I recently purchased a 2011 Sierra SLE 1500 Ext Cab 4WD with the Vortec 5.3L V8.
On cold starts (~0 degF), the oil pressure gauge indicates 0 pressure and an OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP ENGINE message is displayed in the DIC. The engine oil pressure light is illuminated and is accompanied by an audible alarm. The oil pressure rises to normal(?) and the message and alarms disappear after from 10 to 15 seconds. I have checked the engine oil level and it is normal.
Is this normal or what could possibly be the problem?
It's under warranty, take it back. Here is a TSB concerning low oil pressure from 2007 to 2010 GM Vortec family engines.
PIP4158C: Low Oil Pressure Due To Seized Oil Pressure Relief Valve - (Dec 29, 2009)
Subject: Low Oil Pump Pressure due to Seized Oil Pressure Relief Valve
Models: 2008-2009 Buick Lacrosse, Allure (Canada Only)
2007-2010
Cadillac CTS-V, Escalade
2007-2010
Chevrolet Avalanche, Corvette, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe
2007-2008
Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
2007-2009
Chevrolet Impala SS, Trail Blazer
2009-2010
Chevrolet Colorado
2010
Chevrolet Camaro2007-2010 GMC Envoy, Sierra, Yukon
2009-2010 GMC Canyon
2008-2010 Hummer H2
2008-2010 H3 Alpha
2008
Pontiac Grand Prix GXP
2008-2010
Pontiac G8 GT
2007-2009 Saab 97x
with the Following Aluminum V8 Engine RPOs:
L76, L77, L92, L94, L99, L9H, LC9, LH6, LH8, LH9, LS2, LS3, LS4, LS7, LS9, LSA, LZ1
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition/Concern:
Some customers may complain of low oil pressure, no oil pressure, and/or engine noise, which may be the result of a sticking oil pump pressure relief valve. In some instances, this may occur intermittently if the valve frees up when the engine cools down.
Recommendation/Instructions:
If SI diagnosis isolates low mechanical oil pressure at the oil filter housing and oil pressure sensor, replace the oil pump, flush the oil cooler lines (if equipped), clean the inside of the oil pan, change the oil and filter, and re-evaluate the concern.
Notice: If an engine noise is noticed after replacing the oil pump, follow the SI diagnosis and repair the engine as necessary.
Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.
Good luck and keep us posted.
