WARNING! GMC Chevy & Cadillac Escalade Engine Problems at only 53,000 Miles! - Flying Wheels 

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The world has gotten crazy paying $20K for a truck that needs an engine.

Delete that active fuel management every new GM car you get.

2000-2006 was GMs overall best gas truck lineup in my opinion. You had the perfect blend of reliability, power, fuel economy (relatively speaking), affordability, and style.

The issue with the 6-speed is mostly due to the transmission cooler thermostat that forces the transmission to operate at temps between 190 and 220F. This was done for EPA fuel economy as the transmission is slightly more fuel efficient when the fluid is hotter. The problem is that the friction material used on the torque converter clutch degrades much more rapidly at these very high temperatures, a problem made worse by the slipping that they program the TCC to allow. Anyone worried about the longevity of their 2014+ 6-speed should remove or disable the thermostat on the trans fluid line so that the transmission will operate at 140F instead of burning itself up. The vast majority of AFM failures are due to the fact that the average vehicle owner waits way too long to change their oil. You can buy the fanciest high-priced synthetic oil you want, none of them can magically remove combustion byproducts (including fine carbon soot commonly associated with direct injection engines) and unburned fuel from the crankcase. Oil filters are not designed to capture these contaminants either. The only way to keep these contaminants out is to change the engine oil more often. If you don't, these contaminants form sludge in the oil. These sludge formations can clog the tiny oil passages and screens in the AFM system, causing a lifter to malfunctions and get damaged as the system turns on and off. The engines with a bad AFM lifter are most commonly owned by people that make it a game to see just how long they can stretch out their oil changes, or people that short trip constantly, often in cold weather, which is the worst case scenario for oil sludge. Even fancy full synthetic engine oils will sludge up if you're only driving 5 minutes and shutting it back down in the middle of the winter. Guys that have had more than one AFM lifter fail are the unlucky ones that have an ignorant mechanic that doesn't read the service manual and didn't clean all the filters in the AFM system, so they replace the bad lifter, slap it back together, and another lifter eventually fails because sludge in the oil passages feeding the AFM system caused the system to malfunction yet again, or the VLOM had loosened and the mechanic didn't bother to make sure it was torqued down to spec, leading to loss of oil pressure.

Sued GM in 2019-2020 and forced them to eat $10k on my c7. Brand new c7 with 146 miles and it was dead for 3 months. Never bought another new GM.

I live in Texas and originally from Indiana. I have been here for ten years but still marvel at how clean and rust free vehicles are here.

CarWizard clearly said GM trucks became garbage when Active Fuel Management was introduced.

Cylinder deactivation was a failed technology for Cadillac in 1981. Back then the technology just did not work. But now it does and the result is early engine deaths no matter who does it, GM, Honda, Mazda, Mopar, Ford...

96-02ish Ford & Chevy trucks are about as good as it gets. Cheap parts & easy to fix when something breaks.

Hello Craig I enjoy your videos . I have a small used car lot in new mexico and it's nice to see someone who can relate to the struggles nobody talks about. But watching your videos reminds me I'm not the only one stressed out with the junk thats out ther. These videos help with my buisness. Much appreciated

Projection on the Cadillac cue system is Apple CarPlay or android auto. It only works when a phone is plugged in at first, it may be wireless 😊

I have a 2016 Cadillac Escalade Platinum currently at 132k miles only issues I had was the third-row seat motor went out. Drives like a champ!

I understand your exhaustion. I owned a heating oil company for 20 years and while it was financially rewarding, it was a killer in winter. A snow prediction would have a hundred customers looking for oil they did not need right away, emergencies at night, collecting could be tough, and then there were the rising and falling of oil prices. At least though, May, June and July brought a lull. You though, don't get a lull.

that's was a really great video, nice to see the whole process from beginning to completion and potential profit. very inspiring , loved the planning involved to get the finished product. one of your best edited videos , looking forward to more

My 06 gmc Sierra 5.3 has 287k with original engine and trans ..I do my oil changes every 3500 miles and my trans every 50k I’ve owned it since it had 45k miles it’s been the best truck I’ve owned..I’ve replaced brakes some sensors and practically the whole suspension but as far as engine parts none..I love it ..still runs like new the idle is smooth like butter..

The moment you realize your car dealership transformed into your car collection 😂 🤙 4:45

I actually didn’t know flying wheels had a RU-vid channel, I saw his ad for a 1995 V6 Camaro with 49,000 miles and I didn’t buy it, I’m 20 right now living in Rhode Island, and I hope that Camaro goes to a good home, some part of me wants it, but I just recently bought a 1994 Mitsubishi 3000gt with 62,000 miles, so I think everything worked out. Love from Rhode Island!

That's why I got rid of my yukon,gas pump and lifters failed in a 2 month period I fixed and sold it,I got an acura made by Honda,I'll never buy a gm product again

An emotional roller coaster, thanks for the ride and the information 🍻

This is why I'm happy to drive a 1999 Toyota Avalon with 255,000 miles, still running strong💪

I have a 2017 Ford Explorer with 240,000 miles, original engine and transmisssion and runs better than a new car.😁

Very nice escalade! I love how much room they have. Great deal. Please supercharge it!

You should have him build the 5.3 and 6 liter engines with the AFM Delete lifter/cam set up. If I were buying a used GM and you told me the engine was not only rebuilt, but was rebuilt using that delete kit, I'd pay for it, knowing I would have a more dependable engine under the hood.

the best Escalade of all time is the 2002-2006. No AFM. GM failed with cylinder deactivation with the 1981 ElDorado and decided to do it again. My dad had a 1981 Eldo. Also, all those electronic gizmos. What a nightmare to repair.

Any used GM V8 engine after 2007 is a crap shoot. My 2005 Silverado has 283,000 and still runs great, none of those AFM issues. They made the best engines before 2007.

Craig with the “back in my day” 😂 as a 32 year-old boomer I feel ya

LS -Swap . They are bulletproof engines . 💪🏼💪🏼🇺🇸🇺🇸. Nice looking vehicle .

Hi Greg, Enjoyed the video great info 👍🏻

To answer the question what "Projection Device" screen is, it's for GM MyLink functions for Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Plug in the phone through USB, it will detect it and switch screen.

I had a 2022 Escalade, threw a rod right before Christmas, GM replaced the engine. The wife and her sister were out house hunting, parked up at a new development, engine caught fire.

Gotta love the public's love for these behemoths. Outrageous purchase price?...check. Lousy gas mileage (even with the cylinder deactivation crap)?...check. Limited rear legroom and cabin height for its size?...check. Premature rust... particularly under the doors (which is pretty much unfixable btw)...check. Transmission issues?...check. Engine issues at lower miles (just enough to be out of warranty)?...check. Hanging like a barge?...check. And despite ALL of these weaknesses and known defects the public goes weak at the knees at the mere sight of one. Craziness.

Love your videos Craig keep them coming my friend take care.

DOD AFM costed me $4000, the lifters on my ‘15 Camaro SS went out at 21k miles. And for me to remove it I had to pay an extra $4000 for the stage 2 cam and tune. If I would’ve know that this was an option I would’ve done it but now I still have it and it’s just an absolute nightmare because I fear that the lifters will go out again.

GM's motto: "theres a sucker born every minute"

Now you are coming back to your roots. This is why I started watching your videos'.

I'm so glad that you were able to make that Escalade work and it will pay off for you.

There is a super simple solution to the carpet mess in your vehicles. Don't let the kids eat food inside the car and don't let them drink anything but water until you get to your destination

So elaborate / so intricate BTW its a GM with so many problems including the ENGINE. So with all those fancy features I'll take my 2016 Mazda MX-5 Club soft top ANY DAY ! I do the maintenance myself - tire rotations / oil changes / transmission oil change .... so easy to work on ! Its my daily drive in Northern Illinois with the winter tires sitting stacked on a dolly in my garage. Costs are cheap to run even putting premium in the tank.

Great video. Can’t wait to see what’s wrong with the hummer

I’m loving all of your content PLUS your delivery! A quick suggestion: if sponsorship isn’t able to happen from a mic/recording equipment company, I think that investing in a little lapel mic would really elevate your videos… especially when going to auctions and the camera doesn’t know to pick up YOUR voice over the background cacophony of an auctioneer. TLDR; you’ve got killer opinions and experiences - we want to hear them! Can we get this man a mic??

If you regularly watch Scotty's Channel, you would know that most GM products took a dive in quality since the early 2000's. Just don't make them like they used to and everything is built to fail when the warranty is up. Also any engine management that deactivates the cylinder s to save gas is also known to wear an engine prematurely. I have MDS on my Ram 1500 with the 5.7 Hemi. I have to remember to deactivate it every time I come out of Park. My engine sounds like it's running rough when in eco mode. I have read on many forums to do this to prolong the engine. Plus frequent oil changes like every 3,000-5,000 miles will go a long way to save the engine. Stay away from those Audi's too...😂

I'm impressed it lasted that long. My Grandpa's 2019 Chevy Silverado 5.3 engine completly exploded at 8k miles. It was covered under warranty, but still unacceptable.

Good thing you have this RU-vid channel as a supplemental income, ma brotha. You've had some of these cars for a while, including that super nice low mileage V6 camaro. The American people must have started feeling the pain and quit buying so much and/or so often.

You got this my friend. Have a good one.

DOD delete is a great option. Escalade convertible no DOD, LQ9 6.0L 345 hp! Is tried true engine!

Long time fan I own only Lexus and have not had a vehicle in for more than maintenance for a decade. Why keep buying Audi GM etc.

Whatta great great video! I had no idea that newish GM's are junk! Luv the family pics in their too. And the cost run downs. Thx!

Iv got the same color 17 escalade and dealing with the same exact issues. My 05 escalade was a ultra reliable tank for yearssss. I should kept it and had rust repaired. Big thanks though about the fuel management disabler info. Got one on the way now.

All cadillas with CUE had this issue. Replaced on my old ATS with ease. There are 2 versions so must be specific even with universal and paid about 25 bucks. I think sun beating on the screen possibly causes the issue.

Love my camry. Love my accord. No worries at all.

Excellent and informative video

Love and don’t miss an episode Craig

My parents 1985 Toyota mini van had a ice maker/fridge in the center console. Everyone always asked about. I took my driver's test in it and my instructor even asked about it.

What about all the metallic sludge that’s in the engine even after the cam and lifters are replaced?Unless you strip it do and hot tank the bare block and heads you won’t get it all

Thanks 🙏🏾 bro extremely valuable information

I do the plastic cover like you to keep in good condition the carpet 👍

Man, I have a question, please let me know what do u think? Would you recommend Specializing and focusing only on one type of cars? For example, selling only wagons or minivans... Or Hybrids only? Do u think that is better? or selling everything?

I feel you Craig on the car quality!!! I recently purchased a 78k mile 2018 Tahoe Premier with everything in it. My "Dream Truck" until it wasn't. Started slipping at 82k miles, Needed a tranny. HID bulb cost me $260 due to where it's mounted. Front Magnetic air ride strut, $860, Motor mounts $1,340 with Exhaust manifold gasket. The battery voltage regulator was going, side traffic proximity sensor was going. Rear defrost connector cable replacement requires a glass company to install. I installed a Range Technology DOD disabler to keep in V8, That was cool but I lost trust in that car and traded. Guess i'll start looking for a 96 - 02 Viper GTS. We share that same 90's dream car.

Where do you get the plastic mats you put on the floor? I didn't see anything on your amazon store. Thanks - Will

I bought a 2007 Avalanche in late 2010. It had 58,000 miles on it. It has an LS3, 5.3 liter displacement. At around 115,000 miles, it started throwing error codes, system failure lights (traction control) would activate. Turns out that I had a misfire in my #7 cylinder. Displacement on Demand (DOD) and Active Fuel Management (AFM) use a complex arrangement of solenoids and special lifters to shut off cylinders #1, #4, #6, and #7. Inside the closed valley area there are four stanchions that carry oil to solenoids that feed the intake lifters for those cylinders. The engine computer (ECM) senses you can run on 6 or 4 cylinders and shuts the oil off to two of the cylinders at a time. Your display on your dash will say you are running in 4 or 6 cylinder mode if any are shut off, running in 8 cylinder if all cylinders are firing. Those lifters without the oil, do not work to open the intake valves on those cylinders. The cause for the failure is usually an extended oil change frequency that may allow dirt to clog the stanchions or solenoids which keeps those lifters from getting oil when reactivated by the ECM. My solution was found online. I found a guy who reflashes ECMs to make them non-DOD or non-AFM. He had a list of parts that I would need. I have also found that Summit Racing lists a kit to delete the AFM on an LS engine. At a minimum, and to eliminate the AFM altogether, you'll need a new camshaft, a set of standard lifters, a new valley pan, a top end gasket set, and new "stretch to torque" head bolts. All parts (except gaskets and bolts) need to be for a non-AFM application. This was the first LS I had taken apart (top end only) and I only saw taking the heads off as the means to get the lifters out. I have heard there are some trick methods, but at the time, I didn't know or see any other way. I did it with the engine in the truck but pulling the engine and putting it on an engine stand may have been easier given I was working outdoors in South Carolina in the summer. Going ahead and removing the hood, fenders, and inner fenders would have yielded more access as well. I did the swap at 118,000 miles and the truck runs great at 159,000. If I were doing it again, I would have gotten a hotter cam or a hotter cam/lifter/pushrod/rocker arm package from someone like Comp Cams and maybe some better breathing heads. It's apart, now's the time to upgrade if you are going to. I'd also get a complete top end bolt kit from ARP and I'd make sure to use anti-seize compound on all bolts going into aluminum parts such as the block or heads. And again, since it's already apart, a new timing chain makes sense. Of course, I had to send my ECM off to be reflashed, but it was done and back in my hands within a week. Good luck and have fun. Oh yeah, all the parts came to less than $500.

What good timing on your video. My wife wants a 2016 Tahoe, which means I'll have to get rid of my 2003 v10 excursion. I told her the excursion will outlast the Tahoe easily but she thinks I'm crazy. I showed her your comments on how older cars compare to newer and she just shook her head. I tell her they don't build them the way they used to.

There is a known issue with these engines as well as a class action lawsuit..correct?

I've replaced the CUE screen on my 2014 ELR, it was about a 2hr job going slow to make sure I didn't break any of the plastic tabs holding the dash together. I think I spend about $80 on the screen and about $10 for plastic interior pry kit. I didn't have cracking of the screen either, it just quit working. It's good to know you can spend so little on a luxury vehicle. I want one more Escalade before I retire and I'm wondering if it's worth getting a dealer's license so I can hit the auctions and learn how they work so I can get my next couple of cars much cheaper . Maybe when I retire a blown/bad engine Escalade cheap and a $10k low mile replacement engine and trans combo that I can do on my own might be the way to go.

I’m old school. Purchased 3 hemi’s in the last 12 years; all got the MDS Delete Kit first 100 miles 😉

Not cheap to purchase. Become a partial niche dealer. Focus on Lexus GX460's. Run forever and last of the reliable V8"s.

So sad 😢 ….that’s why I’m going for a Lexus, very reliable …

I own Kansas City Auto Electric and just did a QUE screen two days ago on a 15 Escalade. You mechanic is right on the money of 2 hours.

I recently bought a Palisade Calligraphy and it has all that and more except for the 5 DVD players and the cooler. Leather, expensive trim, electric mid and rear recliners, all 3 rows heated seats, first two rows ventilated seats, etc. etc.

My last 3 GM trucks lasted about 30,000 miles. That's all modern day vehicles with AFM are good for now. Lifter and trans issues are frequent. I purchased a 2006 Silverado with no AFM and put 130k miles on it in the last 8 years.

Hey dude : you have to train your kids better. Make your kids clean up after themselves .. they won't make a mess after cleaning up after themselves too many times.

We wish we time to see your company. Thought about it too late. Been up in Brattleboro, VT. Getting rained on.

I had 2006 suburban wish i never got rid of it. Got the 2007 which was a nightmare. 2 engines under 150K. Stuck with my Land cruiser and sequioa and been amazing.

As a mechanic at a dealership. You guys do know that it is all about quantity over quality! Profits is the only thing on their mind! They know it, because warranties are getting shorter and shorter, like 3 yrs/35k miles. They know right when the warranty is going to expire and the engine is going to take a shit! Trust me, I do warranty work every day! Happy Buying! We all fucked!

These engines are wildly inconsistent. We have a 2015 Tahoe with 225k on it and no issues with the motor. AFM activates as it should and no weird sounds from the motor. The thing is it seems to take out engines with low miles, moderate miles or even high mileage motors with no warning and that's the scary part especially if you're on a road trip.

👍🏼good content Craig

Wow this was recorded a while ago. Congrats on hitting 100K subs.

Remember hearing rumors about Chevy engine problems being INTENTIONAL😡

I have a suburban that crapped out because of the same AFM garbage!!

2015... Best looking Escalade of them all IMHO. Great video! I did not know they had these serious issues. Sad... The BIG THREE need to do better!!

His “guy” knows how effed GM did everyone dirty and he knew he could make a mint replacing/fixing everything he already knew was wrong.

i now call them garbage motors because all of their new v8s are oil burning trash

DOD=Dead On Demand

Craig what ,mill is the plastic you use on your carpets?The size as well 👊🏼thanks

My cousin told me at his fm dealership there are currently 4, 6.2 gas waiting for new engines all 2022 model year , bad crank bearing took the motor out . These only have between 9000 and 12000 km!

I’ve been buying Toyota and Lexus vehicles for the last 20 years. I can count on one hand the number of times I had to fix them beyond basic maintenance. Why anyone would buy anything else is beyond me.

I’d pay $20,000 just to put 6 packs of B- Soda in there 🎉

Great video, one question please please answer, what is the brand of sweatshirt you have on. The Grey one in the beginning of the video

Yep, on the CUE screen. Wife's SRX CUE failed in typical fashion. Dealer (purchased it used) foot the bill for the aftermarket replacement and the only stipulation was that I install it myself as they were not a GM dealer. They said no problem and accepted my email saying I would take full responsibility for the install and they would not be held responsible if it failed again. No problems at all as it is going on its third year with absolutely no typical GM failure issues. The dealer was very accommodating and I could not say enough good things about how cooperative they were.

Yeah they make a good vehicle it's called TOYOTA!!!!

I have been loyal to GM, but active fuel management is a dog. I think it is a government mandate thing. Government says you need better economy, so manufacturers have to find a way. As a Libertarian, I wish the government would just let people buy what they want, not what the government tells you what you want.

Great video. Any quality car brands you can recommend? Plan to keep cars for 10 years.

I got 2020 Z71 first thing i done was got the pulsar LT programmer , no issues so far 50k miles now

Why are your kids animals? When we were kids we never hogged up our parents cars, no eating, drinking etc that had a great idea.... I'm thinking it's the wife that lets them hog it up! just sayin

I have a cooler that keeps drinks ice cold in my 2011 Land Rover that I purchased new and I use it all the time and love having it. It is my 4th Land Rover i have owned in a row since my very 1st one I got new in 1995. It is the only one that had the cooler in it and now I won't get another one without it.

One of your best videos in a looong time. Find a vehicle. Clean it, fix it, drive it for a while then sell for profit 👍. Not your struggles in renting out your vacation home…

Hey Craig - you aren't kidding about the CUE screens! I bought a 2017 cadillac xts in 2020 and my screen too was freezing. Dealer dicks told I needed an entire new radio unit at $1600 + labor. I found a guy who replaced the screen in my car in under 30 mins. He promised me i would never ever have issues with the screen and I still don't. Its the glue in the screen that makes it stick and freeze as it gets heated up full usage. I too am working my way up to an escalade platinum. Would love to know if you turbo it - was thinking the same thing since the v's are just way too crazy in price 😊

The red 360 in the background of the last video looked good ;-)

I have a 2017 Cadillac that’s been in the shop since February. Haven’t seen it since then. Still gonna be months long wait for parts.

I had a 18 back in 2018 and loved it, hands down the best placement for a phone charger on console. Traded it in for a new expedition max, the cell charger location is terrible on fords.