On the Line Lube Service Challenges New Technology Requires New Level of Service

n the past, most powertrains were forgiving when it Ester (Synthetic) oil for the came to lubricants, oil viscosities, and engine depos- mentioned applications, and its. Many lube shops consolidated and took the ap- the oil life monitor is based proach that one oil viscosity was suitable for all applica- on synthetic oil. Many lube By Larry Hammer I Technical Services tions. Taking this approach on one of the newer engine shops have paid claims for designs, such as those equipped with Active Fuel Man- the described symptoms, un- agement (AFM), can result in some major and costly en- aware that Nissan has a factory service bulletin for this gine repairs. condition. It can happen with any oil change, even at the Often, we encounter factory induced problems that dealership. we inherit from the vehicle manufacturer. Imagine per- Oil Life Monitor Update forming a lube service and having the customer return While it is common knowledge that many vehicle complaining of poor engine performance and driveabil- manufacturers have extended their recommended lube ity issues, plus an illuminated Check Engine lamp with and filter service intervals, were you aware that some multiple trouble codes stored in memory. It can happen, have had to modify those service recommendations? GM and if you are not familiar with the application and symp- recently introduced a software update for the oil life toms, it could result in your shop being held monitor system on 2010–2011 Buick LaCrosse, liable for some expensive repairs that 2011–2012 Buick Regal, 2010–2011 Chevro- were not of your making. The dealer let Equinox, and 2010–2012 GMC Terrain may blame the non OE parts and equipped with the 2.4L engine (LAF, LEA). the independent repair facility for The software update will enhance the way the condition and convince the the engine oil is monitored, and in most customer that you are liable for cases result in more frequent oil change rec- the repairs. ommendations. The purpose of this service Many of the vehicle manufactur- update is to address premature wear on the ers are recommending extended timing chain/balance shaft chain and other service intervals. In some cases, the internal engine components that have en- extended service intervals are having countered high warranty claims. unintended consequences, result- Variable Valve Timing ing in some major expensive repairs. AFTER THE NEAR-DESTRUCTION OF THE Read on to determine how one ve- VEHICLE, LYLE HAS A SUDDEN INTEREST IN Variable Valve Timing (VVT) tech- OIL VISCOSITY AND FACTORY BULLETINS. hicle manufacturer has addressed this nology provides a wide range of camshaft concern and other issues that could cause profiles engineered into one camshaft design, and any lube shop much grief, if not informed. is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Oil Change Illuminates Check Engine Light The valve timing is modified via electronic solenoids, magnetic and hydraulic controlled systems. Imagine performing a lube service on a 2009–2012 Contamination has been a major problem, creating Nissan Maxima and the customer returning with an il- failures with the VVT system. Deposit formations and luminated Check Engine Light, plus a hesitation on accel- engine sludge restrict the flow of lubricant through the eration at speeds below 15 MPH. The diagnostic memory oil galleries and solenoids, which affects proper camshaft reflects codes P0014 and P0024, which is an indication of timing. Failure to adhere to proper lube service intervals a problem with the Exhaust Valve Timing (EVT) control and the recommended oil viscosity has been the major with Banks 1 and 2. cause of system failures. This comes at a time when many The condition occurs after the oil has been drained and vehicle manufacturers are promoting extended service the absence of oil pressure on start-up following the oil intervals. change. Nissan recommends replacing the Exhaust Valve For a more complete description of the concerns illus- Control Magnet Retarder on both the left and right cyl- trated here, view Tech Tip #167 “FAST LUBE SERVICE… inder banks. This is a major repair requiring an Exhaust New Technology Poses New Challenges…Are You Pre- Valve Timing Control Learning Procedure to be per- pared?” Remember—a $29.95 oil change is cheap insur- formed following the repair. Nissan recommends 5W-30 ance when compared to a $6,000 engine replacement. www.mightyautoparts.com