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Intermittent SES Light Due To DTC P1133 and/or P1153 - keywords BQMI

Subject:Intermittent SES Light due to DTC P1133 and/or P1153

Models:2008 Cadillac Escalade
2008 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe
2008 GMC Sierra, Yukon
with V-8 Engine RPO Codes:
LC9, LH6, LH8, LMG, LY2, LY5, LY6, L76, or L92



This PI was superceded to give the customer two repair options to chose from while a permanent correction is being developed for this concern. Please discard PIP4362E.


The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:

A SES light may be experienced with DTCs P1133 and/or P1153, however, no engine performance concerns are reported by the customer. This condition can be caused by the use of gasoline that exceeds the 80 PPM maximum U.S. Federal guideline for sulfur content, but is within the 80 PPM - 450 PPM sulfur content special exemption allowed for small U.S. refineries and / or the greater than 80 PPM sulfur content fuels found in other parts of the world. This condition does not cause any drivability, reliability or durability conditions with the vehicle. This explanation should be shared with the customer. Two repair options are available and should be explained to the customer.

Important: If engine performance concerns DO exist with the stored DTCs this PI would not apply.

Recommendation/Instructions:

Inform the customer of the cause for this condition listed above and explain that this condition does not cause any performance, reliability or durability conditions with the vehicle.

· A new calibration, that will permanently correct this condition, will be released between mid September and October 2008. If the customer is in agreement to wait for the new calibration, clear the code and release the vehicle. Customer must be informed that the code and corresponding SES / CEL light could re-set relatively quickly if gasoline with greater than 80 PPM sulfur content is used. Advise the customer to use gasoline from one of the top tier filling stations listed in the latest version of TSB 04-06-04-047 if possible, which may reduce the potential for a reoccurrence. If the SES / CEL does re-set and/or flash, the customer should return for further service.

If they are not comfortable with this procedure, the following procedure should be explained and offered:

· The catalytic converters and the post O2 sensor(s) that corresponds to the bank associated with the code being set, can be replaced with new components and a relearn can be performed. This procedure can significantly increase the period of time for this code to re-set if gasoline with greater than 80 PPM sulfur content is used. All things being equal, a realistic expectation would be that the code would not re-set until a like number of miles are driven prior to the code being set the first time.

· The dealer should explain to the customer that the dealer will call the customer to return for the permanent calibration correction in October, regardless of which option the customer chooses.

If the customer elects to choose to have the converter and post O2 sensors replaced, the following procedure should be followed:

1. Disconnect the battery to initiate a relearn process.

2. Replace the Y-Pipe catalytic converters.

3. Replace the post converter O2 sensor(s) on the bank(s) that correspond to the code(s) that were set.

4. Reconnect the battery.

5. Drive the vehicle for 30 minutes at 40 MPH or greater to complete the relearn process and ensure that the new components are broken in adequately.

6. Advise the customer to use gasoline from one of the Top Tier filling stations listed in the latest version of 04-06-04-047 if possible, which may reduce the potential for a reoccurrence.

Revised calibrations to correct this condition are being developed, and are expected to be released individually by engine RPO, between mid September and October 2008. This PI will be updated with further details as soon as the calibrations are available.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.