2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 Owner Says, “I Can’t Feel the Power of the New 0W-40 Oil in my 6.2L, My ECM Update Failed, and Now the Truck Won’t Start, You Can't Make This Stuff Up”

"You can't make this sh** up," says Stevie Hornsby on the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Owners Facebook page.

As a journalist covering the automotive world, particularly the intricacies and occasional frustrations faced by truck owners, I'm constantly sifting through real-world accounts that shed light on broader industry issues. Today, I'll delve into a recent experience shared by Stevie Hornsby, a dedicated 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 owner, whose journey through a crucial recall process took an unexpected detour.

Stevie Hornsby says, 

"I just got my second recall letter one week ago. I had my recall done on my 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2, and it passed! I'm getting my 0W-40 oil, new oil cap, and an update on the warranty. I'm not scared of the 6.2-liter engine. I love this engine. Sorry for those who experienced failures. Let's roll!"

However, a week later, the unexpected struck, leaving Stevie in a state of shock. 

Before we hear more from Stevie, understanding the 2022 Chevy Silverado 6.2L ECM update failure after recall can be a critical piece of the puzzle. This narrative isn't just about one truck; it's a cautionary tale and a testament to the complexities that modern vehicle maintenance can present.

General Motors, like all major automakers, occasionally issues recalls to address potential safety concerns or performance issues. The 6.2-liter V8 engine, a powerhouse known for its robust performance in Silverado and Sierra trucks, has been under scrutiny for various reasons, including some related to its valve train and oil consumption. 

Owners of these formidable pickups often pride themselves on their truck's capability, and a recall, while sometimes a nuisance, is generally seen as a necessary step to maintain reliability. The process typically involves a dealer visit, a diagnosis, and the implementation of a specific fix, often including software updates or component replacements. These "field actions" are designed to improve vehicle longevity and owner satisfaction, yet sometimes, the path to resolution isn't as straightforward as one might hope.

Stevie Hornsby's initial encounter with this process was, by all accounts, a positive one. 

After receiving his second recall letter, he promptly took his 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 to the dealership. His update, shared on the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Owners Facebook page, radiated optimism: "I just got my second recall letter one week ago. I had my recall done on my 2022 Chevy Silverado, and it passed! I'm getting my 0W-40 oil, new oil cap, and update on the warranty." 

"I'm not scared of the 6.2-liter engine. I love this engine. Sorry for those who experienced failures. Let's roll!" His words echoed the sentiment of many loyal GM truck owners who, despite hearing about sporadic issues, remain confident in their vehicle's performance. 

The upgrade to Chevy Silverado 0W-40 oil recall update issues typically involves a change in oil viscosity and a new oil cap, signifying a specific adjustment aimed at preventing future problems and potentially extending engine life, all under the umbrella of an updated warranty.

However, the automotive world often throws curveballs, and Stevie's positive experience was short-lived. Just a week after his initial success, something entirely unexpected happened, plunging him from confidence into profound frustration. 

He shared a stark update: 

His frustration is evident: "I have an update! I will not be able to feel the power of the new oil in my 6.2. My ECM Update failed, and now the truck will not start. It lost all communication. You can't make this sh** up." This turn of events is precisely the kind of scenario that fuels anxiety among truck owners. 

What caused my 2022 Silverado 6.2L to not start after the ECM update? 

The abrupt loss of communication and failure to start after a seemingly routine software update is a nightmare for any vehicle owner, rendering their previously operational truck a brick. This highlights the delicate balance of modern vehicle electronics and the critical role software plays in overall functionality.

The culprit, in Stevie's case, turned out to be a familiar aftermarket modification: a Range Technology device. These devices, designed to modify certain engine features, are popular among owners looking to turn off features like Active Fuel Management (AFM) or Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) and automatic start/stop systems, often to alter engine behavior or perceived reliability. Stevie confirmed: "After removing the Range Technology device, the dealer was able to do the ECM Update." 

This field action was released on August 14, 2025.

Stevie says, "If you remove your range technology device for FDM and Autostop, you will not have the issue I experienced." This revelation immediately points to the Range Technology device interfering with the Silverado ECM update. 

This isn't an isolated incident. 

Aftermarket tuners and devices can often conflict with factory software updates, leading to unpredictable and sometimes catastrophic results. The vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM) is highly sensitive, and any non-factory input during a critical update can corrupt its programming, leading to severe operational failures like the loss of communication Stevie experienced. 

This serves as vital information for other truck owners who may experience communication loss after the 6.2L Silverado ECM update

Conclusion:

For GM truck owners, Stevie Hornsby's story is a vivid reminder of the delicate interplay between factory specifications, aftermarket modifications, and essential service procedures. His initial satisfaction with the recall, the change to 0W-40 oil, and the new oil cap was quickly overshadowed by the ECM update fiasco, which was directly tied to the presence of his Range Technology device. 

This particular field action, as he noted, was very recent, suggesting that dealers and owners alike are still navigating its nuances. The takeaway for any 2022 Silverado owner is clear: if you have a Range Technology device or similar aftermarket module installed, remove it before any dealership service involving ECM updates. 

Ignoring this simple step can turn a routine maintenance visit into a crippling problem. The detailed account of this 2022 Silverado ZR2 recall experience, including the interaction with Range Technology, is invaluable for the broader community of truck enthusiasts and concerned owners.

It's Your Turn

Let us know about your experiences with the Chevy Silverado recall and if you've added a Range Technology device. Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know what advice you have for potential buyers. 

Check out my 2025 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 story: I Had Nothing But Issue After Issue With My 2023 Chevy Silverado ZL1, So I Traded It For a 2025 ZR2, and 9K In, Got a Check Engine Light For the Infamous DEF System

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Stevie Hornsby