H3 L5-3.7L (2007)
Engine Oil: Technical Service Bulletins
Engine - Oil Consumption Guideline Information
INFORMATION
Bulletin No.: 01-06-01-011E
Date: December 18, 2008
Subject:
Information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines
Models:
1998-2009 GM Passenger Cars and Gasoline Powered Light Duty Trucks Under 8500 LB GVW (Including Saturn)
2003-2009 HUMMER H2
2006-2009 HUMMER H3
2005-2009 Saab 9-7X
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to update model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-06-01-011D (Section 06 - Engine/Propulsion
System).
All engines require oil to lubricate and protect the load bearing and internal moving parts from wear including cylinder walls, pistons and piston rings.
When a piston moves down its cylinder, a thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall. During the power stroke, part of this oil layer is consumed in the
combustion process. As a result, varying rates of oil consumption are accepted as normal in all engines.
Oil Consumption
The accepted rate of oil consumption for engines used in the vehicles referenced is 0.946 liter (1 qt) in 3200 km (2000 mi).
Important:
Certain models have a new GM Extended Warranty. Please refer to the appropriate Owner's Manual for warranty information.
This rate only applies to personal use vehicles, under warranty, that are driven in a non-aggressive manner and maintained in accordance with the
appropriate maintenance schedule, with less than 58,000 km (36,000 mi), or 80,450 km (50,000 mi) for Cadillac, driven at legal speeds in an unloaded
(for trucks) condition.
Important:
This rate does not apply to vehicles that are driven in an aggressive manner, at high RPM, high speeds, or in a loaded condition (for trucks). Oil
consumption for vehicles driven under these conditions will be more.
Many factors can affect a customer's concern with oil consumption. Driving habits and vehicle maintenance vary from owner to owner. Thoroughly
evaluate each case before deciding whether the vehicle in question has abnormal engine oil consumption.
Gasket and External Leaks
Inspect the oil pan and engine covers for leakage due to over-tightened, damaged, or out of place gaskets. Inspect oil lines and fittings for signs of
leakage.
Improper Reading of the Oil Level Indicator (Dipstick)
Verify that the dipstick tube is fully seated in the block. When checking the oil level, make sure the dipstick is wiped clean before taking an oil level
reading and fully depress the dipstick until the shoulder bottoms out on the dipstick tube. The dipstick should be the proper part number for the
engine/vehicle that is being checked.
Notice:
Operating your vehicle with an oil level that is below the minimum level indicated on the engine oil dipstick can result in severe engine damage.
Repairs resulting from operating an engine with insufficient oil are not covered under the terms of the New Vehicle Warranty.
Important:
Refer to Owner Manual in SI for checking and adding engine oil.
Not Waiting Long Enough After Running Engine to Check Oil Level
