DOD malfunction setting MIL....any ideas?

[KnightRiderSS]

Well, I'm 8 hours from home, 8 hours to get to Florida...stopped at a holiday Inn outside of Dalton, GA...MIL comes on...called Onstar....they say the displacement on demand is malfunctioning (solenoids) and I should bring it to a dealer in 1 days time...I am heading to a wedding and will be gone a week (heading home a week from today)...I am thinking the soonest I could have a dealer in Florida look at it is Monday...anyone have any ideas what it could be? Think this is going to be a major overhaul? I really need to drive 8 hours to make it to the rehearsal on time....

starting to become frustrated from all the MILs I have been getting lately...seems to be a new problem every time it comes on....

[KnightRiderSS]

"In 2004, the electronics side was improved greatly with the introductions of Electronic Throttle Control, electronically controlled transmissions, and transient engine and transmission controls. In addition, computing power was vastly increased. A solenoid control valve assembly integrated into the engine valley cover contains solenoid valves that provide a pressurized oil signal to specially designed hydraulic roller lifters provided by Eaton Corp. and Delphi. These lifters disable and re-enable exhaust and intake valve operation to deactivate and reactivate engine cylinders [1]. Unlike the first generation system, only half of the cylinders can be deactivated. It is notable that the second generation system uses engine oil to hydraulically modulate engine valve function. As a result, the system is dependent upon the quality of the oil in the engine. As anti-foaming agents in engine oil are depleted, air may become entrained or dissolve in the oil, delaying the timing of hydraulic control signals. Similarly engine oil viscosity and cleanliness is a factor. Use of the incorrect oil type, i.e. SAE 20W40 instead of SAE 5W20, or the failure to change engine oil at factory recommended intervals can also significantly impair system performance."

From wikipedia.....

the Onstar rep asked me when the last time the oil was changed (just a couple of weeks ago)...I used Mobil 1 5w-30 and changed it myself.....

[MMC]

Take it to a dealer and get a loaner rental from them, better safe then sorry. Put the miles on the loaner and get the SS back on the way home.

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

MMC's suggestion would probably be best. Get it to a dealer soon and see if you can get a rental. I would also suggest contacting our Customer Assistance team as soon as you can to let them know whats going on and to see if we can help in getting you a rental for your trip. Hopefully everything works out for you and if you'd like me to setup a case for you send me your contact information and I can get it for you before I leave today.

Jeff Morris, Chevrolet Customer Service

[The Stig]

Jeff's awesome. Just in case anyone was unaware of that fun fact.

[KnightRiderSS]

Originally Posted by stieger

Jeff's awesome. Just in case anyone was unaware of that fun fact.

+1, Thanks Jeff...second time you've offered to help me and I really appreciate it...I didn't end up checking it and drove the last 8 hrs to Florida...I got it to a dealer on Sat...turns out it was because I had 1 quart of excess oil from the last time I changed it (I didn't think a quart extra would be much but it turns out it can cause AFM/DOD to malfunction)...I didn't mean to put an extra quart in, it happened b/c I had a couple partially opened containers of oil and accidentally got too much in it...I didn't think at the time it would be a problem...so for anyone else....MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE EXACT AMOUNT OF OIL....