[spook]

Well that blows. I looked up a few articles related to that Trouble Code. Here is a link to a discussion on the subject on the GM Inside News forum.

http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f19/gm-3-6l-timing-chain-problems-99141/index17.html

From what I read the 3.6 timing chains can stretch and the ECM picks up the mis-alignment and throws the P00008 code. Here's the fix (other than actually replacing the chain) the factory seems to be recalibrating the tolerances to allow for more stretch before throwing the code.

I don't have a real issue with them loosening the tolerance a little. Out there (in the real world) re-figuring actual operating conditions happens all the time.

I read that replacing the timing chains can run to the north side of $3000.00. See the picture of the timing chain and you can see how involved the repair is.

As long GM is not just putting a Band-Aid on a real problem, the looser tolerances basically will just cut down on nuisance trouble codes. Which will keep you, the consumer, from spending big bucks for no good reason. Since your light has just started coming on you may be a good candidate for a ECM reprogram.

I would head down to the dealer and have it checked out because there is only one thing worse than having a nagging issue just before leaving, and that is ruining your engine and being stranded away from home. If you have the slightest doubt about your vehicle's reliability I would do what Rit says and rent a car. Vacations are for rest and relaxation not worry!

Let us know how you make out. Happy Motoring!!

I added this later after reading a little further. Apparently GM had a recall(?) sometime back to recalibrate the oil change interval. If you took your vehicle in to do that you probably already have the new cam position values in the computer. As I read it they did that in conjunction with the oil life re-cal.