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Information on Identifying Non-GM Calibration Usages for Lmm Duramax Diesel Engine

Subject:Information on Identifying Non-GM Calibration Usages for LMM Duramax® Diesel Engine

Models:2007-2008 Chevrolet Express, Kodiak, Silverado
2007-2008 GMC Savana, Sierra, TopKick
with 6.6L Duramax® Diesel Engine (VIN 6 -- RPO LMM)



This bulletin is being revised to add additional information on identifying non-GM calibration usages. A Caution was added regarding likely Powertrain damage. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 08-06-04-006 (Section 06 -- Engine/Propulsion System).


Caution: Customers should be informed that even after the calibration has been returned to a GM certified configuration, it is likely that powertrain components were weakened, to the point of premature failure, while subjected to the higher stresses from the non-GM uncertified calibration (Power-Up Kit). Failures associated with the installation of a non-GM uncertified calibration will not be covered under the GM warranty.

Power-Up Kit Detection

For 2007-2008 applications, an Engine Control Module (ECM) algorithm was implemented that records the engine calibration part number and Calibration Verification Number (CVN) for the last 10 flash programming events. The ECM only records the engine calibration part number because it contains the parameters for increasing torque and fueling rates.

Some customers may have re-programmed the ECM with a non-GM released calibration. The (Power-Up Kit) powertrain calibration changes fueling and timing parameters and likely contributes to the following vehicle conditions:

    • Poor Performance
    • Black Smoke (This symptom is not valid for the 6.6L (LMM) diesel equipped with the diesel particulate filter (DPF). The DPF will trap black smoke unless the DPF is cracked, melted or has been removed from the exhaust system.)
    • Knocking Noise
    • Engine Damage

If a vehicle comes in for service for a driveability/powertrain concern as a result of a Power-Up Kit installation, the dealership technician now can read the last 10 engine calibration part numbers and CVN history using a Tech 2 ®.

The dealership technician would input each ECM calibration part number into the SPS/TIS2WEB CVN database to confirm the CVN history information. Refer to Tech 2 path table in this bulletin to verify ECM calibration.

Tech 2 Powertrain Output Controls Path Table for NON-GM ECM Calibration

  1. Build the vehicle with the Tech 2.
  2. Select F0: Engine Control Module.
  3. Select F5: Module Identification Information.
  4. Select F1: Programming History.
  5. Turn Ignition On and Engine Off. Press ENTER Key to Continue.
  6. Important: An original production engine operation part number programmed in the ECM from the supplier, which is the last part number shown, would not be in the SPS/TIS2WEB database.

  7. Record the Calibration I.D. Numbers and Verification Numbers from the Tech 2 Programming History Screen.
  8. From SPS/TIS2WEB, record the Calibration Part Number into the CVN Database. Get CVN.
  9. •  If the CVN does not match the CVN database, an unauthorized engine calibration part was flash programmed into the ECM.
    •  If the CVN matches the CVN database, we can assume a Power-Up Kit that flash programs engine calibrations was not used.