One of the worst moments for a vehicle owner is when an unusual noise begins to emanate from the engine bay. Lately, on a select number of GM vehicles, including the GMC Sierra 1500, a whining noise may be heard coming from under the hood, concerning some vehicle owners. However, according to a GM service bulletin seen by GM Authority, this whine is considered part of the vehicle’s normal operation, at least as of this writing.
Affecting vehicles with the turbocharged 2.7L L3B I4 gasoline engine, the whining noise is present in the engine area and is most noticeable while coming off idle, in the range of 1000 RPM to 2500 RPM. A number of vehicles across GM’s North American lineup are affected by this condition, including:
- 2022 Cadillac CT4-V
- 2023 Cadillac CT4-V
- 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500
- 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500
- 2022 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2023 GMC Sierra 1500
It’s worth noting that transmission choice has no correlation to the whining noise.
Certified GM service technicians are instructed to use a stethoscope to determine if the whining noise can be isolated to the lower oil pan area or transmission bell housing area. If this is the case, then the whine is likely being generated by balance shaft gear-to-gear interactions. This noise will not cause any durability or reliability issues for the vehicle. A further investigation into the issue by GM Engineering is currently underway.
As a reminder, the L3B engine was first introduced with the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 and 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, eventually replacing the 4.3L LV3 V6 gasoline engine as the entry-level powertrain. Originally presented as a low-rpm, torque-rich engine, the L3B I4 produced an SAE-certified 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque at launch.
With the 2022 model-year refresh of the full-size pickups, the L3B I4 received several updates, increasing peak torque to 430 pound-feet. Currently, production of the L3B I4 gasoline engine takes place at the GM Spring Hill plant in Tennessee, USA.
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Comments
How many have heard the excuse ” oh, they all do that ” before ? So exceeding the limit of 2.4L in a 4 cyl. has been achieved by use of a balance shaft…interesting ! Could this be “turbo-whine” ? Are they using ball bearings in their turbos ? Had personal experience when replacing a worn-out turbo in a high mileage diesel engine with what I presumed was a better ball bearing turbo produced a very noticeable “whine”.
Coming off idle it probably is the turbo spooling up. If manufacturers are going to use turbos they’re going to need sound insulation to keep turbo sound out of the cabin. Everybody is too use to extreme quiet for listening to Bach.
Wish my 2500HD had a turbo whine. That would be sweet if GM put a turbo in the V8’s. But it would kill their cash cow diesels that everyone thinks they have to have. Oh, and a 10 speed transmission. Or just buy an F150 with a 2.7 or 3.5 EcoBoost. But I hate Ford.
I can tell you from personal experience that the whine is annoying. My brother in law just picked up a 2023 Silverado RST. He drove the 2.7 & 5.3 versions. He told the dealer that there is an issue with the 2.7 with a noise, basically did not have an answer. He bought the 5.3 version. Have a 2023 Z71 Colorado on order and am having second thoughts about it based on noise complaints. I just gave back my 2019 Silverado at the end of the lease and ordered the Colorado based on the total redesign. I commented a couple months ago about not being able to get a power sliding window in it, although I was able to order a sunroof (first year for that in the Colorado). In my opinion it should be an option to order it. Makes no sense for a manual window if you have to climb into the back seat to open it. I actually emailed the CEO of GM last week asking about it. No response yet. It’s available in the Silverado as well as a Toyota Tacoma. Kinda like having a hand crank on the sunroof. This is just my opinion, not necessarily the majority.
Haha, you actually think you emailed the CEO? And to ask about a rear slider on the Colorado, thanks for the laugh I really needed that. That’s cute though kid, why not just text her? I’m sure you have her personal cell too…
It’s a turbo. I’d be surprised if it didn’t have a whine sometimes.
I’m sure you’re correct. Maybe because it’s new there might be overreaction? On the build sheet for the Colorado there is ” Noise control enhancement, active noise cancellation (included with the Turbo Plus (L3B) and (L3B) 2.7L Turbo High-Output engines.) So it appears that GM figured it into the build. Once I get the truck, in probably 3-4 months I will comment on it in real world driving.
They said that SOME of them whine- how can they tell anyone it’s normal if not all of them whine. Also, 1000- 2500 rpm is 99% of the engine rpm for driving, passing and probably even idling. If it’s the turbo, why didn’t they insulate it like on the 3.0 diesel?
Well Mike if the turbo is wrapped in a thermal jacket it is gonna get really hot, nothing more to say about that it’s just common sense with a pinch of physics
Seriously?? Who buys a turbocharged vehicle but hates the sound of turbochargers? Need to give your man card back.
hahaha
I have a whooing sounds on my 2022 2500 HD Sierra, they said the same thing at the dealership: “It’s normal!” I cannot find anything online about it though. They say it comes from the Active Hydraulic Assist system RPO NV8 and no repair should be made. Can someone confirm for me?
So- what does this L3B engine weigh? I’d like to put it on an amateur-built airplane. If I can get 250+ horsepower and a turbo for altitude, it would be a very nice engine to have in an experimental airplane.