Customer Satisfaction Program - Engine Oil Contamination

General Motors has decided that certain 2003 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra HD model vehicles equipped with 6.6L (RPO LB7 - VIN Code 1) engines were produced with engine crankcase oil contaminated with way oil. This contamination results in inadequate oil performance and propensity for sludge build up. Premature engine wear and/or failure is the expected result of extended operation with this contaminated oil.

Dealers are to follow the service procedure contained in this bulletin to flush the engine of the contaminated oil.

Involved are certain 2003 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra HD model vehicles equipped with 6.6L (RPO LB7 - VIN Code 1) engines. The following list includes the dealers of record and VINs involved in this program.

Parts required to complete this program are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). Please refer to your "involved vehicles listing" before ordering requirements. Normal orders should be placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment Order. In an emergency situation, parts should be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.

Important: The service procedure contained in this program is different from the service procedure found in the appropriate Service Manual(s). Please be advised that the labor time allowance listed in the labor time guide is not affected by this new service procedure.

Oil Change Procedure to Flush Engine Oil System

2003 GMT800 LB7 Engine with Way Oil Contamination of Engine Oil

1. Follow this procedure to change the engine oil twice. Move the vehicle to a suitable oil change location. Engine coolant temperature should be above 100°F (38°C) before starting the first oil change. It is not necessary to reach full operating temperature. Coolant temperature readings may be taken from the instrument panel coolant temperature gauge.
2. Change the engine oil and engine oil filter (first change). Follow the requirements that are outlined in the Vehicle Owner Manual and Diesel Supplement.
3. After the first oil and filter change, the engine will need to be operated in a suitable location at 1500 to 1800 RPM for a minimum of five minutes. Coolant temperature must reach 160°F (71°C) before starting the second oil and filter change. If necessary, the engine run time may be increased or the vehicle may be driven.
4. Change the engine oil and engine oil filter (second change). Follow the requirements that are outlined in the Vehicle Owner Manual and Diesel Supplement.
5. Oil change procedure is complete.
6. Install the GM Identification Label.

Place a Program Identification Label on each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Program Bulletin. Each label provides a space to include the program number and the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the program service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ball point pen.

Put the Program Identification Label on a clean and dry surface of the radiator core support in an area that will be visible to people servicing the vehicle. When installing the Program Identification Label, be sure to pull the tab to allow the adhesion of the clear protective covering. Additional Program Identification Labels for US dealers can be obtained from Dealer Support Materials by either ordering on the web from DWD Store, gm-dealerworld.com, or calling 1-866-700-0001 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST). Request Item Number S-1015 when ordering.

Additional Program Identification Labels for IPC dealers can be obtained from your Regional Marketing Office.

Submit a Product Program Claim with the information indicated below.

Refer to the General Motors WINS Claim Processing Manual for details on Product Recall Claim Submission.

There are no known customers of record.

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, from this time forward.

Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer 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. This could be done by mailing to such customers a copy of the customer letter accompanying this bulletin. 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 dealership for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the program correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.