dexos began as an effort for GM to control the oil change market because the Quick Lube Industry was eating into dealer service department profits big time. So they attempted to get other oem’s to develop standards as well and that would make it hard for Quick Lubes to compete because all the oems would be different. GM faced lot of industry push-back, mostly the quick-lube industry and they went to licenses. Still GM it making a ton of money (est'd 30-40 million in 2025) off the license structure as they charge a hefty fee to get oil tested then require a royalty on ALL gallons sold applicable to GM vehicles.
Those are parts changers. It can get expensive though. I was a mechanic for 30 yrs. My truck has made this noise since new. I really don`t know what it is. It really doesn`t bother me. I`m still in warranty but have not brought it to the dealer.
I`m not buying the oil pump prime thing. Screw the TSB. I believe it`s in the trans pump gears. They rattle when that piss poor ULV oil drains off after a while. I believe those sharp tooth gears, with backlash, can rattle when dry. Not a vane style oil pump. Wonder who`s right? Me, or the TSB?🤔
Maybe I`m wrong?
On the PCM side, blue PCM connector, pin 18, solid gray color (no stripe) wire circuit 435. That is the EGR low circuit which an issue on that line (be it the wiring, the PCM or the EGR valve or system performance) will trigger P0401 when it tests that code.
There is also a VERY old TSB that states to make sure you clear the DTCs ANY time the PCM is unplugged, reprogrammed, or if the EGR valve is unplugged or replaced as the PCM has an auto zero function in the PCM for the EGR pintle data
61-65-59: SMU - SECTION 6E - ENGINE CONTROLS - CLEAR DTC'S - (Nov 25, 1996)
"CLEAR ANY DTCS FROM THE VCM ANYTIME AFTER DOING VCM REPLACEMENT/ PROGRAMMING, TURNING THE IGNITION ON WHILE THE EGR VALVE IS DISCONNECTED, OR REPLACING THE EGR VALVE."
Some diagnostic aid notes in the GM diag on P0401 for a 1995 S10 Blazer:
Diagnostic Aids
Notice: In order to prevent further damage if the EGR valve shows signs of excessive heat, check the exhaust system for blockage (possibly a plugged converter) using the procedure found on the restricted exhaust system check. If the exhaust system is restricted, repair the cause; one of which might be an injector which is open due to one of the following reasons:
Stuck
Grounded driver circuit
Check the oil for possible fuel contamination if a stuck open fuel injector is found.
Poor connection or damaged harness - Inspect VCM harness connectors for the following conditions:
Backed out terminal BL 18
Improper mating
Broken locks
Improperly formed or damaged terminal
Poor terminal to wire connection
Damaged harness
Intermittent test - If connections and harness check OK, monitor a digital voltmeter connected between terminal BL 18 and ground while moving related connectors and wiring harness. If the failure is induced, the voltage reading will change.
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