2011 Silverado, POOR mileage, surging, no check engine light
2001 silverado ext cab 4x2 4.8L 1400 miles purchased new 45 days ago.
Round trip, Ocala florida to Orlando area. tripometer- 235 miles used a full tank (26 gallons +)
I had the truck to the dealer twice so far in reguards to mileage and the way it runs ** crusing, accelerate slightly, slight enough that it does not down shift and is bucks, like a miss under load, also noticed this condition when in a parking lot, slow holding steady low speed, it feels like your applying light pressure to brakes and letting off (repeating). And other possible related condition, slowing to a stop, close to stopping the truck surges like accelerator is tapped. Sometimes applying slight brake others just letting off to coast toward light. This has happened 4 to 5 times since bought. **AND YES I AM SURE I WASN'T TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL**
No check engine light, dealer states it was scanned with no codes present. I noticed these things in the first week of ownership. The service advisor told me there was probbably some water in the fuel, and that I need to find a new place to fuel up ***this was the complementary tank of fuel at purchase*** and I have fueled at 8 different places since and no changes.
I had been purchasing F-150's since the 80's. Fords do not get exactly what the MPG estimates state, but I still get 19 highway, and 14 city with my wifes 04 supercrew (4.6L) with a drive by wire configuration like my Silverado.
I love the way my Silverado looks better that the new Fords, but I'm wondering if I should have stayed with what I know.
I feel as if I have purchased a sick, hungry St. Bernard
Round trip, Ocala florida to Orlando area. tripometer- 235 miles used a full tank (26 gallons +)
I had the truck to the dealer twice so far in reguards to mileage and the way it runs ** crusing, accelerate slightly, slight enough that it does not down shift and is bucks, like a miss under load, also noticed this condition when in a parking lot, slow holding steady low speed, it feels like your applying light pressure to brakes and letting off (repeating). And other possible related condition, slowing to a stop, close to stopping the truck surges like accelerator is tapped. Sometimes applying slight brake others just letting off to coast toward light. This has happened 4 to 5 times since bought. **AND YES I AM SURE I WASN'T TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL**
No check engine light, dealer states it was scanned with no codes present. I noticed these things in the first week of ownership. The service advisor told me there was probbably some water in the fuel, and that I need to find a new place to fuel up ***this was the complementary tank of fuel at purchase*** and I have fueled at 8 different places since and no changes.
I had been purchasing F-150's since the 80's. Fords do not get exactly what the MPG estimates state, but I still get 19 highway, and 14 city with my wifes 04 supercrew (4.6L) with a drive by wire configuration like my Silverado.
I love the way my Silverado looks better that the new Fords, but I'm wondering if I should have stayed with what I know.
I feel as if I have purchased a sick, hungry St. Bernard
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Apparently, some owners don't realize that their poor gas mileage, at normal highway speed (around 70 MPH) is because the AFM system is not working as advertised by GM and their sales people. If you are not getting the gas mileage you expected, that's probably the reason. The hidden surprise is, THERE IS NO FIX, according to the GM engineer who looked at my problem. When you test drive one of these, be sure and check to see if it's working properly. Apparently some do, and some do not. And most of the sales people don't really understand how and when it works. They will tell you anything to get you to buy it. BE CAREFUL and verify what you are told. Talk to the mechanics, if you can.
You are correct about the sales people. I was talked into the 5.3 liter 6 speed. I was told the 5.3 gets better mileage than 4.8 liter due to the AFM.
I would have never considered the 5.3 had I known how uncomfortable the ride was. To add insult to injury, friends with 4.8s get the same or better mileage than I do.
I read what the engineer told you regarding the AFM at 70mph. Did he comment on the surging? My truck "surges", lags, growls and sometimes bangs when moving from 4 to 8 cylinders.
I was not given the privilege of talking to the engineer. Just a report from the dealer service manager. I have seen other posts on here about your same problem, though.
Good Luck
Does sound like I should be glad I got the 4.8 vs 5.3
I’m sorry to hear about the accident you were involved in, but glad that you’re okay. Can we please learn more? Email us your name/username, contact information, and the last 8 digits of your VIN.
Thanks in advance,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
Any help for one and all sharing this concern would be appreciated.
I apologize for not responding to your post directly – we are more than happy to follow up with your dealership with this surging concern that you’ve experienced with your Silverado. I am glad that you remain safe after the scenario you described in your most recent post!
Please email us with your name/username, contact info, last 8 digits of your VIN, and involved dealership.
Best,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
I also found that the caliper on the left font was 60 degrees hotter than the right front after only 3 miles of driving. reported to the dealer and they checked and verified this was so, after tech services call stated that until it is 300 degrees or more, not a concern.
I also being a multi time GMC truck buyer am very displeased with this model and regret the purchase.
Those lucky guys have the old-fashioned, proven 4 speed, that doesn't clunk bang slip growl and lag like the clumsy new 5.3 liter six speed with active fuel management AFM !
In fact, this brand new truck with all kinds of computer controls, that according to General Motors, I should be marveled by, GETS VERY SIMILAR MILEAGE TO THE 2004 F-150 WITH 115,000 MILES ON IT THAT I SOLD SO I COULD BUY THIS RATTLE TRAP.
since my first post back in sept things have all gone downhiill. my truck spent 7 weeks in the shop getting fixed. when i got it back i continued to have the transmission problems and the brake system has failed me 3 times!!! thank god no accidents. and after a week and a half gm says the truck is fine. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE if you are thinking about buying a gm truck DONT!!! These trucks are not safe and gm does not stand behind them at all.I have no other option but to get a lawyer and fight.
I have had WAY less than desireable experiences with my Chevy deealers service Dept. since buying this truck. I feel like this may be the normal, and wow I bought an extended warranty. I sure hope I don't need to used it. I would much rather waste my money that way, than need it and be facing this kind of service.
Thank God I have not had any more surges, but it is still sputtering, and once again the pulsation in the brakes is comming back (3200 miles) and I am noticing a lower speed wobble (tire or rim problem) I'm wondering what will be the response I get this time?
Remeber what I said about the love of the bowtie? Think if I can do this, (check you links below)"> I might know what I'm talking about when I say "THERES SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY NEW TRUCK!"
">https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=1031619467511&set=a.1031618627490.550- - 2.1136120156&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=1031619547513&set=a.1031618627490.550- 2.1136120156&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1182024867552.28609.1136120156&type=1#- !/photo.php?fbid=1182030547694&set=a.1182024867552.28609.1136120156&type=3&theat- er
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Thank you for your patience,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
If you have sent an email to us and have not heard back, there was some miscommunication between myself and another member of our department (as I am not the only person handling the emails coming in from Edmunds). This glitch has been resolved, but some messages may have been lost in that transition. I apologize for the length of the delay, as I do realize that we rely so heavily upon our vehicles for our day to day lives and that vehicle concerns can have huge ramifications.
I would like to invite you to please re-send your email if you have not heard back from us, and extend my sincere and humble apologies for the delay.
Sarah
GM Customer Service
If the dealer can't find a trouble code, then you just think there is a problem when there really is not a problem, in their opinion. The trouble code gives them a justifiable way to keep from spending time troubleshooting the problem. I really don't think they know how to do it otherwise. Good luck with ALL the GM service assistants. They are really just pacifying you and trying to make you feel like they are trying to help with YOUR problem. When all is said and done, all they do is call the dealer where you had your truck looked at, and report back to you that the dealer was right. My problem was with the Active Fuel Management system not working at normal highway speed. It shows on the DIC gauge that it is not working, but they insist that it is working normally. If I don't want to void my warranty, i'm stuck with waiting until it expires before I can have an after market computer program installed to correct the problem. My 2011 Silverado now has 4600 miles. 93,400 miles to go at 16 MPG on level highway..
How fast are you going?
How fast are you going?
Between 60 & 70 mph - actually, slower than normal open highway speed. On level ground, not pulling or hauling, plenty air in tires and not windy. Seems like thay wouldn't build them with those restrictions? Well, its only money.... lots of it!
I think so too! But GM tells me it is working normal, dispite what other drivers and the specs say.
It will work for short distances at around 62-63 MPH, but under those same ideal conditions and I don't have the air conditioner on. With the air on, it quits working around 58 - 60 MPH. I'm hoping it will get better, but it seems like it should be broke in by now with 4,600 miles.
I sat in the service drive with the writer and demonstrated all items on my list at the time of drop off, made a detailed list and gave it to the writer (just to help) I was told a week earlier that a loaner would be waiting for me at drop off. Well nope I couldn't get one unless they were sure it would be there over night. Ok could have told me this a week earlier and I would be fine with it. I asked to please notify me asap if they had to keep the truck so I could get a way to the dealer after work (5pm quitting time) no calls no nothing, I called and was told "oh yeah ummmm we will not be done today (5:05 pm) come and get your loaner" Hmmmm how am I to get there?
When I went in to pick up the next day, I asked if I got a copy of the work order (what they found, what was done ect.) No it will be mailed to me. I got in my truck to leave, Now my radio does not play out of lt speakers, went back and asked whats up with that? I was told that there was no prob found with radio.
The brakes still pulsated, radio didnt work, dash wasn't repaired, Oh yeah Did I mention that I an ASE certified and I-CAR certified? I have been not only a heavy collision repair tech. but I am also an A/C, Suspension & brake, Electrical specialist. I now am a service writter / estimator at a large Independant body shop, Oh by the waythe dash part WAS a seperate part, I pointed this out to the writer and he ordered the part, I called to check on the part (is it in yet?) after 2 weeks I was told the part was not in yet 8/11/11, I called parts dept for work related orders and I was asked if I was ever going to have part installed because if not they would have to send it back (only able to keep warranty part for so long)
Theres FAR more than these issues, I could go on and on. But this final note..... After 4 weeks of this I HAND DELIVERED my reply to the "Are you satisfied with our service letter" explaining why My answer would be no, Which includes all the above and the derogitory comments the writer had made when he didn't know I was behind him, to the Service director (9 pages) I still have not gotten so much as a BITE ME from anyone. Why? the Directors son, Is the service writer. I'm getting mad all over again!
Yes Sarah I will resend my info to you when I return to work on 12/19. but as you will see in the letter I sent (the reply to your first reply) I am not so sure I want to deal with the same dealership.
Thank You
Dennis L Steinhart
Remember these things weigh 5,000 pounds and are shaped like a refrigerator, not the best for mpg.
We are all aware that your truck is an exception and having issues. Thank you for once again reminding us of the terrible mpg you are getting with your truck. Your truck is an exception of not hitting the "high teens" on the highway.
Shack - these trucks are great values right now and there are deals to be had.
Good luck!
We are all aware that your truck is an exception and having issues. Thank you for once again reminding us of the terrible mpg you are getting with your truck. Your truck is an exception of not hitting the "high teens" on the highway.
Chuck
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I'm glad to see that you and the other regulars here have been throughly saturated with my complaints about my poor gas mileage and "Active Fuel Management" problems that can't be corrected. I guess most people do feel like, problems are not really problems, as long as they are not their problems.
But i'm really wanting to let the new readers know how GM takes care of their customers when there is a problem they can't identify.
According to GM, my gas & AFM troubles are not issues. They say it's operating normal if there is no trouble code (no matter what). You bought it! get use to it! sell it, if you can...leave us alone!
String
Ok, it is a help to be reminded. My cousin and his brother both big wheels in GM but gave me no help with my 04 Saturn issue neither can they help me find a job. They have no time for the little people. I still am going to buy American. They don't help me with any discounts either. I know of a certain person with a Yukon Suburban 374,000 miles and still running strong so that says a lot. I am seriously considering the Silverado with the 5.3 or 5.8 and I know that I will never return to the dealer except to trade it in after 20 years. I lke to read of all these issues and put it all together, I don't care for big advertisements but would rather sit in the complaint dept and take notes. Thanks for your venting and give me more.
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Shack4tom,
Sorry, I can't give you any first hand advice on the 5.3 engines, other than what I've read. My opinion (guess) is that you should get 250 - 300,000 miles out of it. If the one you buy has a properly operating " Active Fuel Management " system, you probably wil get good service out of the truck. If you won't be pulling anything with it though, you might want to check on one with the 3.08 rear end. It might get you a little better gas mileage. These trucks pull strong and seem to be built solid. I would be very satisified with mine if the Active Fuel Management system would work properly. Because of that, I only get about 16 MPH on the road, and they tell me it can't be fixed. Others posting on this site say they get close to 20 MPG. Good luck!
String
The truck DOES NOT REV much higher in 5th than 6th. I keep mine in 5th in city driving. NO reason to have the truck shift to V4 for a very short distance. In addition, the trucks transmission needs to "learn" your driving style.
The truck does not have the smoothest transmission on the market, but you have a 100,000 mile power train warranty should the transmission go out.
The Toyota has bed bounce, the Dodge Hemi sucks gas, and there has been a few blown turbos on the Ford Eco boost. Take your pick which one you should have bought.
I'm glad to see i'm not the only one with this problem. Maybe if more people with "Active fuel Management" problems would post their problems on this site, GM might actually start believing their really is a problem! Mine has over 5000 miles and it's not any better at all.
Thanks for your input.
String
All the best,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
String the AFM isn't working IN YOUR TRUCK. It's working in the other half million units on the road. My truck included. I can consistently get 20mpg at 70ish with the AFM activated on the highway.
There are many, many GM truck owners who have never visited any website. There are at least 14 reported posts on this website that say they are also having problems, not to mention complaints on other websites or those that didn't post their complaints at all. I know how they are supposed to work (like yours). All these trucks should get that kind of gas mileage. However, I think you have to agree, these complaints should represent a considerable number of problem GM trucks on on the road.
You have helped to make the point for me and the other problem GM truck owners though. As you have just acknowledged, yours is operating normal!
GM tells me mine is working normal at 16 MPG on flat highway @ 65 70 MPH without the AFM working at all. AND, they won't try to fix it.
By the way Chuck, does your truck have 6 speed transmission or 4 speed automatic trans.
The "clunky" six speed. (Yea, mine clunks too!)
Fast forward to 14k miles. Im down to 13.3 MPG, clunking all the time, and its surging like Im being rear ended. This truck does not like to coast at all, resuming any acceleration causes it to hesitate.
Service department says that they see what my complaint is, but cant fix anything because corporate says its working as designed and wont let them do anything. This "anomale" only happens to be on the 2011 1500 AFM product line. Thing is, they say the delay they put in the accelerator is normal, and its to save all the torque from being dumped on the transmission. Obviously with it the hesitation getting worse, the torque placed on the trans (the clunking), the worse the trans gets.. how is this delay or hesitation helping my transmission again GM ???? 46,000 dollar Mistake is all I keep saying to myself, should have kept the 2006 Ford that got a consistant 15 MPG towing or solo. This is the Last GM product I will ever buy with this kind of lack of integrity from Corporate. Obviously reading here, there are alot of other people that are having the same exact issue with their trucks ...... if anyone is watching, I would love to know what gear ratio the trucks with this issue are equipped with.... Mine has the 3.42's ???????????
The alternator has a energy saving feature that turns it down when the system is not needed.
Of course its normal, Im well aware of the alternator doing this, we have a 2007 and 2008 3500 Duramax, 2010 1500 LTZ, 2011 1500 LTZ ( this one ) and a 2012 1500 LT, so Im well aware of the issues of these trucks, Im saying that my PCM has probably more issues since this voltage drop, and trust me as much as that needle drops, it also pegs max out to the top of the line they drew so that they dont have to explain this "feature" , they can point and say "NORMAL" just like everything else is "normal"
GM tends to take a great idea and over complicate it. What possible mileage gain can be seen thru turning off an alternator ??? That same gain gets lost when it has to work twice as hard to pump up a weakened battery. Also, my power inverter HATES this voltage drop and will not power up my laptop on trips as the voltage is too low, as it sees that as a battery drain .. Dealer says ... so what, its not our power convertor and wasnt sold as a chevy option......
As a computer technician, I can tell you how many PC power supplies in both desktop and laptop computers I replaced due to faulty power supplies. Problems disappeared once the computer got "clean" stable power. Computers that are underpowered get unpredictable, and you cant tell me an automotive PCM is not the same as a regular computer, its more of a specific task oriented device... but they are pretty much the same animal running on the same 12V DC platform.
What amazes me is, Our $46k cars are not our own anymore, the corporation still owns them and will tell you how they are supposed to run and deny any claim if they can pin it on something else....... In this case, the delay they say should be there is .006 sec upon stepping back on the throttle, and Im saying its a full 3.0 seconds, thats a HUGE difference, one that can be felt most of all about 20- 35 MPH ( school zones, traffic conditions, curvy roads ) and YES, the dealer READ verbatim the blurb from GM about the .006 second delay ...... his response was to stop "tromping" on the gas pedal, well you cant tromp on the pedal in bumper to bumper traffic !!!!!!!!!!!
OH !!!!!!!! yes, I was also told the heavy soot on the tailpipe was caused by a non GM chrome tip on the exhaust, to my reply of - its part of the Z71 chrome package shipped out from the factory with it on.... stopped him dead in his tracks on that, but he said he would check for a "bulletin"
The 600$ programmer that will fix the issues, I should not have to spend, as well as violating my warranty. Not for a sticker price on THIS truck of over $46k. To be by the service department and the mechanic that GM has built these hesitations into the sub routine in the computer to "save" the transmission, and the EPA wont allow them to fix it is utter bull ****. Why is my GM vehicle running worse than the first 7500 miles ??
I would appreciate only useful comments on the issue, what or who fixes the problem permanently. At this point, my brother is right, find a decent older truck, and dump 46k into repairs and upgrades and have a real vehicle.
If you're not already working with Customer Assistance and wanted for us to check into this further with you and your dealership, please email us at socialmedia@gm.com (include your name and contact information, a summary of the situation, the last 8 digits of your VIN and mileage, and the name of your dealership).
Sarah, GM Customer Service
1) You can see if others are having the same issues.
2) You can see if they have been able to have them fixed.
It will lessen your frustrations.
I already know the answers to these questions.