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NHTSA ID Number: 10163271
Manufacturer Communication Number: 130601003I
Summary
This technical bulletin provides Correction information to find the cause of oil consumption. Techs should perform an oil consumption test first, check for oil leaks and if rate of oil consumption is high, then replace the pistons and the rings.
20 Affected Products
Vehicles
| MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
BUICK | LACROSSE | 2010-2013 |
| BUICK | REGAL | 2011-2013 |
| BUICK | VERANO | 2012-2013 |
| CHEVROLET | CAPTIVA | 2012-2013 |
| CHEVROLET | CAPTIVA SPORT | 2012 |
| CHEVROLET | EQUINOX | 2010-2013 |
| GMC | TERRAIN | 2010-2013 |
Condition
Excessive oil consumption and/or have to add oil between oil changes.
Parts
| Description | Part Number | Qty |
| PISTON AND RING KIT, ENG | 12683595 | 4 |
| GASKET KIT, CYL HD | 12637166  | 1 |
| SEAL, CM/SHF | 12609291 | 1 |
| BOLT, CONN ROD | 11570825 | 8 |
| PIPE, FUEL FEED INTER | 12608374 | 1 |
| SEAL, F/ PMP HSG | 12602379 | 1 |
| GASKET, F/ PMP BRKT | 12595951 | 1 |
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
Bulletin No.: 13-06-01-003I
Date: June, 2019
MC-10163271-9999.pdf 835.616KB
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NHTSA ID Number: 10116880
Manufacturer Communication Number: 13-06-01-003H
Summary
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the pistons, connecting rods and bearings for vehicles that have the condition of excessive oil consumption
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
Bulletin No.: 13-06-01-003H
Date: Feb-2016
MC-10116880-9999.pdf 874.343KB
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NHTSA ID Number: 10113541
Manufacturer Communication Number: 13-06-01-003G
Summary
This technical bulletin provides diagnostic and repair information on performing an oil consumption test and/or installing piston and piston ring kit to correct a customer concern for excessive oil consumption.
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
Bulletin No.: 13-06-01-003G
Date: Feb-2015
MC-10113541-9999.pdf 874.544KB
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NHTSA ID Number: 10137923
Manufacturer Communication Number: 13-06-01-003F
Summary
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to test for oil consumption and install new pistons and rings if no signs of consumption or oil leaks have been validated.
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
Bulletin No.: 13-06-01-003F
Date: May, 2014
MC-10137923-9999.pdf 1743.747KB
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NHTSA ID Number: 10137882
Manufacturer Communication Number: 13-06-01-003E
Summary
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to test for oil consumption and install new pistons and rings if no signs of consumption or oil leaks have been validated.
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
Bulletin No.: 13-06-01-003E
Date: April, 2014
MC-10137882-9999.pdf 1744.534KB
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NHTSA ID Number: 10130579
Manufacturer Communication Number: 13-06-01-003B
Summary
This technical bulletin provides a procedure for oil consumption test and set up including piston, connecting rod and bearing due to excessive oil consumption and/or need to add oil between oil changes.
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
Bulletin No.: 13-06-01-003B
Date: Jul-2013
MC-10130579-9999.pdf 650.995KB
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NHTSA ID Number: 10134748
Manufacturer Communication Number: 13-06-01-003
Summary
This technical bulletin provides a replacement for PIP5025F to advise engine replacement is no longer necessary if “zebra stripes” are present and to outline a related repair procedure.
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
Bulletin No.: 13-06-01-003
Date: Jun-2013
MC-10134748-9999.pdf 649.231KB
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- 6X better wear protection on critical engine parts than industry standards**
- 1.3X better sludge protection than industry standards*
- 3X Stronger against viscosity breakdown than leading full synthetic^
- Protection for 10,000 miles between oil changes
- Meets or exceeds the following specifications: API SP/SN PLUS/SN | ILSAC GF-6 | GM dexos1 Gen 3 | Meets Ford WSS-M2C946-B1 | Meets Ford WSS-M2C961-A1 |
- MaxLife Technology prevents engine breakdown with 40% better wear protection than the industry standard
- Includes seal conditioners to reduce oil consumption and oil leaks in high mileage engines.
- Added detergents reduce sludge, corrosion, rust and deposits to help keep motors clean inside and ensure a smooth-running engine.
- Advanced friction-fighting additives help maximize performance and improve fuel efficiency.
- Meets or exceeds all requirements of ILSAC GF-6A, API SP, API SN with SN Plus, API SN
- Advanced protection against the four main causes of engine breakdown: wear friction heat and deposits
- Full synthetic formula offers 24X stronger protection against engine-killing contaminants than the leading full synthetic motor oil
- 40% better wear protection vs. industry standards as tested in the Sequence IVB engine test
- 25% better deposit protection with superior engine cleaning detergents as tested in the GMOD engine test
- Meets or exceeds all requirements of ILSAC GF-6A, API SP, API SN with SN Plus, API SN, GM dexos 1 Gen 3
- Full synthetic 5W-30 motor oil provides strong engine performance and protection against deposits between oil changes
- Ideal for use in modern turbocharged engines and high-performance vehicles like sports cars, SUVs, trucks, and minivans
- Designed to deliver more power and less friction, reducing friction to maximize horsepower (compared to Quaker State motor oil)
- Provides improved fuel economy (based on the latest industry standard)
- Excellent protection against formation of sludge and other harmful deposits (based on Sequence IIIH & VH tests on 0W-20 engine oil)
- Mobil 1 Extended Performance High Mileage full-synthetic motor oil 5W-30 is designed for engines with over 75,000 miles to go up to 20,000 miles between oil changes.*
- Utilizes Mobil 1’s Triple Action+ Formula to combine outstanding engine performance, protection, and cleanliness with the added benefit of power
- Meets ILSAC GF-6 standards to help provide low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) and timing chain wear protection while keeping your engine clean and helping to improve your fuel economy
- Provides excellent internal engine heat protection (up to 500 degrees F) and low temperature protection (to -40 degrees F)
- Helps extend engine life by working to prevent damaging deposits and sludge buildup
- Phosphorus Replacement Technology helps extend emission system life
- Superior dispersancy that fights sludge build up
- Exceptional oil burn-off protection exceeding industry standards* | Seal conditioners to help reduce leaks
- Advanced additives that help prevent engine wear | Improved Fuel Economy**
- Meets or exceeds the following specifications: API SP/SN PLUS/SN/SM | ILSAC GF-6 | Meets Ford WSS-M2C946-B1 | Meets Ford WSS-M2C961-A1 | * Based on API and ACEA volatility specifications | ** In 5W-20, 5W-30 and 10W-30 grades versus industry specifications
- The first motor oil to actively restore engine cleanliness and protect against future damage
- With continuous use, Valvoline Active Clean Technology removes up to 100% of deposits while Liqui-Shield Technology helps prevent future deposits (*with regular oil changes. In Adapted Sequence IIIH Testing: Piston Deposit Removal)
- 79% stronger anti-wear protection than industry standards (vs. GF-6 qualified oil)
- Minimizes friction between metal surfaces in your engine to help improve fuel economy
- The best motor oil for any age vehicle, from your new car’s first oil change to high-mileage vehicles
- 3X Stronger than the leading full synthetic*
- 10X Better high stress performance**
- 20,000 miles between oil changes***
- Approved and Licensed Specifications: Exceeds API SP/SN PLUS/SN/SM | ILSAC GF-6 | GM dexos1 Gen 3 | Meets engine test requirements of Chrysler MS 6395 | Meets Ford WSS-M2C946-B1 | Meets Ford WSS-M2C961-A1|
- Viscosity breakdown as measured in Kurt Orbahn test on 5W-30 grade |**As measured in Seq IX test under high load/torque conditions vs. API SP test limits | ***Or one year, whichever comes first
SEOCONTENT-START
Service Bulletin Bulletin No.: 13-06-01-003I Date: June, 2019 TECHNICAL Subject: Excessive Oil Consumption – Perform Oil Consumption Test and/or Install Piston and Piston Ring Kit Models: 2010-2013 Buick LaCrosse 2011-2013 Buick Regal 2012-2013 Buick Verano 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2012-2013 Chevrolet Captiva, Orlando (Canada Only) 2010-2013 GMC Terrain Equipped with 2.4L Engine (RPOs LAF, LEA) Attention: This Bulletin also applies to any of the above models that may be Export from North America vehicles. This Bulletin has been revised to update the Parts Information section. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 13-06-01-003H. Condition Some customers may comment on excessive oil consumption and/or that they have to add oil between oil changes. Correction For this condition, technicians should perform an oil consumption test by following the latest version of Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-011. Before starting the oil consumption test, verify the ECM has latest TIS2Web calibrations to adjust the engine oil life monitor to a maximum of 12,070 km (7,500 miles) — Refer to the latest version of Customer Satisfaction Bulletin #12312. Inspect for any obvious oil leaks that may explain the oil consumption concern and repair as necessary. Important: When checking the oil level with the oil dipstick design shown below, please note that the oil volume per notch is not linear due to the shape of the block. The upper notches (relative to the top of the handle) equal 0.227 L (0.24 quart) between each notch while the lower notches only equal 0.132 L (0.14 quart) between each notch. As a result, no oil will appear on the dipstick if it is low on oil by approximately 1.18 L (1.25 quarts) or more. When determining the oil consumption rate, the oil volume added to return it to the starting location is the total amount of oil consumed. The consumption rate must be documented on a repair order. Notice: Do not add too much oil. An overfill can lead to burn off of the excess oil. Advise the customer to wait until the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick before adding oil. 3339530 If the oil consumption test indicates that the rate of consumption is greater than 0.946 L (1 quart) of oil every 3,200 km (2,000 mi), note the oil consumption rate, the date that the ECM was reprogrammed and any repairs/diagnosis that you have performed. Page 2 June, 2019 Bulletin No.: 13-06-01-003I The repair is to replace the pistons and rings. In some cases the bore surface may not have a uniform look to the finish (zebra stripes) as shown below. As a result, some technicians may question whether the engine should be repaired or replaced. After careful evaluation, GM Powertrain has determined that the new pistons and rings will perform correctly in bores that have this appearance, so engine replacement should not be necessary. The cylinder bores do not need any machine or honing work performed on them. Refer to the picture below for acceptable surface finishes. Note: Use Piston Ring Compressor EN-47836 when installing rings. Important: DO NOT use any abrasive wheels/ materials to clean any mating surfaces. Only Plastic scrapers should be used. Please refer to the latest version of Corporate Bulletin Number 00-06-01-012. Acceptable Cylinder that Does Not Appear Uniform (Zebra Stripes) 3339531 While performing this repair on 2010 and 2011 vehicles built before March of 2011, it should be verified that the high pressure fuel pump (P/N 12641847), balance chain (P/N 12645237), balance chain tensioner (P/N 12649233), and timing chain kit (P/N 12635447) have been installed in this engine in a previous repair. Refer to IVH and check the parts listed in the prior repairs. If these parts have not been installed, they should be replaced at the time that the piston and rings are replaced. If they have been replaced, do not replace them again. Engines in 2012 and 2013 vehicles do not need the balance chain or fuel pump inspected. The oil consumption may have clogged/reduced PCV flow. The PCV system should be serviced. Clean any ice/sludge/water/carbon out of the PCV pipes/hoses, the PCV nipple on the cam cover, the PCV orifice between the #2 and #3 intake runners (use a 1/16 inch drill bit as illustrated below). 3704956 3704955 Legend (1) PCV orifice in the intake manifold Also when performing this repair, several other parts should be inspected for excessive wear and/or damage and replaced if necessary: – Balance chain guides – Timing chain guides Important: DO NOT use any abrasive wheels/ materials to clean any mating surfaces. Only Plastic scrapers should be used. Please refer to the latest version of Corporate Bulletin Number 00-06-01-012. Bulletin No.: 13-06-01-003I June, 2019 Page 3 Note: Returned oil consumption engines have been reviewed at engine tear down. It has been determined that these components do not need to be replaced: 3409678 • Camshafts and roller follower will have wear markings. This is normal and do not need to be replaced (refer to picture above). 3409680 • Valves stems may have deposits build up on them. These deposits are characteristic of a direct inject engine. The valves stems do not need to be cleaned as they are not affecting engine performance (Refer to picture above). • The oil pump does not need to be replaced as the low oil level operation did not damage the pump. • The camshaft actuators do not need to be replaced at this time. The vehicle may have arrived with the engine knocking. If the oil level was 1 1/2 – 2 quarts low, it was the lack of oil causing the actuator noise. • Rod bearings can be reused if there is not any excessive scoring. Some light wear marks are acceptable. Important: Rod bearings must be marked to identify the proper location to ensure bearings are returned to their original positions. The final step is to verify that ECM OLM calibration has been installed before the vehicle is returned to the customer. Important: DO NOT use any abrasive wheels/ materials to clean any mating surfaces. Only Plastic scrapers should be used. Please refer to the latest version of Corporate Bulletin Number 00-06-01-012. Parts Information Causal Part Description Part Number Qty X PISTON AND RING KIT, ENG 12683595 4 N/A GASKET KIT, CYL HD 12637166 1 N/A SEAL, CM/SHF 12609291 1 N/A BOLT, CONN ROD 11570825 8 N/A PIPE, FUEL FEED INTER 12608374 1 N/A SEAL, F/ PMP HSG 12602379 1 N/A GASKET, F/ PMP BRKT 12595951 1 Warranty Information For vehicles repaired under the Powertrain coverage, use the following labor operation. Reference the Applicable Warranties section of Investigate Vehicle History (IVH) for coverage information. Labor Operation Description Labor Time 4080008* Oil Consumption Test Setup 0.2 hr 4080178* Piston, Connecting Rod and Bearing Replacement (Includes Oil Consumption Test) 12.6 hrs (FWD) 13.0 hrs (AWD) *This is a unique Labor Operation for Bulletin use only.
SEOCONTENT-END
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Just traded in my oil burning 2013 equinox for a toyota. I will never buy GM again!
So we took the car to our local GMC dealer and they changed the oil (for which I paid – it was due one anyway) then they said we should drive it for 1000 miles and bring it back to check the oil levels. We drove it 300 miles and my husband (at my request cause I was worried) checked the oil level and it was good – we drove 200 additional miles and the ‘stop engine oil level low’ message came on. We were at an intersection so when the light changed we pulled into the nearest parking lot (about 500 ft.) and parked the car, turned it off and my husband checked the oil – there was NO OIL on the dip stick – so we did not want to mess up the test by adding oil (and we were not sure adding oil would be helpful if there were engine damage) so we had the car towed to the dealership – this was yesterday (Sunday) so I called this AM and they said they had received my phone mail that I left and would check the car and top it off (TOP IT OFF!!!!). I am waiting for them to check the car and see what we need to do but I do not trust the car to go 1000 miles again nor do I want to be stranded for another 3 hours waiting for a tow truck and my daughter-in-law to come get us – Not sure how much leverage I have but I would think this was an EPIC FAIL!
I’m like everyone else. Burning oil and pistons need to be replaced. 81,000 mikes. Called Buick and they could care less even though it’s a known problem. Will certainly be my last Buick.
Chevy equinox 2012, but the truck a month ago, notice a rattle noise on the engine, after a month +1000 miles driving, need to add 2q of oil,
today 7/17 has no oil. Take it to Sierra Chevrolet on Monrovia, the person on service department, mention that i need to pay $150 for diagnostic the problem, + need to pay 3 oil change to see if this truck has the issue mention on Bulletin: 13-06-01-003f. Why I need to pay for something that is not my fault. defect of manufacturing. And buy American Cars if don’t maintain the product defects after purchase…
I had oil consumption problems with my 2012 Chevy Equinox. I brought it in twice for an oil consumption tests in 2015 before 100,000 miles and both times I was told the vehicle is “within” specs. I have to drive around with a couple quarts of oil and check my oil level constantly to make sure the oil doesn’t run low or out.
I recently received a letter from Chevy stating they acknowledge a problem with oil consumption and the fix is for vehicles under 120,000 miles. I am now over this mileage and neither my dealership nor Chevy are willing to work with me to fix the problem without paying for it. I think this is ridiculous. I tried to address this problem at 80,000 and 90,000 miles. I have been looking for a new vehicle and actually was looking at another Equinox but am glad I did not purchase one now that I received the letter.
My car is under this recall as well but GM is failing to proved full coverage for this issue. My car is 71 days past the DATE of warranty BUT 17,000 MILES UNDER the powertrain warranty. I am appalled at this lack of accountability. They send out “bulletins” rather than recalls and then it is only sent to the dealers, not the owners of the vehicles! They know these engines are junk but refuse to step up and cover the full cost of the junk they sold the consumers. This will be the last GM vehicle I ever own. 38 years old, and I have always bought GM…not anymore!
Make a complaint with the NHTSA https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/
Yup my timing chain jus went out on my “Certified” 2011 Buick with 80,000 miles right after my warranty is up
My timing chain is making a bad noise, air compressor is going out and bad start up noise when car is cold or has sat for about 5 to 10
Min. 2011 regal, only 75K miles. Was told no warranty. Would have to pay 1000 for compressor and didn’t get a quote for timingchain. Was told motor would have to be pulled. Any help or advise would
Be great
I’m just having pistons and rings replaced under warranty. Should I be worry about timing chain being damage since I have had ( my wife lol) oil consumption problem over a year or more?
How did you all get your cars covered by the dealer? I have a 2012 GMC Terrain 2.4 L ECOTEC that is going through this exact problem. It goes through 3 QTs of oil between oil changes (5,000 miles). I gave the dealership and customer service my VIN # and they say that there is no recall associated with my car and haven’t heard of this issue with my car.
you can male a complaint with the NHTSA https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/
Thank You!
Don’t kid yourself. GM is well aware. I just had to have my engine replaced at a cost to me of 5000+. My car was 20000 km out of extended warranty but I had oil consumption issues before that. The dealership said nothing to me about it then and they knew. The technicians were aware that there are problems. A Tech Service Bulletin was issued telling GM service techs to recalibrate the oil life monitors to a lower mileage so that you are getting your oil changed more often. I changed my oil 1 month before my engine blew bc of no oil.
Call the Chevrolet national phone number or Go a different dealer if you can’t get them to understand it is an extended warranty. It is not a recall.
2012 GMC Terrain with the ECOTEC 4 cyl engine. On my 4th timing chain set. Replaced 1st at 40k, then at 70k, and again at 95k. GMC finally said it was due to this bulletin, excessive fuel consumption and low oil levels not lubricating the chain and rollers. Heck. They always changed the oil but just like everywhere else, no one checks the oil level when changing, just pull the plug, drain and replace. Pistons and rings needing replaced. Not sure why it took so long to say this but at 95,000 miles so I’m glad it happened while still under warranty. Engine was using 2 quarts of oil every 2,000 miles. Had it for 2 full days but they were great. Gave me a loaner and were very helpful and professional. Only worry is now vehicle is out of warranty if anything happens again.
*excessive OIL consumption. Not fuel.
There is a problem with the high pressure fuel pump leaking into the engine causing the oil consumption. This is also causing issues with the rings. You might what to check into this “known” problem.
2012 Buick Verano Issues
At 54,092 miles, engine warning light on. Had exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid replaced.
At 54,107 miles, engine warning light on. Had all timing chains replaced with tensioners, seals, gaskets & exhaust camshaft actuator & wire harness connector.
At 57,948 miles had scheduled oil change. I reported that the car was idling very rough and there was a tapping noise. Dealer called me later that day and said that there was no oil in the engine. The service receipt I got however, stated that they only found the engine to be two quarts low. Not sure why the conflict.
At 60,249 miles I checked the oil level and found no oil on the dipstick. I had to add three quarts to get a full indication on the dip stick. Several hundred miles later, I had to add another quart.
At 61,194 miles, I brought the car in for a scheduled oil changed and told the service rep of the excessive oil consumption. He said that they will begin an oil consumption test.
At 62,181 miles, I brought the car in as the oil dip stick had no oil when I checked the oil level. I left the car at the dealer but was told later that they only had to add 1/4 of a quart which I find hard to believe.
At 62,755 miles, I brought the car to the dealer and told them that there was no oil reading on the dip stick. The service rep, a mechanic, and I checked the oil level together. It took a full quart of oil to indicate full. It was at this point (finally) that the dealer said the pistons and rings would need to be replaced. After the work was done, I noticed a rattling noise as I drove home. When I checked under the hood, I noticed that the oil fill cap was not on. I found it on the side of the engine.
At 63,593 miles, the engine warning light came on. The intake cam actuator solenoid needed to be replaced. When I got home after the service was completed, I looked under the hood and found a bolt missing from the upper engine cover.
Fortunately for me, I purchased an extended warranty so there was no cost for all of this work (except scheduled oil changes). I strongly suggest all Verano owners do the same.
Wow, almost identical issues with my 2012 Buick Verano.
Buick was great about getting this fixed on my 2012 Regal. After they determined my car was burning excessive oil ( it was down 1.5 quarts in just over 1,000 miles), they scheduled the work (and even gave me a loaner car, a VERY nice 2016 Lacrosse) and had my repaired car back to me in 48 hours at no cost to me. Thanks Buick!! They had to replace the pistons, piston rings and head gasket.
I have a 2011 Buick Regal with this problem and GM is not standing by their Special Coverage. Did you have an extended warranty on your vehicle? I find it amazing GM will fix some vehicles with the problem and not others. Terrible customer for satisfaction!!