Gmt-900 5.3 Afm Oil Usage

smith462 · March 28, 2011

It has been said in several different forums about the use of or not use of oil in vehicles with AFM and the 5.3. I recently heard they are still investigating after changing out several components. I was wondering if anyone here has an idea what the problem may be. I know GM is working on this situation or at least I hope they are. I love my truck and only want to get it fixed so I can continue to enjoy. Lets hear it all again...only this time I would like to hear what the mechanics think and their fix.

tightline07 · May 5, 2011

I've got an 07' 5.3 with AFM and they just put new lifters and valve cover on the drivers side... It actually seems to have fixed my problem since i was goin through about a qt. every 1200-1500 miles.

ruggedlife · May 7, 2011

i have no problems whatsoever... 09 with AFM and i check it often

mattymax · May 10, 2011

Seems like its a hit or miss problem, in my mind its more a miss issue to be honest. If you keep up with the maint. on the vehicle, you shouldnt have problems. Im sure the oil grade and quality may have a big bearing of guys having problems

And also some peoples problems with this AFM issue might get worse and worse cause some guys arent adding oil till they see the "idiot light", SOME guys...

-matt

AzDragonLord · May 10, 2011

i have no problems whatsoever... 09 with AFM and i check it often

Same with me.

tightline07 · May 24, 2011

And also some peoples problems with this AFM issue might get worse and worse cause some guys arent adding oil till they see the "idiot light", SOME guys...

I thought they had mine fixed but i got the "idiot light" again last week. 2 qts low again.

I try to keep a check on my oil but when it happens every couple of weeks thats a little excessive in my opinion. The problem im seeing is that i can check it one day and 3 days later im 2 qts low. Its really random. Mine goes back to the dealer on monday to have another bulletin done on it. I change my oil every 3-4k.I dont go by the display %. Its getting old though. You shouldnt have to add oil in between oil changes in these trucks.

Z45 · May 24, 2011

Oils burning problems are the result of using inferior oil.

AFM is extremely hard on oil, the shutting down / starting up of cylinders creates uneven temps in the cylinders and low volatility oils break down and leave deposits on the rings causing poor sealing and oil consumption. Thus the reason for dexos1 synthetic oil blends (at minimum) being the only suitable oil for 2011 GM vehicles. Also, many of the import brands are now saying ONLY synthetic oil can be used in their engines. I recently got a call from the local GM dealer service dept saying they just took a 2010 Toyota truck on trade and in servicing it they discovered it could only have 5W-20 or 0W-20 synthetic oil to maintain warranty.

Ps - Not all synthetic oil is created equally...

05GMCZ71 · May 24, 2011

Why not? Every auto maker out there indicates that oil consumption is normal (usually up to 1qt) between 3000 miles or so. Now what you are going thru is quite excessive!

And also some peoples problems with this AFM issue might get worse and worse cause some guys arent adding oil till they see the "idiot light", SOME guys...

I thought they had mine fixed but i got the "idiot light" again last week. 2 qts low again.

I try to keep a check on my oil but when it happens every couple of weeks thats a little excessive in my opinion. The problem im seeing is that i can check it one day and 3 days later im 2 qts low. Its really random. Mine goes back to the dealer on monday to have another bulletin done on it. I change my oil every 3-4k.I dont go by the display %. Its getting old though. You shouldnt have to add oil in between oil changes in these trucks.