tab to log in to the ACDelco Learning Management System (LMS).

·          To enroll in an Instructor-Led Training (ILT) course, click the Enrollment link or the Instructor-Led Courses link to view the catalog and select a specific course.

·          To enroll in a Virtual Classroom Training (VCT) course, click the Enrollment link or the Virtual Classroom Training Courses link to view the catalog and select a specific course.

·          To launch a Web-Based Training (WBT) course, click the Web-Based Courses link to view the catalog and select a specific course.

·          To launch a TechAssist (TAS) course, click the TechAssists link to view the catalog and select a specific course.

·          To launch a Simulation (SIM), click the Simulations link to view the catalog and select a diagnostic challenge simulation.

Training Schedule

To search for currently scheduled courses, click the Schedule link. Select search terms from the dropdown menus and click the Submit button

Current Virtual Classroom Training

The following VCT courses are currently being scheduled:

Current Instructor-Led Training

ACDelco's Instructor-Led Training (ILT) courses provide hands-on instruction on the latest automotive systems. Click the Schedule link on the LMS Menu to search the latest training schedule for courses held in your area.

The following ILT courses are currently being held at training center locations around the country: