If you just took delivery of a new GM truck or sedan with the 2.7L Turbo engine (L3B or L2R) and already have a Check Engine Light with less than 5,000 miles on the odometer, you aren’t alone.

While a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on a brand-new vehicle is frustrating, General Motors has identified a specific mechanical issue affecting the camshaft system early in the vehicle’s life.

Here is the breakdown of Service Bulletin PIP5865L and what it means for your new engine.

Had this issue with your 2.7? Let us know in the community discussion thread for this article. 

Affected Vehicles and Engines

This issue spans the following lineup of vehicles using the 2.7L four-cylinder turbo engine (L3B or L2R) for the 2019-2026 model years:

  • Chevrolet Silverado 1500

  • GMC Sierra 1500

  • Chevrolet Colorado

  • GMC Canyon

  • Cadillac CT4-V

The Symptoms: DTC P30BF, P30C3, P30C7, or P30CB

The Check Engine Light is typically accompanied by one of several specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the camshaft profile. These codes often set as “Current” or “Failed in History” on vehicles with 5,000 miles or less.

The Cause: GM has determined that the potential cause is binding or sticking of the Intake or Exhaust camshaft sliding lobe packs.

Technical drawing showing the internal sliding camshaft lobe mechanism of the GM 2.7L Turbo (L3B) engine, illustrating where binding occurs in TSB PIP5865L.
This internal drawing illustrates the sliding lobe mechanism that allows the 2.7L engine to switch between high and low lift; “binding” here is what triggers the P30BF or P30C3 codes.

The Fix: From “Sleep Cycles” to Hardware

The service procedure for this issue is unique. Because the binding can sometimes be cleared without replacing parts, the bulletin instructs technicians to attempt a specific “reset” procedure first.

  1. The Sleep Cycle: Technicians are instructed to clear the codes and allow the vehicle to enter a “full sleep cycle” by waiting for the OnStar light to turn off and listening for relays to click.

  2. The 4,000 RPM Rev: If the MIL sets again upon moving, a secondary procedure involves clearing the codes again and performing a 15-second park rev to 4,000 RPM.

  3. Hardware Replacement: If the MIL resets after repeating the process up to four times, the dealer will move on to replacing the profile actuator solenoids. If codes return after that, the entire Intake or Exhaust Camshaft and Roller Followers may need to be replaced.

What To Tell Your Dealer

If your new 2.7L truck has a Check Engine Light, don’t just ask them to clear the code. Reference Service Bulletin PIP5865L. This ensures the technician follows the specific multi-step diagnostic process designed for this camshaft binding issue rather than just guessing at parts.