Good evening Ladies and Gents,
The Hummer H3 2008 (3.7ltr) , is having issues.

It all started about a year ago, I just finished filling up at a station in Yuma between San Diego and Phoenix. I get back on the road and low and behold; 30 miles in I get the P0014 code.

I check oil: low oil. Check radiator: low coolant with the classic weeping/crack at the spout. I rectify this at the nearest auto store and get back on the road after clearing the code.
30 miles later, code comes back.

When I returned to San Diego the same series happened again; after stopping for gas in Yuma I got the P0014 code 30-40 miles later.

Back in San Diego I changed out the VVT valve OEM, new radiator OEM, and new thermostat OEM (completed in May 2023).

On my next road trip; no isses, no code, also I realized that the thermostat was running on the half point on the temperature gauge. This was unique; since I have owned the truck the temp always ran just under the 3/4 mark, I figured that I was just running with a busted thermostat.

I completed a cross country drive last month. No code. No engine problems. No temp issues.

Two weeks ago my water pump starts leaking. Weird; this was changed 2 years ago. I swap it out, system runs with no issues.

Yesterday, I drove from NJ to VA; its a hot day, temps between 92-97 degrees. I make my halfway stop to fill up. 40 miles back on the road; boom P0014 code.I also notice that the temp is running hot again; just under the 3/4th mark.

I cleared it this morning, and then on my way back from work (20min drive) the code lit up again.

So whats the move here?
Is my 6 month old thermostat that had no issues crossing the country go bust??
Is there something internal in the engine what is messed up? My ride is fine, no performance issues.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

Bulletin No.: PIP3694F

 

Ok. So what would be the fix?

I replaced the VVT/solenoid part a few months ago.

 

Did you read the bulletin posted above? Bulletin No.: PIP3694F

 

Yeah, but............ have you inspected the screens on your new CMP for crud?. Review the connection and harness to it. Clean the connector with CRC Electronics cleaner. That is what the code and SB are pointing at.

 

Also check condition of the oil:

 

I pulled out the VVT and there it was. Metal shavings on the second screen. I cleared it out the best I could, reinstalled and changed the oil. Code has been gone for the last few weeks. Thanks for the help!
I did notice that I now have a slow coolant leak (no visible puddles or drips). Coolant reservoir drops about a centimeter after an hour of driving. Oh boy. Does it ever end...

 

NO it doesn't lol!
Clean the VVT every so often and get ready to replace some parts.

 

You could have a head gasket leak. Do you see white smoke from the exhaust? Are there any visible leaks now or does it seem to just eat the coolant?

Might be worth picking up one of these for piece of mind to rule it out.

 

A CM reduction in reservoir level after an hour is not a slow leak!