TechConnect Newsletter, Volume 17, Issue 6, 2010

November & December 2010
GM dexos ™ Engine Oil Increases
Engine Efficiency
dexos™ Classifications
New for the 2011 model year, GM will introduce dexos1™
certified engine oil 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.
The dexos™ specification includes
two classifications.
GM will require
dexos1™ 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.
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
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
• 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
In addition to GM dexos™, a new
International Lubricants Standardization
continued on page 2
IN THIS ISSUE
GM dexos™ Engine Oil Increases
Engine Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
• Support GM’s Oil Life Monitoring
System (OLMS) by resisting degradation between oil changes
New ACDelco Tiered Branding Strategy . . . . . . .1
Special Oil Pump Helps Conserve Fuel . . . . . . . .3
• 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.
Refilling Diesel Exhaust Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Common Towing Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2011 MACS Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
TSS Growth Incentive Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
GM New Vehicle Supplier Discount
One of Many TSS Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Tech Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
New ACDelco Tiered
Branding Strategy
Training Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Cold Weather Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Consumers today have expressed that they want choices for automotive
parts and service that fit their priorities and budgets — from “economy” to
“professional” grades — in the same way that products in other sectors are
sold. To make it easier for customers to identify which ACDelco product will
meet their performance expectations as well as their budget, ACDelco has
introduced a new tiered branding strategy.
continued on page 3
ON THE WEB
– www.acdelcotechconnect.com, click the
TechConnect Magazine link, or
– Log in to the ACDelco LMS, click the
Resources link
GM dexos™ Engine Oil — continued from page 1
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.
owner manual for the proper
viscosity grade.
Increased Service Intervals
Volume 17, Number 6 (TS-PU-0018-10)
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.
ACDelco TechConnect is published bi-monthly and
online for technicians of Total Service Support
(TSS) and Key Fleet accounts to provide timely
service information, increase knowledge and
improve the performance of the service center.
ACDelco 360 represents our mission to look at
our businesses at every possible angle to provide
value and assistance to our distributors and
their customers as well as offer a full circle of
support with programs, tools, training and
marketing focused on enhancing and growing
our partnership successfully.
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.
To meet
tough fuel econACDelco
Dealer Part
Package
omy mandates,
Short
Viscosity
Product
Number
Size
Number
the industry will
shift toward
19293000
10-9050
5W30
dexos1™
Quart
lower viscosity
oils. Testing has
55 Gallon
shown that thin19293001
10-9051
5W30
dexos1™
Drum
ner 0W-20 oil,
for example,
Additional information about GM
can provide as much as a 4% improvedexos™ engine oil is available on the
ment in fuel economy over 15W-40 oil.
GM dexos™ website,
dexos1™ will be offered in these
www.gmdexos.com.
viscosities: SAE 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30
– Thanks to Chris Crosby and
and 5W-30. dexos2™ will be available
Eric Johnson
in SAE 5W-30, 0W-40 and 5W-40.
Please check the appropriate vehicle
2
Publisher:
Mike DeSander
ACDelco
E-mail /
[email protected]
Editor:
Mike Militello
ACDelco
E-mail /
[email protected]
Technical Editor:
Mark Spencer
E-mail /
[email protected]
Production Manager:
Marie Meredith
Desktop Publishing:
5by5 Design LLC
E-mail /
[email protected]
Write to: *
ACDelco TechConnect
P.O. Box 500
Troy, MI 48007-0500
On the Web::
To read and search recent issues of
TechConnect online:
– www.acdelcotechconnect.com,
click the TechConnect Magazine
link, or
– Log in to the ACDelco LMS, click
the Resources link
ACDelco service tips are intended for use by
professional technicians, not a “do-it-yourselfer.”
They are written to inform those technicians of
conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to
provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians
have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and
know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, it cannot be assumed that the
information applies to all vehicles or that all vehicles
will have that condition.
All materials and programs described in this
magazine are subject to change. Submission of
materials implies the right to edit and publish.
Inclusion in the publication is not necessarily an
endorsement of the individual or the company.
TechConnect is published for ACDelco by Sandy
Corporation, Troy, MI.
©2010 ACDelco. All rights reserved.
Special Oil Pump
Helps Conserve Fuel
New Tiered
Branding Strategy —
Modern powertrains continue to increase the demands on
engine oil, and in turn, engine oil filters, in order to enhance
engine efficiency.
continued from page 1
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).
This new branding strategy recognizes today’s changing
business realities and represents an opportunity to grow
market share by providing customers with a quickly recognizable lineup of high-quality aftermarket products. It can
be marketed and communicated through a message of
making a simple choice of good, better, and best when
choosing ACDelco parts.
The three tiers of products that all proudly wear the
ACDelco name include:
• BEST – GM Original
Equipment (OE) – GM
brands make up the nation’s
largest car fleet, and
ACDelco’s portfolio of 40,000
OE service parts replaces
those installed during the
production of a GM vehicle.
OE service parts are built
and tested to exact GM
standards.
• BETTER – ACDelco
Professional – This category
of high-quality aftermarket
products covers GM as well
as most other makes and
models. Most of the current
ACDelco lineup falls into this
category, and it is a high-quality alternative to OE products.
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. With
a lower flow,
the oil
pressure is
reduced;
pump oil flow
now equals
engine oil
flow.
• GOOD – ACDelco
Advantage – In some
market-driven categories,
these products offer fit,
form and function for most
makes and models similar
to OE parts, but at a more
attractive price. They provide
a competitively priced, yet
quality alternative, to
unbranded aftermarket components. ACDelco launched
this line in 2009 with brake
drums and rotors, and has
expanded it with the launch
of the Advantage friction,
wiper blades and shocks.
The benefits
of the variable
displacement
oil pump
increase
when used
with other
technologies,
such as variThe illustration shows that the
able valve
oil pump body pivots (blue lines),
timing, which
which causes the vanes (red lines)
to move. This results in just the right
operate using
volume of oil being pumped.
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.
– Thanks to Bob Malone
Best – GM OE service
parts feature red
packaging.
Better – Professional
parts come in white
packaging.
Good – The Advantage
line of parts are
identified by their blue
packaging.
The tiered branding strategy
will help improve how ACDelco
classifies and markets ACDelco products. It also will help
give technicians and service consultants a better way to
talk to customers about the choices they have in choosing
ACDelco products based on price, warranty and
features/benefits.
– Thanks to Curt Collins
3
Refilling Diesel Exhaust Fluid
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 DIC also provides similar warning messages for poor
quality of DEF and tampering of the DEF system.
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.
On GM full-size trucks, the DEF fill location is underhood.
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 on GM full-size trucks.
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.
Several driver messages will be displayed when the DEF level
is low or empty.
With an empty DEF tank, limited speed messages will be
displayed:
• 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.)
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.
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)
• If the vehicle is driven prior to the Exhaust Fluid Empty
message clearing, the vehicle will still be speed limited.
• 2.5 gallon (9.45 liter) containers, part number 10-4023
(19286292)
• 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.
DEF is available from ACDelco in 1
gallon and 2.5 gallon containers.
• 55 gallon drums, part number 10-4026 (88863494)
• 330 gallon totes, part number 10-4027 (88863495)
– Thanks to B.J. Lackey
4
Common Towing Questions
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.
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. 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.
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 weightdistributing spring bars (if used) are
properly installed and adjusted. For
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.
– Thanks to Robert Krouse
2011 MACS Convention
• Using Scan Tools to
Diagnose HVAC System
Problems
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. ACDelco continues its tradition as a proud
sponsor of the convention.
• Diagnostic Best Practices
• Coding, Re-Learns and
Adaptations
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.
• Intermittent Electrical and
Driveability Diagnostics
• The Good, the Bad and the
Ugly of Coding, Reflashing
and Reprogramming
Some of the featured training programs at the convention
include:
• Diagnostic Case Studies from the 2010 Season
For more information, go to
the MACS website at
www.macsw.org.
– Thanks to Mike Militello
• Compressor Replacement Procedures to Prevent
Comebacks
• Working on Hybrid Vehicle A/C Systems
• Advanced Cooling System Diagnosis
5
TSS Growth Incentive Program
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
Program
Objective
Benefit
Earned
Value
Grow 2009 Q4
Purchases by
$1,000
3 Months
Free TSS
$135
Grow 2009 Q4
Purchases by
$2,500
6 Months
Free TSS
$270
GM New Vehicle Supplier Discount One
of Many TSS Benefits
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.
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.
TSS Benefits
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.
The GM New Vehicle Supplier
Discount is just one of many TSS
program benefits. Other benefits and
discounts include:
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,
– Bosch® diagnostic tools
– Technical assistance diagnostic
hotline
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.
New Vehicle Supplier Discount
To get an authorization number, go to
www.acdelcotechconnect.com and click
the Total Service Support tab. Next, click
the ACDelco TSS GM Supplier Discount
button on the right side of the page.
– ASE Blue Seal program
• ACDelco instructor-led and webbased 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
6
Click the GM Supplier Discount button to get
an authorization number. Click the
Marketplace link for details on all the TSS
program benefits.
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.
Go to www.acdelcotechconnect.com,
for more details regarding the
TSS Program, and click the Total Service
Support tab or call the ACDelco
Customer Support Center at
1-800-825-5886, prompt #0.
– Thanks to Steve Sheldon
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.
Operate the door
latch several times
to spread the lubricant on all surfaces.
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.
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
Spray GM
Super Lube on
both sides of the
latch detent lever
(slashed area,
shown with latch
and backing plate
removed).
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
Install the ball joint with the INSTALL
INBOARD stamping facing the engine
compartment.
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.
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 GPCM to reset the glow plug
resistance calculation, which will clear
the DTC. The Glow Plug Control Module
(GPCM) will not power the glow plugs if
the engine coolant has an elevated temperature (greater than 50° C).
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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.
Diagnostic Assistance
For free technical diagnostic
assistance and product information
regarding specific ACDelco products,
contact these toll-free information
hotlines staffed by ASE-certified
technicians:
Brakes – 1-888-701-6169 (prompt #1)
Chassis – 1-888-701-6169 (prompt #2)
Clutches – 1-888-725-8625
Lift Supports – 1-800-790-5438
Shocks – 1-877-466-7752
Starters and Alternators –
1-800-228-9672
Steering – 1-866-833-5567
Wiper Blades – 1-800-810-7096
How to Take ACDelco Training
Current Instructor-Led Training
Go to www.acdelcotechconnect.com and click the Training tab
to log in to the ACDelco Learning Management System (LMS).
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.
• 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.
The following ILT courses are currently being held at
training center locations around the country:
• To launch a Web-Based Training (WBT) course, click the WebBased Courses link to view the catalog and select a specific
course.
Course Number
Course Name
S-AC07-02.01ILT
Automotive Air Conditioning: Advanced
Refrigerant System Diagnostics
S-AC07-03.01ILT
HVAC Control System Operation and
Diagnostics
• To launch a TechAssist (TAS) course, click the TechAssists link
to view the catalog and select a specific course.
S-BK05-01.01ILT
Braking Systems
S-BK05-02.01ILT
ABS Operation and Diagnosis
• To launch a Simulation (SIM), click the Simulations link to
view the catalog and select a diagnostic challenge simulation.
S-EL06-04.02ILT
Network Communication Diagnosis
S-EL06-10.02ILT
Electrical Power Management
S-EL06-11.01ILT
Automotive Electrical Circuit Diagnosis
and Repair
To search for currently scheduled courses, click the Schedule
link. Select search terms from the dropdown menus and click
the Submit button
S-EL06-11.02ILT
Enhanced Automotive Circuit Diagnosis
S-EL06-12.01ILT
Hybrid Technology and Service
S-EL06-13.01ILT
Body Electrical: Global Diagnostics
Current Virtual Classroom Training
S-EL06-14.01ILT
Advanced Body Control System
Electrical Diagnostics
S-EP08-02.01ILT
Engine Performance: Computer
Controls and Ignition System Diagnostics
S-EP08-03.01ILT
Engine Performance: Air Induction and
Fuel System Diagnostics
Training Schedule
The following VCT courses are currently being scheduled:
Course Number
Course Name
FVCT1.09V
How to Use VCT (Prerecorded)
S-EL06-01.01VCT
Electrical Circuit Function and Diagnosis
S-EL06-02.01VCT
Testing Electrical Signal and Control
Circuits
S-EP08-04.01ILT
Engine Performance: Fault Monitoring
and Emission System Diagnostics
S-EL06-03.01VCT
Serial Data Communication Networks
S-EP08-05.01ILT
Engine Performance: Advanced Drivability
Diagnostics
S-EL06-04.01VCT
Communication Network Diagnosis
S-EP08-81.01ILT
S-EM01-01.01VCT
Camshaft Position Actuator Systems
Duramax 6600: Diesel Engine
Performance
S-EM01-02.01VCT
Active Fuel Management Operation
S-EP08-81.02ILT
Duramax Diesel Operation and Diagnosis
S-EM01-03.01VCT
Active Fuel Management Diagnosis
S-SS04-01.01ILT
Vibration Correction Diagnostics
S-SS04-01.01VCT
Advanced Steering System Diagnosis
S-ST10-01.01ILT
Supplemental Restraint Systems
Cold Weather Driving Tips
You wouldn't head out into cold weather without bundling
up. Drivers need to be prepared on the road too when temperatures drop.
• Keep a heavy-duty ice scraper and snow brush in your
vehicle. Snow or ice covering the vehicle’s windows can
obstruct the driver’s view. Also brush snow from headlamps and taillamps to help others see your vehicle.
• Cold weather reduces tire pressure, so check tire
pressure often. The proper tire pressure for a vehicle is
usually found on a decal in the driver’s door jamb. See
your owner's manual for tire inflation directions and
details.
• Check for worn wiper blades. Cold temperatures can
make blades brittle, and ice on the windshield can cause
nicks in the blades, decreasing performance.
TS-PU-0018-10
• If planning a
trip, take a
blanket, extrawarm clothing, a collapsible shovel, a bag of road salt and
an extra bottle of windshield-washer fluid.
• Put on snow tires if driving in major snow-belt areas.
Check your vehicle's owner's manual for details and
recommended practices.
These cold weather tips as well as others for driving,
vehicle maintenance, and vehicle troubleshooting can be
found on www.acdelco.com. The vehicle tips are one more
reason for consumers to visit www.acdelco.com. While there,
they can also look up ACDelco parts information and search
for a local independent service center.
– Thanks to Mike DeSander
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