PIP-4573-B

SB-10059031-8882
Service Bulletin
File in Section:
Bulletin No.:
Date:
PIP4573B
April, 2015
PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
Subject:
Diagnostic Tips For SES Light With DTCs P1516 P2101 P2119 And/Or P2176 When
Colder Than - 10F (-23C)
Models:
2004-2007 Buick Rainier
2002-2009 Chevrolet Trail Blazer
2004-2012 Chevrolet Colorado
2004-2012 GMC Canyon
2002-2009 GMC Envoy
2006-2012 Hummer H3
2005-2009 Saab 97x
with 2.8L, 2.9L, 3.5L, 3.7L, and 4.2L Inline Engines
(RPO Codes LK5, LLV, L52, LLR, LL8)
This PI was superseded to update Model Years and Diagnostic Information.
Please discard PIP4573A.
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition/Concern
A dealer may encounter a concern of an SES light and reduced engine power after cold starting their engine when
the ambient temperature is approximately - 10F (-23C).
Upon inspection, any of the following DTCs may be found: P1516, P2101, P2119, and/or P2176
In some instances, an oil leak may also be experienced from the front or rear crank seal, cam cover gasket, or
dipstick tube as well.
This may be the result of excessive water/condensation in the crankcase and a frozen PCV system.
Recommendation/Instructions
If this concern is experienced, determine if the concern is the result of a frozen PCV system:
Note: Excessive short trip driving can induce or aggravate this condition. A good practice in low ambient
temperatures would be to allow the engine to reach operating temperature to reduce condensation in the crankcase.
Inline 4 & 5:
Disconnect the PCV vacuum pipe that is attached to the rear of cam cover and inspect the inside of it for ice,
moisture, and/or sludge.
Do not try to disconnect the PCV vacuum pipe from the intake manifold because the pipe is molded to the intake
manifold and intake manifold damage will occur.
Also inspect the engine oil dipstick and engine oil fill cap for moisture, sludge, and/or ice.
Inline 6:
Carefully disconnect the top or the bottom of the rubber PCV vacuum hose that is between the #3 and #4 intake
runners and inspect for ice.
Use caution when disconnecting this hose if you just pulled the truck in from the cold because it may break if too
much force is applied when it is very cold.
Also inspect the engine oil dipstick and engine oil fill cap for moisture, sludge, and/or ice.
If there is moisture, ice, and/or sludge in/on the oil fill cap, oil dipstick, and/or PCV vacuum tube, this is most likely
the result of a frozen PCV system and the suggestions below should be followed.
If not, follow SI diagnosis and any other bulletins or PIs that apply to the vehicle you are working on
1. Clean any ice / sludge / water out of the PCV pipes / hoses and throttle body, and allow them to dry. If the throttle
body is cleaned on a 2008 or newer Envoy, Trail Blazer, or 97x, also perform an idle learn reset with the Tech 2.
2. Determine when the thermostat is opening by feeling the upper radiator hose and watching the ECT parameter
on the Tech 2 with the engine at idle. You will know when it opens because the upper radiator hose will get hot
once the ECT sensor reaches 180F (82C) - 200F (93C). If the hose heats up slowly when it reaches this
temperature range, replace the thermostat. Also replace the thermostat if it opens at the bottom of this
temperature range. This is recommended because a thermostat that opens very slowly at the low side of this
temperature range may be more likely to experience this concern than one that opens very quickly or at the high
side of this temperature range.
3. Allow the engine to idle at operating temperature for at least 15 minutes, turn the engine off, and perform an oil
and filter change. Allow the oil to drain for at least 15 minutes to remove all oil and condensation / water from the
crankcase. Advise the customer to change their oil right before winter starts in order to prepare for the colder
weather and to start changing it more frequently during the winter months.
4. Test the battery and replace it if it fails the test or if marginal test results are obtained. A weak battery may affect
throttle plate operation when cold.
5. Check compression and cylinder leakdown as excessive blow by can contribute to moisture buildup in the
crankcase and PCV system. If compression/leakdown is found to be excessive, identify root cause and repair /
replace as needed.
6. Repair any oil leaks that were induced as a result of the frozen PCV system and excessive crankcase pressure.
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.