No service light on

Tiny
MYSIERRA16
  • MEMBER
  • 2016 GMC SIERRA
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 87,000 MILES
There is no service light on, but truck is not running well. New spark plugs, O2 sensor upper/lower, transmission fluid/filter change about 30 days ago. Can you help with possible solutions?
Friday, June 11th, 2021 AT 9:25 AM

18 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

I would be happy to help. Can you tell me a few of the symptoms? Also, although the check engine light isn't on doesn't mean there are no codes. Does the check engine light turn on when you first turn the key to the on position?

Let me know as much as you can so I can better understand the issues.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, June 11th, 2021 AT 10:29 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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These guides can help us see what's going on:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can see what's going on? that would be great. You can upload it here with your response.
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Saturday, June 12th, 2021 AT 6:31 PM
Tiny
MYSIERRA16
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Here is some data. The truck makes a popping sound, vibrate, and shakes while driving.

Engine Coolant Temperature(°C)168
Short Term Fuel Trim -Bank 1(%)0.8
Long Term Fuel Trim - Bank 1(%)-3.1
Short Term Fuel Trim -Bank 2(%)0.8
Long Term Fuel Trim - Bank 2(%)0.0
Fuel Rail Pressure(gauge)(kPa)45.7
Intake Manifold Absolute Pressure(kPa)4.6
Engine RPM(rpm) 561
Oxygen Sensor Output Voltage Bank 1-Sensor 1(V)0.075
Short Term Fuel Trim Bank 1-Sensor 1(%)0.8
Oxygen Sensor Output Voltage Bank 1-Sensor 2(V)0.770
Short Term Fuel Trim Bank 1-Sensor 2(%)N/A
Oxygen Sensor Output Voltage Bank 2-Sensor 1(V)0.760
Short Term Fuel Trim Bank 2-Sensor 1(%)0.8
Oxygen Sensor Output Voltage Bank 2-Sensor 2(V)0.770
Short Term Fuel Trim Bank 2-Sensor 2(%)99.2
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Sunday, June 13th, 2021 AT 7:50 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I read through the things you provided. The fuel pressure is lower than I would expect. Anything below 46 PSI is considered low. You indicated it as Kpa, if that is correct, that would mean the pressure is around 6 PSI, and the truck wouldn't run. Please confirm that you meant PSI.

Next, the coolant temp of 168 C is equal to 334 F. Please confirm that for me as well.

Thanks,

Joe
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Monday, June 14th, 2021 AT 7:31 PM
Tiny
MYSIERRA16
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Here are some number that I ran today at idle for about 15 minutes in my driveway after parked for about 1 hour 15 minutes. The truck does have a lack of power going up hills with some noise. I hope this helps.

Fuel system 1 statusCL
Fuel System 2 statusCL
Calculated Load Value(%)12.2
Engine Coolant Temperature(°F)181
Short Term Fuel Trim -Bank 1(%)1.6
Long Term Fuel Trim - Bank 1(%)-5.5
Short Term Fuel Trim -Bank 2(%)4.7
Long Term Fuel Trim - Bank 2(%)-3.9
Fuel Rail Pressure(gauge)(kPa)52.2
Intake Manifold Absolute Pressure(kPa)4.1
Engine RPM(rpm) 536
Vehicle Speed Sensor(km/h)0
Ignition Timing Advanece for #1 Cylinder(°)20.0
Intake Air Temperature(°F)125
Air Flow Rate from Mass Air Flow Sensor(g/s)0.01
Absolute Throttle Position(%)12.5
Location of Oxygen SensorsB1S12--B2S12--
Oxygen Sensor Output Voltage Bank 1-Sensor 1(V)0.730
Short Term Fuel Trim Bank 1-Sensor 1(%)1.6
Oxygen Sensor Output Voltage Bank 1-Sensor 2(V)0.700
Short Term Fuel Trim Bank 1-Sensor 2(%)N/A
Oxygen Sensor Output Voltage Bank 2-Sensor 1(V)0.800
Short Term Fuel Trim Bank 2-Sensor 1(%)4.7
Oxygen Sensor Output Voltage Bank 2-Sensor 2(V)0.700
Short Term Fuel Trim Bank 2-Sensor 2(%)99.2
OBD requirements to which vehicle is designedJOBD&OBDII
Fuel Rail Pressure(kPa)527.9
Commanded Evaporative Purge(%)17.6
Fuel Level Input(%)25.9
Evap System Vapor Pressure(Pa)-0.683
Barometric Pressure(kPa)14.5
Catalyst Temperature Bank 1, Sensor 1(°F)667
Catalyst Temperature Bank 2, Sensor 1(°F)631
Control module voltage(V)13.969
Absolute Load Value(%)14.1
Commanded Equivalence Ratio0.999
Relative Throttle Position(%)2.4
Ambient air temperature(°F)111
Absolute Throttle Position B(%)12.5
Accelerator Pedal Position D(%)20.0
Accelerator Pedal Position E(%)9.8
Commanded Throttle Actuator Control(%)3.1
Type of fuel currently being utilized by the vehicle GAS
Intake Air Temperature Bank 1, Sensor 1(°F)125
Intake Air Temperature Bank 1, Sensor 2(°F)140
Commanded Fuel Rail Pressure A(kPa)580.1
Fuel Rail Pressure A(kPa)630.9
Fuel Rail Pressure B(kPa)623.6
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Wednesday, June 16th, 2021 AT 7:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

What type of noise are you hearing? Is it a rattling? Can you tell approx where it's coming from? Also, the readings all look normal. There really isn't anything that stands out as bad.

Let me know.
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Wednesday, June 16th, 2021 AT 8:20 PM
Tiny
MYSIERRA16
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
The noise seems to be coming from under the truck more like a grinding running over bump noise. I had my transmission fluid and filter service in March. About a month later this is when the noise started. Could it be the torque converter? I have a 6l80e transmission. The fluid is red when I check and I even changed out all the fluid in drain pan twice. There is not service light or code and it's driving me crazy. I do have an appointment for the transmission at the dealer. Should I take it to the dealer or transmission shop? The truck only has 86,500 miles.
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Thursday, June 17th, 2021 AT 8:43 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Do me a favor. Take a rubber mallet and tap on the exhaust around the catalytic converter to see if you can hear a rattling.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Thursday, June 17th, 2021 AT 9:14 PM
Tiny
MYSIERRA16
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Hello,

I did the rubber mallet check and these are the results. I heard a vibration sound at the converter and kind of a rattling. I could not tell if it was the converter or sound in the torque converter area. I did hear a little rattling at the end of my exhaust. I checked all hinges and hardware and all was tight. I did a heat check with a infrared thermometer and the results were as follows:
Converter top was hotter than converter bottom.
Near the the header, the top was less than the bottom pointing at the pipe, not converter.
I did these numerous times to see if anything change, but all was near the same results.
Is the correct way top of converter and bottom?

Thank you.
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Saturday, June 19th, 2021 AT 10:25 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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If you suspect it was coming from the catalytic converter, remove the oxygen sensor before the catalytic converter and see if it runs better. If the insides are restricting air flow, this will give the engine a bit more release. It won't be perfect, but you should be able to tell a difference.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, June 19th, 2021 AT 8:20 PM
Tiny
MYSIERRA16
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Hello again,

I removed the upstream sensors and went on a short drive. I still heard the sound, but not as much. My truck did feel somewhat better, but not for sure considering the load noise from sensor openers. So, should I get new catalytic converters and see if the sound goes away completely? And is sound still exist, than get transmission service? Is it possible to have a problem without fault codes?

Thank you for the assistance and Happy Fathers' Day!
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Sunday, June 20th, 2021 AT 9:09 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

It is possible to have an issue without a code. If you noticed a slight change in how it ran with the o2 sensors removed but aren't sure, you may want to remove the converter itself.

Take a look through these two links:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

Let me know if the symptoms listed above in the link mirror what you experience. Also, if it is possible, record the sound so I can hear it.

And, thanks for the Father's day wishes. Same to you.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, June 20th, 2021 AT 7:50 PM
Tiny
MYSIERRA16
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Good morning,

I take my truck out on the road this morning and I do notice a difference with the upstream o2 sensors moved. The truck seems like it's not breathing well with some hesitation, vibration, and less power. Would these be a result of bad catalytic converters? What could cause them to go bad. I changed spark plugs, plug wires, and throttle body. I cleaned MAS, MAP, and air filter. The truck does have BBK shorty headers, MBRP cat-back exhaust, Airaid throttle body spacer, and cold air intake. I don't have a tune on the truck. Could these mods caused the converter to go bad without a tune? If I purchase converters, should I get the cat y-pipe or just cats? I appreciate the assistance.

Thank you.
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Monday, June 21st, 2021 AT 8:26 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

If you feel more power with the o2 sensor removed and it seems to be running better, I suspect there is an issue with the converters. To really confirm it, you can remove the catalytic converters. (Should sound good with the headers) LOL

As far as the tune, no that shouldn't cause this. Converters wear out. Often times they get damaged by an extremely rich fuel mixture or leaking injector. Raw fuel getting to them can create a big problem.

Am I understanding correctly? The vehicle is running better with the sensor out?

Joe
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Monday, June 21st, 2021 AT 10:14 PM
Tiny
MYSIERRA16
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Hello,

Yes, it does run better with them out verse in as you advised me to preform. You did say none of my truck numbers look out of place.

Thank you.
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 AT 9:17 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

As far as the readings from the scan tool, there really isn't anything that stands out with a red flag.

If it is running better, something is plugged. I suspect it is likely the converter. Let me know what you find or if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 AT 7:05 PM
Tiny
MYSIERRA16
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Hello,

I will be removing the converter this Saturday and test drive my truck. I will let you know the results and if anything I find wrong with the converters. I appreciate the assistance.

Thank you.
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Thursday, June 24th, 2021 AT 9:28 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

You are very welcome. I'm interested in knowing if that takes care of it. So, let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, June 24th, 2021 AT 8:17 PM

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