BREAKING: GM is officially recalling the L87

[vcode]

A quick question.......For 2026 did GM spec the correct heavier oil in the 6.2 trucks / SUVs?

Ch

GM stated that all non-recalled engines should continue to use 0W20. That would include the 2026 model year and replacement engines used in recalled vehicles.

 

[man n black]

No, I believe they are still using the 0W-20 in the engines that are not officially subject to the recall, including new builds. Which oil is “correct” is a subject of much debate, and I don’t think anyone wants to re-open that debate yet again.

GM stated that all non-recalled engines should continue to use 0W20. That would include the 2026 model year and replacement engines used in recalled vehicles.

Thanks guys (and gals)!

Has there been a consensus oil that 2025+ and replaced engines should be using outside of GMs statements? ie: are people still changing to the OW40 to safeguard thier investments?
Apologies I have not done a formal search and am taking delivery of our 6.2L equipped AT4 this coming weekend.

Cheers;
Ch

 

[KMeloney]

Thanks guys (and gals)!

Has there been a consensus oil that 2025+ and replaced engines should be using outside of GMs statements? ie: are people still changing to the OW40 to safeguard thier investments?
Apologies I have not done a formal search and am taking delivery of our 6.2L equipped AT4 this coming weekend.

Cheers;
Ch

No consensus. I would (and did) follow GM's recommendations.

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

FWIW, had my first paid oil change using 0W-40 yesterday.
Dealer charged me $25.65 per quart (P/N 19432867 was listed on the invoice for the oil)

So, LOF was ~260 including Labor, Filter, Shop Supplies, Tax, blah...OOF

Oriley Auto Parts has the Mobil 1 Dexos SuperCar on the shelf for $13.99/qt...

But hey, at least I don't have a blown engine...happy motoring.

 

[Antonm]

No consensus. I would (and did) follow GM's recommendations.

Even GM doesn't have a consensus as they recommend 0w40 in the escalade V and the corvette 6.2's which have the same ( like identical, part number for part number) engine block and rotating assembly.

So even GM doesn't agree with GM on what oil to use in the 6.2. What oil GM recommends for the 6.2 is like how many licks it takes to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop,,, the world may never know.
...

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

Even GM doesn't have a consensus as they recommend 0w40 in the escalade V and the corvette 6.2's which have the same ( like identical, part number for part number) engine block and rotating assembly.

So even GM doesn't agree with GM on what oil to use in the 6.2. What oil GM recommends for the 6.2 is like how many licks it takes to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop,,, the world may never know.
...

My hunch is that they have consensus as follows:
GM engineers would recommend 0W-40 for all of them if not for CAFE requirements
Since the vast majority of these engines sold are not in Esky-V, Vette, etc, but rather in Full Size Trucks the bread and butter of GM; they take the 0.1 or 0.2 MPG increase attributed to 0W-20 and can pay less in CAFE Fines, etc.

So, from a robustness of engineering, 0W-40 probably provides way more design margin, but 0W-20 helps profit...

It isn't clear to me whether the recommended change to 0W-40 post sales has any affect from a CAFE compliance perspective...

 

[Antonm]

My hunch is that they have consensus as follows:
GM engineers would recommend 0W-40 for all of them if not for CAFE requirements
Since the vast majority of these engines sold are not in Esky-V, Vette, etc, but rather in Full Size Trucks the bread and butter of GM; they take the 0.1 or 0.2 MPG increase attributed to 0W-20 and can pay less in CAFE Fines, etc.

So, from a robustness of engineering, 0W-40 probably provides way more design margin, but 0W-20 helps profit...

It isn't clear to me whether the recommended change to 0W-40 post sales has any affect from a CAFE compliance perspective...

Having been an engineer for a major automotive OEM at one time,,,I'm gonna go with it's not the engineers that are recommending the 0W-20, it's more likely the MBA's and Compliance people directing it. Everyone wants to blame the engineers and I get that, but the engineers never get the final call on what gets made or how it gets made.

I've personally been in the room when the obviously best engineering choice to resolve a issue was ignored in favor of a marginal solution because the marginal solution came from a "preferred supplier" and would cost 8% less. I suspect it went that way because the executive (an MBA, not an engineer) that made that decision got a pay bonus based on how the books looked at the end of each quarter, and it was approaching the end of the quarter so they wanted that extra 8% savings to pad their bonus check.

It's very common for the decision making executives to receive most of their pay via bonuses based off company stock performance or other cost saving/ profitability metrics. Look a little beyond the headline at the recent news report about Elon Musk's huge pay for leading Tesla. The headline says he's getting like a billion dollars, but he only gets that if the company stock hits a series of aggressive millstones. So the decision makers in most large companies literally have a personal incentive to cut corners whenever they can. Because remember the goal of GM's executives isn't to make cars, the goal is to make money, and the whole making cars thing is just an inconvenient middle step in the process.
...

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

Having been an engineer for a major automotive OEM at one time,,,I'm gonna go with it's not the engineers that are recommending the 0W-20, it's more likely the MBA's and Compliance people directing it. Everyone wants to blame the engineers and I get that, but the engineers never get the final call on what gets made or how it gets made.

I've personally been in the room when the obviously best engineering choice to resolve a issue was ignored in favor of a marginal solution because the marginal solution came from a "preferred supplier" and would cost 8% less. I suspect it went that way because the executive (an MBA, not an engineer) that made that decision got a pay bonus based on how the books looked at the end of each quarter, and it was approaching the end of the quarter so they wanted that extra 8% savings to pad their bonus check.

It's very common for the decision making executives to receive most of their pay via bonuses based off company stock performance or other cost saving/ profitability metrics. Look a little beyond the headline at the recent news report about Elon Musk's huge pay for leading Tesla. The headline says he's getting like a billion dollars, but he only gets that if the company stock hits a series of aggressive millstones. So the decision makers in most large companies literally have a personal incentive to cut corners whenever they can. Because remember the goal of GM's executives isn't to make cars, the goal is to make money, and the whole making cars thing is just an inconvenient middle step in the process.
...

Yes, I live this daily in the engineering profession...that is exactly the point I was making...the non-engineering business decisions are winning over the design robustness decisions.

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

FWIW, had my first paid oil change using 0W-40 yesterday.
Dealer charged me $25.65 per quart (P/N 19432867 was listed on the invoice for the oil)

So, LOF was ~260 including Labor, Filter, Shop Supplies, Tax, blah...OOF

Oriley Auto Parts has the Mobil 1 Dexos SuperCar on the shelf for $13.99/qt...

But hey, at least I don't have a blown engine...happy motoring.

Additional News -- GM is helping to the tune of $50 per customer paid oil change, until they get the supply chain figured out for 0W-40 Oil. Your dealer should be applying this discount to any oil change invoices you have w/ 0W-40 until they stabilize the price. see attachment.

 

[jerry455]

Just saw that bulletin yesterday. I am taking my 2021 Suburban 6.2 with 94,000 miles in to dealer Monday. I already have been using 0W40 since last spring. A very informed person I work with, at GM, told me he would use at least 0W30 when I first bought this truck a year and a half ago. Since 70,000 miles, when I bought it, I have been using 0W30 until last spring.

 

[BacDoc]

My hunch is that they have consensus as follows:
GM engineers would recommend 0W-40 for all of them if not for CAFE requirements
Since the vast majority of these engines sold are not in Esky-V, Vette, etc, but rather in Full Size Trucks the bread and butter of GM; they take the 0.1 or 0.2 MPG increase attributed to 0W-20 and can pay less in CAFE Fines, etc.

So, from a robustness of engineering, 0W-40 probably provides way more design margin, but 0W-20 helps profit...

It isn't clear to me whether the recommended change to 0W-40 post sales has any affect from a CAFE compliance perspective...

Great synopsis!

 

[Double J]

My hunch is that they have consensus as follows:
GM engineers would recommend 0W-40 for all of them if not for CAFE requirements
Since the vast majority of these engines sold are not in Esky-V, Vette, etc, but rather in Full Size Trucks the bread and butter of GM; they take the 0.1 or 0.2 MPG increase attributed to 0W-20 and can pay less in CAFE Fines, etc.

So, from a robustness of engineering, 0W-40 probably provides way more design margin, but 0W-20 helps profit...

It isn't clear to me whether the recommended change to 0W-40 post sales has any affect from a CAFE compliance perspective...

With that spot on analysis, better start checking under your car before you start it as GM would prefer you remain silent on the matter…besides, one less engine to replace if they “Casino” you

 

[Marky Dissod]

It isn't clear to me whether the recommended change to 0W40 post sales has any affect from a CAFE compliance perspective.

Once the vehicle is sold, CAFE doesn't really give a schidt anymore - otherwise they'd be following us around tracking our MpGs ...
wait a sec - how many of you have those plug-ins from your car insurance company that track how you drive?

 

[undy]

Several months ago I switched my 2019 Yukon Denali to 0w-40, the same as my C8 Corvette. Being a retired ME Tech and having a degree in Automotive Technologies my experience told my to shift. The 30% increased shear strength rating of the 0W-40 over the 0W-20 was reason enough for me. The Denali is past the 5 year drivetrain warranty w/no extended warranty so GM can kiss my backside.

 

[jerry455]

Well, the engine in my 2021 Suburban High Country with 94,000 miles passed the test, big surprise. I got an oil change and all of the other things that go along with the recall. When they tried downloading the new program to the ECM, it locked up my ECM. They claim it was my Range Technology device that caused the problem. I am going to get ahold of Range to ask them about it. The dealer warrantied the ECM and gave me back my Range device. They said as soon as they saw the problem, they knew what caused it. They claim they have seen this and other devices cause the same problem many times. Some of the technicians have the same device on their vehicles.

 

[jfoj]

Well, the engine in my 2021 Suburban High Country with 94,000 miles passed the test, big surprise. I got an oil change and all of the other things that go along with the recall. When they tried downloading the new program to the ECM, it locked up my ECM. They claim it was my Range Technology device that caused the problem. I am going to get ahold of Range to ask them about it. The dealer warrantied the ECM and gave me back my Range device. They said as soon as they saw the problem, they knew what caused it. They claim they have seen this and other devices cause the same problem many times. Some of the technicians have the same device on their vehicles.

Yes the Range module needs to be removed otherwise it will cause problems with programming the ECM. Not sure they really bricked it, I have heard dealers having programming failures and would find the Range module, remove it and have success flashing the ECM once the Range module was removed.

 

[Marky Dissod]

Just 'cause it's OK to actually use the Range module - or whatever plug-in - does not mean you wave it in your dealer's face like a badge of honour.
You're supposed to unplug it and put it in your pocket before you show up at the dealer, disavow all knowledge of it, then plug it in after you leave,
gottdamnt!

 

[tagexpcom]

I installed the Autostop Eliminator (love it) in my 2021 Yukon but does it also risk interfering with updates/programming? - or does it's limited functionality make it a non-issue.

Thought about the Range module ever since they came out with 2021 compatibility but these comments about removing before taking into the shop are making me step back as it's not simple to install/remove on 2021. My 6.2L (passed) and is at 67K and humming along.

 

[jfoj]

The Range module was easy to install on my 2024. Did not need to remove the drivers front wheel, just turned the wheels hard left, 5-6 screws. 10 minutes job if you have the right tools on hand. Tire/wheel size maybe make a difference,, I have 24" wheels.

Someone here in his 70's did it quickly as well.

 

[Jay P Wy]

I installed the Autostop Eliminator (love it) in my 2021 Yukon but does it also risk interfering with updates/programming? - or does it's limited functionality make it a non-issue.

Thought about the Range module ever since they came out with 2021 compatibility but these comments about removing before taking into the shop are making me step back as it's not simple to install/remove on 2021. My 6.2L (passed) and is at 67K and humming along.

That's not an issue, it's only a small circuit that remembers the on/off switch position and won't cause issues with programing. If you have work done where your dash is worked on where they might see it I would remove it.