Sad to say I have to post this PSA. Apparently there is a widespread problem with the cylinder deactivation technology. My Tahoe just got the demon after 4000 miles. It wasn't pretty. From what I know of the problem there is an issue with the geometry of the rocker/push rod/lifter. I believe this causes the push rod to bend and the lifter goes south...not sure what happens first. Whether this is a manufacturing problem or design problem or both is unknown to me. Engines built before April 2021 are suspect. Mine was built in Nov 2020. My Tahoe which has been at the dealer for one week so far is having all lifters and push rods replaced and I understand there will be an extended warranty..on what I don't know yet. Parts seem to be in short supply. If you have an eye on a vehicle with a 5.3 or 6.2 V8 you might want to hold off. I'm guessing the C8 is OK. Feel free to add any info.
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Re: 2021 V8 5.3 and 6.2 Engine problems
Mark:
Thanks for the "heads up". My vehicle is a 2017 Silverado with the 5.3 engine. I have noticed that in the morning that the truck doesn't seem to run and shift just right until after warm-up. I notice the V4 and V8 lights changing on the dash display during this time.
Maybe the same issue......maybe something different. I have the 7 year GM no deductible extended warranty........so I have a few more years of protection if needed.
Larry -
Re: 2021 V8 5.3 and 6.2 Engine problems
Mark,
Sorry about your Tahoe's Cylinder Deactivation trouble. This is a well known problem with Chevrolet Cylinder Deactivation design. Most failures happened around 80,000 miles.
Recall that a certain VIN range in the 2020 C8's had lifter problems.
FWIW, Chevrolet has stopped installing the Cylinder Deactivation feature on current trucks due to the chip shortage.
Gary
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NCRS Texas Chapter
https://www.ncrstexas.org/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565408483631Comment
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Re: 2021 V8 5.3 and 6.2 Engine problems
The plug-in that turns off the cylinder deactivation is well worth it on any C7 as well as truck.Vice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
71 "deer modified" coupe
72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
2008 coupe
Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.Comment
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Re: 2021 V8 5.3 and 6.2 Engine problems
What I have seen with the 5.3 engine is the high pressure fuel pump seal wear (it’s a mechanical pump driven off camshaft)which then in return fills the crank case with raw fuel, this will cause the lifters to fail. Needless to say it’s quite a job. To repair, About 15.0 hrs. And the tele tell signs are service engine light running rough. The 8 tom4 engines have had lifter issues. Make sure you do your due diligence when it comes to oil and filter changes, give the engine a fighting chance. I would do oil and filter changes at about 5k.New England chapter member, 63 Convert. 327/340- Chapter/Regional/national Top Flight, 72 coupe- chapter and regional Top Flight.Comment
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Re: 2021 V8 5.3 and 6.2 Engine problems
Range Technologies sells the cylinder deactivation device. No tune is needed after installation. It works flawlessly in my C7.Comment
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Re: 2021 V8 5.3 and 6.2 Engine problems
When I test drove my 2019 Silverado LD (Dec. 2019 build), the dealer rode along with me. I told him I did not think I would be able to live with that DOD/AFM swapping between 4 and 8 cylinders. That's when he told me about the Range plug in device. His personal Suburban had suffered a major malfunction, requiring a complete rebuild (under warranty, of course). It is my understanding that when the cylinders are "deactivated", the lifters lose oil pressure and a spring keeps enough tension on the pushrod to keep valvetrain noise down. The valves are actually closed and the cylinders act somewhat like a pump. I put the Range on mine with less than 100 miles on it and have never removed it. I don't know if it affects mileage or not since I never checked without it. My truck is a 5.3 6 speed auto 4WD.Comment
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Re: 2021 V8 5.3 and 6.2 Engine problems
I listened to Chip and did the same on my 6.2 2018 SilveradoFounder - Carolinas Chapter NCRSComment
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Re: 2021 V8 5.3 and 6.2 Engine problems
Mark------
When the current cylinder deactivation system was introduced several years ago, I HIGHLY suspected it was going to be a very problematic system. Looks like my suspicions were right. At the time GM widely advertised that the new system was not to be confused with the old Cadillac "4-6-8" cylinder deactivation system as the new system would not fall victim to the same problems as the old. Looks like it did.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 2021 V8 5.3 and 6.2 Engine problems
Am interested to learn how the Range Technology AFM Disabler is a "preventive" to the lifter problems.
Gary
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NCRS Texas Chapter
https://www.ncrstexas.org/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565408483631Comment
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Re: 2021 V8 5.3 and 6.2 Engine problems
Plan to order one today for the 2017 Silverado. Is there any significance to the blue/red/green colors?? Looks like a personal choice, and nothing unique to function.
Thank you guys for bringing this to my (our) attention.
LarryComment
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Re: 2021 V8 5.3 and 6.2 Engine problems
Mark,
Sorry about your Tahoe's Cylinder Deactivation trouble. This is a well known problem with Chevrolet Cylinder Deactivation design. Most failures happened around 80,000 miles.
Recall that a certain VIN range in the 2020 C8's had lifter problems.
FWIW, Chevrolet has stopped installing the Cylinder Deactivation feature on current trucks due to the chip shortage.
Gary
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Thanks Gary. From what I've read online it looks like this is a new problem with recently delivered vehicles however certainly related to the overall cylinder deactivation design. I have not seen any reference to deleting the CD technology. I have seen a GM site that says the auto engine stop is not available now due to the chip shortage and the buyers are getting a credit.Comment
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Re: 2021 V8 5.3 and 6.2 Engine problems
My understanding is that there is no difference. I have also heard several times that it is best to order directly from Range in order to make you sure you get the latest version. There is also some chatter about the earlier versions having a tendency to drain the battery somewhat on cars that are not driven much, but I have never experienced that. It is also believed that it is best to remove the device prior to taking it to the dealer for service/warranty work, and that it should be removed for several driving cycles prior to emissions testing.Comment
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