GM's OLM monitor malfunctions

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Hello to you all,

My brother received a post card in the mail indicating that GM's OLM monitors can malfunction indicating an OCI much later than what is recommended for his Cadillac CTS. They now want him to bring his car in to the dealership so they electronically adjust down the OLM monitor.

Since I use the OLM monitor in my 08' Impala SS I wonder when Chevy sends me a post card to do the same thing.

So what gives I thought this system was pretty fool proof. What do you guys think????

Durango
 
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defektes,

I can't say unless I see the post card but it sounds like it's some sort of recall initiated by GM through the dealerships. In my brothers case it needs to be brought to the Cadillac dealership for adjustment.

To my knowledge his Caddy is still under warranty so if this is a bogus ruse then it's a GM problem in the end. That's why on an earlier post regarding the GM "OLM" monitor I had asked if the dealerships can override the factory setting and adjust the readings. It appears they can do it electronically at will.

Durango
 
The dealer can't modify or override the cars software settings. What they do is use a Tech II scanner to update the car's software with the updates provided from GM for specific cars vin numbers. On GM's software site, you type in a vin number and latest updates are listed. The OLM issue is probably just involving specific CTS models and not the OLM system in general.
 
HERE IS THE SCOOP GUYS:


I, too have an '08 DI CTS and got the notice. The OLM is not defective. It is, however, being recalibrated to shorten the intervals. The ROOT cause is damage to the timing chains and tensioners due to too long of an oil change interval.

I change my oil between 5-6k miles, but if I were to follow the OLM (my dad with the same car does!) it would indicate between 11 and 12k miles.
 
Originally Posted By: mechanicx
The dealer can't modify or override the cars software settings. What they do is use a Tech II scanner to update the car's software with the updates provided from GM for specific cars vin numbers. On GM's software site, you type in a vin number and latest updates are listed. The OLM issue is probably just involving specific CTS models and not the OLM system in general.



You are all correct! I have my own Tech 2 and did the update myself over the weekend.
 
HERE IS THE INFORMATION:









xTooltipElement
Service Information 2008 Cadillac CTS | CTS VIN D Service Manual | Bulletins By Category | Engineering Information | Document ID: 2584522
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#10287A: Customer Satisfaction - Premature Timing Chain Wear-Reprogram Engine Control Module - (Feb 22, 2011)


Subject: 10287A - Premature Timing Chain Wear - Reprogram Engine Control Module


Models: 2009 Buick Enclave

2007-2009 Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS

2009 Chevrolet Traverse

2007 GMC Acadia

2009 GMC Acadia

2007 Saturn OUTLOOK

2009 Saturn OUTLOOK

Equipped with HFV6 Engine




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Due to availability of the required calibration, this program is being administered in phases. The first phase included the Cadillac vehicles only. This last phase includes the balance of the vehicles. Please discard all copies of bulletin 10287, issued February 2011.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

***************THIS PROGRAM IS IN EFFECT UNTIL FEBRUARY 28, 2013.***************

Condition
On certain 2007 model year GMC Acadia; Saturn OUTLOOK; 2007-2009 model year Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS; 2009 model year Buick Enclave; Chevrolet Traverse; GMC Acadia; and Saturn OUTLOOK vehicles equipped with a HFV6 engine, under certain driving conditions, and with extended oil change intervals, the timing chain could wear prematurely and cause the illumination of the Service Engine Soon light.

Correction
Dealers are to reprogram the engine control module, including the engine oil life monitor.

Vehicles Involved
Involved are certain 2007 model year GMC Acadia; Saturn OUTLOOK; 2007-2009 model year Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS; 2009 model year Buick Enclave; Chevrolet Traverse; GMC Acadia; and Saturn OUTLOOK vehicles equipped with a HFV6 engine

Important: Dealers are to confirm vehicle eligibility prior to beginning repairs by using the Required Field Actions section in the Global Warranty system.

For dealers with involved vehicles, a listing with involved vehicles containing the complete vehicle identification number, customer name, and address information has been prepared and will be provided to US and Canadian dealers through the GM GlobalConnect Recall Reports, or sent directly to export dealers. Dealers will not have a report available if they have no involved vehicles currently assigned.

The listing may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any purpose other than follow-up necessary to complete this program is a violation of law in several states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the follow-up necessary to complete this program.

Parts Information
No parts are required for this program.

Service Procedure
Engine Control Module Programming (Cadillac Vehicles)
Do not attempt to order the calibration number from GM Customer Care and Aftersales. The calibration numbers required for this service procedure are programmed into control modules via a Multiple Diagnostic Interface (MDI) or Tech 2® and TIS2WEB with the calibration update. When using a MDI or Tech 2® for reprogramming, ensure that it is updated with the latest software version.

Use TIS2WEB on or after 1/9/11 to obtain the calibration. If you cannot access the calibration, call the Techline Customer Support Center and it will be provided.

For step-by-step programming instructions, please refer to SI and the Techline Information System (TIS) terminal.

Capture and record Engine Oil Life information. Write down remaining oil life as a percentage.
Verify that there is a battery charge of 12 to 15 volts. The battery must be able to maintain a charge during programming. Only use an approved Midtronics® PSC 550 Battery Maintainer (SPS Programming Support Tool EL-49642) or equivalent to maintain proper battery voltage during programming.
Reprogram the engine control module (ECM). Refer to SI and Service Programming System (SPS) documentation for programming instructions, if required.
3.1. Connect the MDI or Tech 2® to the vehicle. If using MDI, connect to programming terminal with the cable (USB or LAN).

3.2. Select J2534 MDI or J2534 Tech 2® and Reprogram ECU from the Select Diagnostic Tool and Programming Process screen.

3.3. Select ECM Engine Control Module--Programming from the Supported Controllers screen.

3.4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Clear all DTCs using the Tech 2® or GDS.
Use a scan tool to reset the Engine Oil Life Remaining back to the original percentage recorded before completing the programming event.
Note: If a programming failure occurs, refer to Engine Control Module Recovery Steps in this bulletin.

Engine Control Module Recovery Steps
Disconnect the programming device.
Power down the control modules connected to the GMLAN bus by disconnecting the positive battery cable for 2 minutes.
Reconnect the positive battery cable.
Determine which programming device will be used to perform the recovery steps.
• If using MDI, connect to the programming station or Notebook using a cable (LAN). Proceed to Step 5 and then Steps 6-8.

• If using a Tech 2® proceed to Steps 6-8.

Reboot the programming station or Notebook. This is to make sure nothing is in memory.
Note: Selecting Replace and Reprogram from the Select Diagnostic Tool and Process Screen is REQUIRED because some of the calibrations may be erased from the initial attempt to reprogram the module.

Reprogram the engine control module. Select Replace and Reprogram from the Select Diagnostic Tool and Process Screen.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the programming event.
Clear all DTCs using the Tech 2® or GDS.
Note: Repeat Steps 1-8 above IF another programming failure occurs. If the second attempt to reprogram in unsuccessful when following the Steps 1-8 above, then contact Techline Customer Support Center.

SEQ Programming Sequence ECM/TCM (Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Saturn OUTLOOK)
Do not attempt to order the calibration number from GM Customer Care and Aftersales. The calibration numbers required for this service procedure are programmed into control modules via a Multiple Diagnostic Interface (MDI) or Tech 2® and TIS2WEB with the calibration update. When using a MDI or Tech 2® for reprogramming, ensure that it is updated with the latest software version.

Use TIS2WEB on or after 02/21/11 to obtain the calibration. If you cannot access the calibration, call the Techline Customer Support Center and it will be provided.

For step-by-step programming instructions, please refer to SI and the Techline Information System (TIS) terminal.

Capture and record Engine Oil Life information. Write down remaining oil life as a percentage.
Verify that there is a battery charge of 12 to 15 volts. The battery must be able to maintain a charge during programming. Only use an approved Midtronics® PSC 550 Battery Maintainer (SPS Programming Support Tool EL-49642) or equivalent to maintain proper battery voltage during programming.
Reprogram the engine control module (ECM) and the transmission control module (TCM). Refer to SI and Service Programming System (SPS) documentation for programming instructions, if required.
3.1. Connect the MDI or Tech 2® to the vehicle. If using MDI, connect to programming terminal with the cable (USB or LAN).

3.2. Select J2534 MDI or J2534 Tech 2® and Reprogram ECU from the Select Diagnostic Tool and Programming Process screen.

3.3. Select SEQ Programming Sequence ECM/TCM from the Supported Controllers screen.

3.4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Clear all DTCs using the Tech 2® or GDS.
Use a scan tool to reset the Engine Oil Life Remaining back to the original percentage recorded before completing the programming event.
Courtesy Transporation - For US and Canada
The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranties. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product program is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.

Warranty Transaction Information
Submit a transaction using the table below.

Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time

V2385
Reprogram ECM
0.4


Customer Notification - For US and Canada
General Motors will notify customers of this program on their vehicle (see copy of customer letter included with this bulletin).

Customer Notification - For Export
Letters will be sent to known owners of record located within areas covered by the US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. For owners outside these areas, dealers should notify customers using the attached sample letter.

Dealer Program Responsibility
All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this program must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this program bulletin before customers take possession of these vehicles.

Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this program at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, through February 28, 2013.

Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the involved vehicle listing, are to be contacted by the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. A copy of the customer letter is provided in this bulletin for your use in contacting customers. Program follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.

In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this program enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your facility for service through February 28, 2013, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the program correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

February 2011
Dear General Motors Customer:

This notice is sent to inform you that General Motors is conducting a Customer Satisfaction Program that affects 2007 model year GMC Acadia; Saturn OUTLOOK; 2007-2009 model year Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS; 2009 model year Buick Enclave; Chevrolet Traverse; GMC Acadia; and Saturn OUTLOOK vehicles equipped with a V6 engine.

Your vehicle was designed and built to meet GM’s high standards for quality and reliability. However, we have determined that under certain driving conditions, and with extended oil change intervals, the timing chain could wear prematurely and cause the illumination of the Service Engine Soon light. Timing chain wear can be affected by the age of the engine oil and driving conditions.

What We Will Do: To ensure that your vehicle will not experience this condition, your GM dealer will change the calibration of the engine control module, including the engine oil life monitor, which in most cases will recommend more frequent oil changes. This calibration change will be performed for you at no charge until February 28, 2013.

What You Should Do: To limit any possible inconvenience, we recommend that you contact your dealer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for this repair.

If you have any questions or need any assistance, just contact your dealer or the appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below.

Division
Number
Text Telephones

Buick
1-866-608-8080
1-800-832-8425

Cadillac
1-866-982-2339
1-800-833-2622

Chevrolet
1-800-630-2438
1-800-833-2438

GMC
1-866-996-9463
1-800-462-8583

Saturn
1-800-972-8876
1-800-833-6000

Guam
1-671-648-8450


Puerto Rico - English
1-800-496-9992


Puerto Rico - Español
1-800-496-9993


Virgin Islands
1-800-496-9994



We sincerely regret any inconvenience or concern that this situation may cause you. We want you to know that we will do our best, throughout your ownership experience, to ensure that your GM vehicle provides you many miles of enjoyable driving.

Jim Moloney

General Director,

Customer and Relationship Services

10287

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these 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, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION


© 2011 General Motors. All rights reserved.
 
We already know these 3.6 "High Feature" engines beat the [censored] out of their oil. So, considering that, I think it's a good change.

Or, you could just change your oil every 5K and skip a trip to the dealership.
 
That's interesting - our Torrent and G8 have the 3.6 HFV6 (non DI) but I haven't received a recall.

The Torrent is down to 14% on the OLM and my G8 is somewhere in the 30's.

Guess I need to do an oil change on the Torrent this weekend.
 
Originally Posted By: The Critic
Wow, that is just scary. So much for our trust in OLMs.


Sounds to me more like an attempt at a band aide fix for another problem.
 
Originally Posted By: The Critic
Wow, that is just scary. So much for our trust in OLMs.


This does absolutely nothing to change must trust of an OLM. It's still a better indicator of an oil's condition than time or mileage.

The difference is that it's more complicated to adjust the service interval than to simply change the service interval (which happens as well).

The OLM is not the problem here. The problem was an unsuitable service interval. Somehow though, I pretty much expected to hear comments such as yours as soon as I read the first post.
 
Originally Posted By: The Critic
Wow, that is just scary. So much for our trust in OLMs.

Why would one not trust the OLM even in light of this? Its a problem specific to certain engines/vehicles only and not a fleetwide problem. It isn't a case of the OLM causing an issue, its a case of GM not doing its homework regarding the maintenance intervals for these specific models/engines.
 
The GM OLM is an excellent piece of proven engineering. I have yet to see a uoa where it was off. Give GM credit for getting it recalibrated in this instance.
 
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Never use it, sticking with 5K OCI's
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Originally Posted By: Malo83
Never use it, sticking with 5K OCI's
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And your dumping good oil if you don't follow the olm.
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Originally Posted By: sciphi
I wonder if it could be a DI issue and not a HF V6 issue.


From what I have seen it is not a DI engine issue. It is a GM DI engine issue. This could not have come at a better time for for GM a bad engine design. At least GM is issueing a recall and putting a band aid on the problem.
 
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