Chevrolet Duramax Diesel 2017 User Manual

Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-

9967831) - 2017 - crc - 12/15/16

Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . . 9

Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . . 28

Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Service and Maintenance . . . . . 123

Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

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2 Introduction

Introduction

The names, logos, emblems,
slogans, vehicle model names, and
vehicle body designs appearing in
this manual including, but not limited
to, GM, the GM logo, CHEVROLET,
GMC, the CHEVROLET and GMC
Truck Emblems, SILVERADO,
SIERRA, DENALI, EXPRESS,
SAVANA, COLORADO, CANYON,
and Duramax are trademarks and/or
service marks of General Motors
LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates,
or licensors.

For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “General
Motors of Canada Company” for
GMC and Chevrolet Motor Division
wherever it appears in this manual.

This manual describes features that
may or may not be on the vehicle
because of optional equipment that
was not purchased on the vehicle,
model variants, country
specifications, features/applications
that may not be available in your
region, or changes subsequent to
the printing of this owner manual.

Refer to the purchase
documentation relating to your
specific vehicle to confirm the
features.

This manual contains information
that pertains to the operation of your
diesel engine. It also contains your
Diesel Maintenance Schedule. The
sections in this manual correspond
to the sections in your owner
manual. This manual, along with
your owner manual, will assist you
in the proper use and maintenance
of your vehicle.

Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.

Canadian Vehicle Owners

A French language manual can be
obtained from your dealer, at
www.helminc.com, or from:

Propriétaires Canadiens

On peut obtenir un exemplaire de
ce guide en français auprès du
concessionnaire ou à l'adresse
suivante:

Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
USA

Using this Supplement

This supplement contains
information specific to the unique
components of the vehicle. It does
not explain everything you need to
know about the vehicle. Read this
supplement along with the owner
manual to learn about the vehicle's
features and controls.

Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 84290183 D Fourth Printing

©

2017 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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Index

A good place to look for what you
need is the Index in back of this
supplement. It is an alphabetical list
of what is in the supplement, and
the page number where you will
find it.

Introduction 3

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4 Introduction

2 NOTES

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In Brief 5

In Brief

Initial Drive Information

Initial Drive Information

Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Performance and Maintenance

Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . 6

Diesel Particulate Filter . . . . . . . . . . 6

Diesel Exhaust Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Transmission

Cold Operation (8-Cylinder Pickup
Models Only)

When temperatures are very cold,
the transmission will prevent certain
operations to protect against
damage. The information below
shows shift range availability based
on transmission oil temperature:

.

All shift ranges available at −25 °
C (−13 °F) or above.

.

2 (Second) and 3 (Third) shift
ranges only at −35 °C (−31 °F) to

−25 °C (−13 °F).

.

2 (Second) shift range only at

−35 °C (−31 °F) or lower.

Torque converter clutch operation
will also be prevented when air or
transmission oil temperatures are
below certain levels.

For areas where ambient
temperatures are below −40 °C
(−40 °F), use synthetic transmission

fluid approved to Allison
Transmission
TES-295.
See Recommended Fluids and

Lubricants 0 129 and Automatic
Transmission Fluid 0 97.

Adaptive Shift Controls
(8-Cylinder Pickup Models Only)

The shift quality of a new vehicle
may not be ideal because the
Adaptive Shift Control process may
not have determined the best
settings for a particular shift or
condition. Shift quality will improve
with continued driving.

Low Traction Mode (All Models)

Low Traction Mode aids in vehicle
acceleration on slippery road
surfaces such as ice or snow. By
selecting 2 (Second) using Range
Selection Mode while at a stop, the
transmission will limit torque to the
drive wheels to prevent slippage.

Heater Performance Mode
(8-Cylinder Pickup Models Only)

When cold weather conditions are
detected, the transmission raises
part throttle upshift points after the

®

specification

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6 In Brief

1 (First) to 2 (Second) upshift to
increase engine speed. This feature
shortens engine and cab warm up
times.

When the transmission is in this
mode, upshifts may be delayed.
This is normal and does not indicate
an operational problem.

Four-Wheel Drive (8-Cylinder
Pickup Models Only)

When operating in 4
(Four-Wheel-Drive Low), there is a
very deep gear reduction. The
resulting shifts will feel exaggerated.

n

Performance and Maintenance

Engine Oil Life System

The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message when it is time
to change the engine oil and filter.
The oil life system should be reset
to 100% only following an oil
change. See “Engine Oil Life
System” in the owner manual.

Diesel Particulate Filter

The Duramax engine is equipped
with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
that will filter or trap particulates.
The DPF is under the vehicle in the
exhaust system.

Depending on a number of factors
monitored by the engine computer,
the DPF will need to be cleaned of
accumulated solids. When a
cleaning is needed, the engine
computer will initiate a cleaning
action by warming the exhaust gas
temperature. This feature has been

designed to operate automatically,
with limited operator involvement or
awareness.

Noise may be heard at low speeds
when the emission controls are
active. This is normal.

Cleaning the DPF (Exhaust
Filter)

While the DPF cleaning is
automatically controlled by the
engine computer, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) may
display a message. The vehicle will
need to operate continuously until
the message is no longer displayed.
See Diesel Particulate Filter
Messages 0 23. Cleaning occurs
most effectively above
48 km/h (30 mph). If the vehicle is
returned to idle during the cleaning
process, the driver may notice a
slightly different sound or a slightly
elevated engine idle speed. This is
normal. No action is required on the
part of the driver during a regular
DPF cleaning. See Diesel
Particulate Filter 0 38.

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Special DPF Driver Messages

If the vehicle is used for numerous
short trips or extended slow-speed
operation, the engine computer may
not be able to adequately heat up
the exhaust system to clean the
DPF effectively. The engine
computer has been designed to
continuously monitor the condition
of the DPF. When the engine
computer detects that the DPF is
nearly full of particulates and that
the vehicle is not being operated in
a manner that would allow effective
automatic DPF cleaning, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display
a message. See Diesel Particulate
Filter Messages 0 23.

If the vehicle continues to be driven
in a manner that prevents effective
DPF cleaning, the DPF will become
plugged with particulates. If this
occurs, the engine computer will
turn on the Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) in the
instrument cluster, and the DIC will
display the message ENGINE
POWER IS REDUCED.
See Diesel Particulate Filter 0 38
and Engine Power Messages 0 22.

Fuel

Use Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel
Fuel (ULSD)

Use ULSD only. The emission
control hardware used on the
vehicle may be damaged by using
fuel with high sulfur levels. Use only
fuel that is dispensed from pumps
bearing the ULSD label.

Do Not Use Low Sulfur Diesel
Fuel (LSD)

Do not use fuel that is dispensed
from pumps bearing the LSD label.

Do Not Use Non-Highway Fuel

Fuel labeled as off road or
non-highway is typically very high in
sulfur content and will damage the
emission control system.
Non-highway fuel is not intended for
use in on-highway vehicles and
does not have the fuel properties
needed by the DPF-equipped
Duramax diesel.

In addition:

.

Use the correct engine oil.

In Brief 7

.

Do not add gasoline to
diesel fuel.

.

Do not modify the induction or
exhaust systems.

See Fuel for Diesel Engines 0 48
and Engine Oil 0 93.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is used
with diesel engines to reduce the
amount of regulated emissions
produced. The DEF system must be
maintained for the vehicle to run
properly.

DEF is not a fuel additive. For
refilling instructions, see Diesel
Exhaust Fluid 0 40. DEF should not
be mixed with or added to diesel
fuel. DEF freezes when exposed to
temperatures below −11 °C (12 ° F).

Locating Diesel Exhaust Fluid

DEF can be purchased at a
Chevrolet or GMC dealer. It can
also be purchased at authorized
vehicle and truck dealerships.
Additionally, some diesel truck
fueling stations or retailers may
have DEF for purchase. For

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8 In Brief

vehicles with an active OnStar

®

subscription, OnStar can help to
locate a DEF retailer. See
“Customer Assistance Offices” in
the owner manual for phone
numbers to assist you in contacting
a GM dealer. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0 129.

As the DEF tank becomes low on
fluid, warnings begin with
approximately 1 600 km (1,000 mi)
of remaining range. These warnings
will increase as the tank becomes
empty. Once the tank is empty, the
vehicle speed will be limited. If there
is an issue with the quality of the
fluid or the exhaust fluid system,
warnings will be displayed in the
Driver Information Center (DIC).
See Diesel Exhaust Fluid 0 40.

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Instruments and Controls 9

Instruments and Controls

Warning Lights, Gauges , and
Indicators

Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Engine Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . 17

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

(Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . . 18

Wait-to-Start Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Power Take-Off Light (Chassis

Cab Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Diesel Exhaust Fluid

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Diesel Particulate Filter

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Service Vehicle Messages . . . . . 24

Starting the Vehicle

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . . 24

Vehicle Personalization

Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . . 26

Information Displays

Driver Information

Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Vehicle Messages

Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Brake System Messages . . . . . . 22

Engine Cooling System

Messages (Vans and

8-Cylinder Pickups) . . . . . . . . . . 22

Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . 22

Engine Power Messages . . . . . . 22

Fuel System Messages . . . . . . . . 22

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10 Instruments and Controls

Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators

Instrument Cluster

English Base Level 4-Cylinder Pickup Shown, Metric Similar

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Instruments and Controls 11

English Uplevel 4-Cylinder Pickup Shown, Metric Similar

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12 Instruments and Controls

English Base Level 8-Cylinder Pickup Shown, Metric Similar

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Instruments and Controls 13

English Uplevel 8-Cylinder Pickup Shown, Metric Similar

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14 Instruments and Controls

English 8-Cylinder Denali Pickup Shown, Metric Similar

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English Van Shown, Metric Similar

Instruments and Controls 15

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16 Instruments and Controls

See the owner manual for warning
lights and gauges not listed in this
supplement.

Fuel Gauge

English Base 4-Cylinder Pickup

Shown, Uplevel Similar

Metric Base 4-Cylinder Pickup

Shown, Uplevel Similar

Metric 8-Cylinder Pickup Models

English 8-Cylinder Pickup Models

Metric Van Models

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.

It takes a little more or less fuel
to fill up than the fuel gauge
indicated. For example, the
gauge may have indicated the
tank was half full, but it actually
took a little more or less than
half the tank's capacity to fill
the tank.

.

The gauge moves a little while
turning a corner or speeding up.

.

The gauge does not go back to

English Van Models

When the ignition is on, the fuel
gauge shows approximately how
much fuel the vehicle has left in the
tank. The gauge will first indicate
E (Empty) before the vehicle is out
of fuel, but the vehicle's fuel tank
should be filled soon.

An arrow on the fuel gauge
indicates the side of the vehicle the
fuel door is on.

Listed are four situations customers
may experience with the fuel gauge:

.

At the gas station, the fuel pump
shuts off before the gauge reads
F (Full).

E (Empty) when the ignition is
turned off.

None of these indicate a problem
with the fuel gauge.

For information on how to fill the fuel
tank, see Filling the Tank 0 58.

Engine Oil Pressure Gauge

4-Cylinder Pickup Models

See “Oil Pressure” under “Driver
Information Center (DIC)” in the
owner manual.

Instruments and Controls 17

Metric 8-Cylinder Pickup Models

English 8-Cylinder Pickup Models

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18 Instruments and Controls

Metric Van Models English Van Models

Caution

Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. Driving with the engine oil
low can also damage the engine.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check
the oil level as soon as possible.
Add oil if required, but if the oil
level is within the operating range
and the oil pressure is still low,
have the vehicle serviced. Always
follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.

The engine oil pressure gauge
reads in kPa (kilopascals) or psi
(pounds per square inch) when the
engine is running. Oil pressure may
vary with engine speed, outside
temperature, and oil viscosity.

If readings are outside the normal
operating range, the low oil
pressure message may display on
the Driver Information Center (DIC),
or for vehicles without a DIC the oil
pressure light will come on. If the oil
pressure message or light comes
on, check the oil level immediately.
Do not operate the engine with the
oil pressure warning light on or an
ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL
message displayed.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)

This light is part of the vehicle’s
emission control on-board
diagnostic system. If this light is on
while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and
the vehicle may require service. The
light should come on to show that it

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Instruments and Controls 19

is working when the ignition is in
ON/RUN with the engine not
running. See “Ignition Positions” in
the owner manual.

This light may also come on when
the system has detected a problem
with the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
management system. See Diesel
Exhaust Fluid 0 40.

Malfunctions are often indicated by
the system before any problem is
noticeable. Being aware of the light
and seeking service promptly when
it comes on may prevent damage.

Caution

If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be

(Continued)

Caution (Continued)

lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.

Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire
specifications, can cause this light
to come on. This could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also
affect the vehicle’s ability to pass
an Emissions Inspection/
Maintenance test. See

Accessories and Modifications

0 86.

When the light is on, a malfunction
has been detected. Diagnosis and
service may be required.

Caution

Poor fuel quality can cause
inefficient engine operation and poor
driveability, which may go away
once the engine is warmed up.
If this occurs, change the fuel brand.
It may require at least one full tank
of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
See Fuel for Diesel Engines 0 48.

If the light remains on, see your
dealer.

Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs

If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the
test equipment will likely connect to
the vehicle's Data Link
Connector (DLC).

The DLC is under the instrument
panel to the left of the steering
wheel. Connecting devices that are
not used to perform an Emissions

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20 Instruments and Controls

Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect
vehicle operation. See “Add-On
Electrical Equipment” in the owner
manual. See your dealer if
assistance is needed.

The vehicle may not pass
inspection if:

.

The light is on when the engine
is running.

.

The light does not come on
when the ignition is in ON/RUN
with the engine not running.

.

Critical emission control systems
have not been completely
diagnosed. If this happens, the
vehicle would not be ready for
inspection and might require
several days of routine driving
before the system is ready for
inspection. This can happen if
the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if
the vehicle has recently been
serviced.

See your dealer if the vehicle will
not pass or cannot be made ready
for the test.

Wait-to-Start Light

This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine, as a check to
show the light is working.

If the wait-to-start light comes on,
the glow plug system is required
and operating. Wait until the light
turns off before starting the engine.
This light may not come on in warm
temperatures.

The fast warm-up glow plug system
makes the wait-to-start light stay on
for a shorter amount of time than
most diesel engines.

See Starting the Diesel Engine 0 28.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning Light

This light, a Driver Information
Center (DIC) message, and a chime
come on when there is an issue with
the Diesel Exhaust Fluid.

See Diesel Exhaust Fluid Messages
0 23 for information on the specific
message displaying with the light.

If the DEF level has not been
corrected, the light will continue to
flash when the vehicle is started.
The vehicle's speed may also be
limited.

Also see Diesel Exhaust Fluid 0 40.

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Instruments and Controls 21

Power Take-Off Light

Information Displays

(Chassis Cab Only)

Driver Information Center (DIC)

The DIC is in the instrument cluster.
The DIC comes on when the ignition
is on.

Chassis Cab

The vehicle may have a Power
Take-Off (PTO) light. Under normal
operating conditions, the PTO light
will remain on throughout the PTO
operating cycle. If all conditions
required to engage PTO have not
been met when enabling PTO, the
PTO light will turn on, then turn off
after one second. See Power
Take-Off (PTO) 0 69.

A diesel vehicle may have the
following additional DIC menu items:

Exhaust Fluid Level : The Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF) level will be
displayed as either OK, XX%,
or LOW.

When LOW appears on the display,
add DEF as soon as possible. See
Diesel Exhaust Fluid 0 40.

Fuel Filter Life Remaining : This
display shows an estimate of the
fuel filter's remaining useful life.
If 90% Fuel Filter Life Remaining is
displayed, it means 90% of the
current fuel filter life remains. The
fuel filter life system will alert when
to change the fuel filter on a
schedule consistent with your
driving conditions.

When the remaining fuel filter life is
low, the CHANGE FUEL FILTER
message will appear on the display.
Change the fuel filter as soon as
possible.

Fuel Filter Life Reset : Reset the
Fuel Filter Life Remaining display
after each fuel filter change. It will
not reset itself. Also, be careful not
to reset the display at any time other
than when the fuel filter has just
been changed because it cannot be
reset accurately until the next fuel
filter change. The fuel filter life will
change to 100% when the system
has been reset. To reset the system,
press and hold the set/reset button,
or the trip odometer reset stem if
there are no DIC buttons, for
two seconds while Fuel Filter Life
Remaining is displayed on the DIC.

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22 Instruments and Controls

Vehicle Messages

The Driver Information Center (DIC)
will display warning messages if a
problem is detected. Pressing the
select button or the set/reset button
for vehicles with DIC buttons, or the
trip odometer reset stem for vehicles
without DIC buttons, will
acknowledge some current warning
or service messages. Other
messages are more urgent and
cannot be cleared from the display
until the issue is corrected.

The following are some additional
messages that the diesel vehicle
can display.

Brake System Messages

EXHAUST BRAKE ON/OFF

This message displays when the
exhaust brake is on or off.

Engine Cooling System Messages (Vans and 8-Cylinder Pickups)

COOLANT LEVEL LOW ADD
COOLANT

This message will appear on the
DIC if the engine coolant level is
low. Adding coolant to the coolant
recovery tank will clear the
message. See “Engine Coolant” in
the owner manual.

Engine Oil Messages

ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL

This message only displays when
the ignition key is turned to ON/RUN
and the oil level in the vehicle is low.
Check the oil level and correct it as
necessary. Cycle the ignition to be
sure this message clears.

This message clears itself after
10 seconds, until the next ignition
cycle. See Engine Oil 0 93.

Engine Power Messages

ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED

A computer monitors the operation
of the engine. If the ENGINE
POWER IS REDUCED message
comes on while driving, there will be
a reduction in performance and
acceleration. Take the vehicle in for
service.

Fuel System Messages

CHANGE FUEL FILTER

This message will appear on the
DIC for 10 seconds when a fuel filter
change is required. See Fuel Filter
Replacement 0 57.

WATER IN FUEL SERVICE
REQUIRED

This message will come on to warn
you if there is water in the diesel
fuel system. For more information
on how this message works, see
Water in Fuel 0 52.

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Instruments and Controls 23

Diesel Exhaust Fluid Messages

For more information on these
messages, see “Exhaust Fluid Low”
or “Exhaust Fluid Quality Poor” in
Diesel Exhaust Fluid 0 40.

EXHAUST FLUID RANGE:
XXXX KM (MI)

When the Diesel Exhaust
Fluid (DEF) level is getting low, the
range will be displayed in either
kilometers or miles. It is normal for
the EXHAUST FLUID RANGE to
vary based on vehicle and
environmental driving conditions.
This message first displays at
approximately 1 600 km (1,000 mi)
of range remaining but depends on
vehicle usage.

EXHAUST FLUID EMPTY
REFILL NOW

This message will be displayed
when the DEF tank is empty. This
message may be accompanied by
other messages that provide more
information.

EXHAUST FLUID QUALITY
POOR SEE OWNERS
MANUAL NOW

This message displays when the
DEF is of poor quality or the wrong
fluid was added. This message may
be accompanied by other messages
that provide more information.

EXHAUST FLUID LOW SPEED
LIMITED SOON

When the DEF range is less than
120 km (75 mi) this message will be
displayed.

Diesel Particulate Filter Messages

CLEANING EXHAUST FILTER
CONTINUE DRIVING
(4-Cylinder Pickups and
Uplevel 8-Cylinder Pickups) or
DIESEL PARTIC FILTER IS
FULL CONTINUE DRIVING
(Base Level 8-Cylinder
Pickups) or CLEANING
EXHAUST FILTER KEEP
DRIVING UNTIL MESSAGE IS
CLEARED (Vans)

This message will appear on the
DIC when an exhaust particulate
filter cleaning is required. To clean
the filter, drive the vehicle above
50 km/h (30 mph) until the warning
message goes off. This will take
about 30 minutes.

If the filter is not cleaned, the
malfunction indicator lamp will come
on and the ENGINE POWER IS
REDUCED message will be
displayed. Vehicle performance will
be limited. See Diesel Particulate
Filter 0 38.

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24 Instruments and Controls

CLEANING EXHAUST FILTER
MUST CONTINUE DRIVING
(4-Cylinder Pickups Only)

It is important to keep driving to
clean the exhaust filter. This will
take about 30 minutes.

SERVICE EMISSION SYSTEM
SEE OWNERS MANUAL NOW

This message displays when the
emission system needs service.
Take the vehicle to your dealer. See

“Service Emission System” in Diesel
Exhaust Fluid 0 40.

Service Vehicle Messages

Starting the Vehicle

CHANGE TIMING BELT
(4–Cylinder Pickups Only)

This message displays when
scheduled maintenance on the
timing belt is required. See your
dealer for service.

SERVICE EXHAUST FLUID
SYSTEM SEE OWNERS
MANUAL NOW

This message displays when the
DEF system needs service. This
message may be accompanied by
other messages that provide more
information. See “Service Exhaust
Fluid System” in Diesel Exhaust
Fluid 0 40.

Messages

ELEVATED IDLE OFF

This message will appear when the
elevated idle feature has been
turned off. See “Elevated Idle” under
Starting the Diesel Engine 0 28.

ELEVATED IDLE ON

This message will appear when the
elevated idle feature has been
turned on. See “Elevated Idle” under
Starting the Diesel Engine 0 28.

FAST IDLE ON (Van
Models Only)

If the vehicle has this feature, this
message displays when the fast idle
feature is on. See “Fast Idle Control

(Vans and 8-Cylinder Pickups Only)”
under Starting the Diesel Engine
0 28.

Vehicle Speed Messages

For more information on these
messages, see Diesel Exhaust Fluid
0 40.

XXX KM (MI) UNTIL 105 KM/H
(65 MPH) MAX SPEED

This message will be displayed
along with other messages. These
messages include EXHAUST FLUID
EMPTY REFILL NOW, EXHAUST
FLUID QUALITY POOR, SERVICE
EMISSION SYSTEM, or SERVICE
EXHAUST FLUID SYSTEM. The
vehicle speed will be limited to
105 km/h (65 mph) when the
countdown is over.

XXX KM (MI) UNTIL 88 KM/H
(55 MPH) MAX SPEED

This message will be displayed
along with other messages. These
messages include EXHAUST FLUID
EMPTY REFILL NOW, EXHAUST
FLUID QUALITY POOR, SERVICE
EMISSION SYSTEM, or SERVICE

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Instruments and Controls 25

EXHAUST FLUID SYSTEM. The
vehicle speed will be limited to
88 km/h (55 mph) when the
countdown is over.

XXX KM (MI) UNTIL 7 KM/H
(4 MPH) MAX SPEED

This message will be displayed
along with other messages. These
messages include EXHAUST FLUID
EMPTY REFILL NOW, EXHAUST
FLUID QUALITY POOR,
or SERVICE EXHAUST FLUID
SYSTEM. The vehicle speed will be
limited to 7 km/h (4 mph) when the
countdown is over.

TRANSITIONING TO XX KM/H
(XX MPH) MAX SPEED

This message will be displayed
along with other messages. These
messages include EXHAUST FLUID
EMPTY REFILL NOW, EXHAUST
FLUID QUALITY POOR, SERVICE
EMISSION SYSTEM, or SERVICE
EXHAUST FLUID SYSTEM. When
this message is displayed, the end
of the countdown has been reached
and the vehicle speed is being
limited.

SPEED LIMITED TO 105 KM/H
(65 MPH)

This message will be displayed
along with other messages. These
messages include EXHAUST FLUID
EMPTY REFILL NOW, EXHAUST
FLUID QUALITY POOR, SERVICE
EMISSION SYSTEM, or SERVICE
EXHAUST FLUID SYSTEM. When
this message is displayed, the
vehicle speed is being limited to
105 km/h (65 mph).

SPEED LIMITED TO 88 KM/H
(55 MPH)

This message will be displayed
along with other messages. These
messages include EXHAUST FLUID
EMPTY REFILL NOW, EXHAUST
FLUID QUALITY POOR, SERVICE
EMISSION SYSTEM, or SERVICE
EXHAUST FLUID SYSTEM. When
this message is displayed, the
vehicle speed is being limited to
88 km/h (55 mph).

SPEED LIMITED TO
7 KM/H (4 MPH)

This message will be displayed
along with other messages. These
messages include EXHAUST FLUID
EMPTY REFILL NOW, EXHAUST
FLUID QUALITY POOR,
or SERVICE EXHAUST FLUID
SYSTEM. When this message is
displayed, the vehicle speed is
being limited to 7 km/h (4 mph).

Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-

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26 Instruments and Controls

Vehicle Personalization

Use the audio system controls to
access the personalization menus
for customizing vehicle features.

The following features may be
available on some vehicles with a
diesel engine. See “Vehicle
Personalization” in the owner
manual for additional vehicle
personalizations.

System Controls

1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN
without the engine running and
place the vehicle in P (Park).

To avoid excessive drain on
the battery, turn the
headlamps off.

2. Press the MENU knob on the
radio.

3. Turn the MENU knob to scroll
to SETTINGS, then press the
MENU knob.

4. Turn the MENU knob to scroll
to Vehicle, then press the
MENU knob.

5. Turn the MENU knob to scroll
to the desired menu, then
press the MENU knob.

If equipped, these features may be
selected using the infotainment
display.

Vehicle

Select and the following may
display:

.

Climate and Air Quality

.

Power Take-Off (PTO)

Climate and Air Quality

Select and the following may
display:

.

Elevated Idle

Elevated Idle

This allows the feature to be turned
on and off. See “Elevated Idle” in
Starting the Diesel Engine 0 28.

Select Off or On.

Power Take-Off (PTO) (If
Equipped)

There may be additional features
that can be customized for the PTO.
See Power Take-Off (PTO) 0 69.
See your dealer to enable these
features.

Feature Settings Menu Items

Press the MENU knob to select the
desired setting.

.

Standby Speed

.

Set 1 Speed

.

Set 2 Speed

.

Tap Step Speed

.

Shutdown Time

Turn the MENU knob to scroll to
one of the following menu
selections:

PTO STANDBY SPEED

This feature allows for modifying the
PTO Standby Speed.

Turn the MENU knob to the desired
setting. Press the MENU knob to
select the desired setting.

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Instruments and Controls 27

PTO SET 1 SPEED

This feature is available if the
vehicle is configured for Stationary
Preset PTO, and allows the
selection of the PTO set 1 speed.

Turn the MENU knob to the desired
PTO Standby Set 1 setting. Press
the MENU knob to select the
desired setting.

PTO SET 2 SPEED

This feature is available if the
vehicle is configured for Stationary
Preset PTO, and allows the
selection of the PTO set 2 speed.

Turn the MENU knob to the desired
PTO Standby Set 2 setting. Press
the MENU knob to select the
desired setting.

PTO TAP STEP SPEED

This feature is available if the
vehicle is configured for Stationary
Variable or Mobile PTO, and allows
the selection of the PTO tap step
speed.

Turn the MENU knob to the desired
PTO Tap Step Speed setting. Press
the MENU knob to select the
desired setting.

PTO SHUTDOWN TIME

This feature is available if the
vehicle is configured for Stationary
Preset or Stationary Variable PTO,
and allows the selection of the PTO
shutdown time.

Turn the MENU knob to the desired
PTO Shutdown Time setting. Press
the MENU knob to select the
desired setting.

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28 Driving and Operating

Driving and Operating

Starting and Operating

Starting the Diesel Engine . . . . . 28

Winter Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Fuel Operated Heater (FOH)

(Van Models Only) . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Parking over Things

That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Fuel Filter Replacement . . . . . . . 57

Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Filling a Portable Fuel

Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Trailer Towing

Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Conversions and Add-Ons

Power Take-Off (PTO) . . . . . . . . . 69

Diesel Particulate Filter

Diesel Particulate Filter . . . . . . . . 38

Diesel Exhaust Fluid

Diesel Exhaust Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Brakes

Exhaust Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Fuel

Fuel for Diesel Engines . . . . . . . . 48

What Fuel to Use in

the U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

What Fuel to Use in Canada . . . 49

Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Cold Weather Operation . . . . . . . 52

Water in Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Running Out of Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Starting and
Operating

Starting the Diesel Engine

The diesel engine starts differently
than a gasoline engine.

Caution

If the steering wheel is turned
until it reaches the end of its
travel, and is held in that position
while starting the vehicle, damage
may occur to the hydraulic power
steering system and there may be
loss of power steering assist.

Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the engine
when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.

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Driving and Operating 29

Caution

Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.

Starting the Engine

1. Turn the ignition key to
ON/RUN.

Observe the wait-to-start light.
See Wait-to-Start Light 0 20.
This light may not come on if
the engine is warm.

2. If the wait-to-start light is on,
wait until this light goes off.
Turn the ignition key to START,
then release the ignition key.
The engine will continue to
crank until the engine starts.

The engine has a fast warm-up
glow plug system. The
wait-to-start light will illuminate
for a much shorter time than

most diesel engines, due to the
rapid heating of the glow plug
system.

Caution

If the wait-to-start light stays on
after starting the vehicle, the
vehicle may not run properly.
Have the vehicle serviced
right away.

3. If the engine does not start
after 15 seconds of cranking,
turn the ignition switch to
LOCK/OFF. Wait one minute
for the cranking motor to cool,
then try the same steps again.

If you are trying to start the engine
after you have run out of fuel, follow
the steps in Running Out of Fuel
0 56.

When the engine is cold, let it run
for a few minutes before driving.
This lets oil pressure build up. The
engine will sound louder when it
is cold.

For turbo protection, engine power
at speeds above idle may be limited
if the engine is cold. This protection
can last up to a maximum of
40 seconds at extreme cold coolant
and ambient temperatures.

Cold Weather Starting

Use the recommended engine oil
when the outside temperature drops
below freezing. See Engine Oil 0 93
. When the outside temperature
drops below –18 °C (0 °F), use of
the engine coolant heater is
recommended.

If you experience longer cranking
times, notice an unusual amount of
exhaust smoke, or are at higher
elevations (over 2 135 m or 7,000 ft),
you may use the engine coolant
heater. See Engine Heater 0 35.

See Fuel for Diesel Engines 0 48 for
information on what fuel to use in
cold weather.