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A 2019 GMC Sierra owner is perplexed by a GMC dealer’s requirement for him to sign a release form to change the oil viscosity in his pickup.
The bizarre thing is the truck is a 2019 model year, it’s out of warranty, and the dealer said it is required for him to sign a document, or they can’t change his oil.
So, imagine taking your truck to the dealer for an oil change. Your truck’s oil life monitoring system indicates that you still have 50% of your oil life remaining.
However, you change your oil well before it’s time, so you head to the dealer.
You usually change your oil; you’ve been running 5W-30 oil, but because you are at a resort, and have nowhere to change it, you go to the nearest GMC Dealer.
When you ask the service advisor to use 5W-30 oil, he says they can do that, but you must sign a waiver, acknowledging your request, before they will do it.
You are surprised and shocked that you have to sign this document. However, you agree and then begin to wonder why the dealer did this.
Here’s what Nicholas McDonald said in a 2019 – 2025 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra Facebook post.
I am at the GMC dealership to have my oil changed. The oil life on my truck is at 50%. Although I typically use 0W-20 oil, I requested that the dealership switch to 5W-30 oil for this service.
Since my 2019 vehicle is no longer under warranty, I was required to sign a document acknowledging my request. I have consulted with multiple individuals who have experience with my truck’s 6.2 engine, and they have confirmed that 5W-30 oil is suitable.
I have also noticed an improvement in my vehicle’s performance, as it seems smoother and quieter. Furthermore, I have observed that many individuals in this group and others have successfully used 5W-30 oil.
Under normal circumstances, I would perform my oil changes. However, my current residence at a resort prohibits this activity. My previous oil change routine involved using a combination of Mobil 1 0W-20 oil and a WIX filter.
What’s Up With GMC Dealers?
All auto and truck manufacturers have recommendations for the best viscosity oil for their particular engine.
In general, it’s best to follow the oil viscosity recommendations provided in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. For many recent model-year GM 6.2-liter engines, the recommended oil is 0W-20.
However, due to a recent recall related to potential manufacturing defects in specific 2021-2024 model year 6.2-liter V8 L87 gasoline engines, GM has changed the recommended oil viscosity for those affected vehicles to 0W-40 oil if the engine passes inspection. This change is part of the recall remedy designed to enhance engine durability.
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For newer GMC trucks, if your vehicle is affected by this recall and passes inspection, the dealer will likely:
- Perform an oil change using the newly recommended 0W-40 oil.
- Replace the oil fill cap to reflect the new viscosity requirement.
- Provide an updated owner’s manual insert indicating the change.
- Extend the warranty coverage for the engine.
Important considerations:
- If your vehicle is affected by the recall and passes inspection, using the 0W-40 oil is now required and will not void your warranty. It is part of the official remedy.
- If your vehicle is not affected by the recall or if you choose to deviate from the recommended oil viscosity without being part of the recall, it could impact your warranty coverage.
- Consult your owner’s manual and/or a GM dealership to determine the appropriate oil viscosity for your specific vehicle and model year.
- While switching to a slightly different viscosity, like 5W-30, might not cause immediate catastrophic damage, following the manufacturer’s recommendations is crucial to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity, especially with the tighter tolerances in modern engines.
- If you have concerns or questions about the oil viscosity for your vehicle, it is recommended that you contact your local GM dealership for assistance.
Why Did This Dealer Require a Release Form?
Nicholas McDonald’s 2019 GMC Sierra was not part of this specific recall, and switching to a different oil viscosity, like 5W-30, was not recommended by GM.
Using an oil type different from that specified in your owner’s manual may impact your warranty coverage.
For a 2019 GMC Sierra with a 6.2-liter engine, the recommended oil viscosity is 0W-20. This is a full synthetic oil that meets the GM Dexos1 specification.
From what I found out, GM dealers are not required to obtain an owner’s signature on a release form if they request a viscosity other than the one recommended by the manufacturer.
However, this GM dealer was being proactive. If an owner experiences a problem with their 6.2-liter engine after the dealer performs an oil change service, the dealer would have protection. If the customer claims they used the wrong oil and tries to hold the dealer liable for any problems, the dealer would have recourse.
Nicholas noticed an improvement in his GMC Sierra’s performance, and says it seems smoother and quieter. He says other owners have switched to 5W-30 and report improved performance.
It’s important to note that 0W-20 oil is chosen for its ability to flow easily at low temperatures, which is beneficial for cold starts, while still providing adequate lubrication at higher operating temperatures, according to GM.
Conclusion:
While using 5W-30 oil might offer some advantages in hot weather and under specific driving conditions, especially for older or higher-mileage engines.
However, it’s essential to prioritize your vehicle’s manufacturer’s recommendations and be aware of the potential drawbacks associated with using an oil viscosity different from the specified one.
We Want To Hear From You
What viscosity oil are you running in your older GMC Sierra or Chevy Silverado pickup? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know. Your experiences and insights are valuable to our community of GM truck owners.
Check out my 2025 GMC Sierra story: I Bought a 2025 GMC Sierra and With Only 100 Miles I Had It Towed To the Dealer, The Engine Is Making A Horrible Death Rattle
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Nicholas McDonald
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Source: torquenews.com
