Gmc Duramax 2018 User Manual
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . . 9
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . . 24
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 120
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 3/23/18
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’s 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’s
manual. This manual, along with
your owner’s 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
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 23380346 C Third Printing
©
2018 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
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’s
manual to learn about the vehicle's
features and controls.
Index
A good place to look for what you
need is the Index in the 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
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
4 Introduction
2 NOTES
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
In Brief
Initial Drive Information
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Performance and Maintenance
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . 6
Diesel Particulate Filter . . . . . . . . . . 6
Diesel Exhaust Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Initial Drive
Information
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.
In Brief 5
For areas where ambient
temperatures are below −40 °C
(−40 °F), use synthetic transmission
fluid approved to Allison
Transmission specification TES-295.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0 126 and Automatic
Transmission Fluid 0 95.
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.
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
6 In Brief
Heater Performance Mode
(8-Cylinder Pickup Models Only)
When cold weather conditions are
detected, the transmission raises
part throttle upshift points after the
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’s 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.
Cleaning occurs most effectively
above 50 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 34.
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
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.
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 34.
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 Brief 7
In addition:
.
Use the correct engine oil.
.
Do not add gasoline to
diesel fuel.
.
Do not modify the induction or
exhaust systems.
See Fuel for Diesel Engines 0 45
and Engine Oil 0 91.
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 37. DEF should not
be mixed with or added to diesel
fuel. DEF freezes when exposed to
temperatures below −11 °C (12 ° F).
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
8 In Brief
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
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 0 126.
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 37.
®
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
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
Information Displays
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization (Pickup
Models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Vehicle Personalization (Van
Models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Instruments and Controls 9
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
10 Instruments and Controls
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Instrument Cluster
English Base Level 4-Cylinder Pickup Shown, Metric Similar
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
Instruments and Controls 11
English Uplevel 4-Cylinder Pickup Shown, Metric Similar
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
12 Instruments and Controls
English Base Level 8-Cylinder Pickup Shown, Metric Similar
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
Instruments and Controls 13
English Uplevel 8-Cylinder Pickup Shown, Metric Similar
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
14 Instruments and Controls
English 8-Cylinder Denali Pickup Shown, Metric Similar
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
English Van Shown, Metric Similar
Instruments and Controls 15
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
16 Instruments and Controls
See the owner ’s manual for warning
lights and gauges not listed in this
supplement.
Fuel Gauge
English Base Level 4-Cylinder
Pickup Shown, Uplevel Similar
Metric Base Level 4-Cylinder
Pickup Shown, Uplevel Similar
Metric 8-Cylinder Pickup Models
English 8-Cylinder Pickup Models
Metric Van Models
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
.
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 56.
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
4-Cylinder Pickup Models
See “Oil Pressure” under “Driver
Information Center (DIC)” in the
owner’s manual.
Instruments and Controls 17
Metric 8-Cylinder Pickup Models
English 8-Cylinder Pickup Models
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
18 Instruments and Controls
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
Metric Van Models
English Van Models
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
is working when the ignition is on
with the engine not running. See
“Ignition Positions” in the owner’s
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 37.
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
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
lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
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 84.
When the light is on, a malfunction
has been detected. Diagnosis and
service may be required.
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 45.
Caution
Instruments and Controls 19
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
Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect
vehicle operation. See “Add-On
Electrical Equipment” in the owner’s
manual. See your dealer if
assistance is needed.
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
20 Instruments and Controls
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 on 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 24.
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.
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 37.
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
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 66.
A Duramax 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 37.
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.
Instruments and Controls 21
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.
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
22 Instruments and Controls
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization (Pickup Models)
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’s
manual for additional vehicle
personalizations.
System Controls
1. Turn the ignition on 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 24.
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 66.
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:
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
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.
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.
Vehicle Personalization (Van Models)
This vehicle may have
customization capabilities that allow
you to program certain features to
one preferred setting. Customization
Instruments and Controls 23
features can only be programmed to
one setting on the vehicle and
cannot be programmed to a
preferred setting for two different
drivers.
A Duramax diesel vehicle may have
the following additional vehicle
personalization items:
Feature Settings Menu Items
The following are customization
features that allow you to program
settings to the vehicle:
ELEVATED IDLE
This feature allows you to turn on or
off Elevated Idle.
U until ELEVATED IDLE
Press
appears on the DIC display.
Press
V once to access the settings
for this feature. Then press
scroll through OFF, ON, or NO
CHANGE. To select a setting, press
U to
V while the desired setting is
displayed on the DIC.
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
24 Driving and Operating
Driving and Operating
Starting and Operating
Starting the Diesel Engine . . . . . 24
Winter Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Fuel Operated Heater (FOH)
(Van Models Only) . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Diesel Particulate Filter
Diesel Particulate Filter . . . . . . . . 34
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Diesel Exhaust Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Brakes
Exhaust Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Fuel
Fuel for Diesel Engines . . . . . . . . 45
What Fuel to Use in
the U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
What Fuel to Use in Canada . . . 47
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Cold Weather Operation . . . . . . . 49
Water in Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Running Out of Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Fuel Filter Replacement . . . . . . . 54
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Trailer Towing
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Conversions and Add-Ons
Power Take-Off (PTO) . . . . . . . . . 66
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.
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
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.
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 53.
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.
Caution
Driving and Operating 25
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 91. 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 31.
See Fuel for Diesel Engines 0 45 for
information on what fuel to use in
cold weather.
If the Diesel Engine Will Not
Start
If the vehicle runs out of fuel, see
Running Out of Fuel 0 53.
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
26 Driving and Operating
If the vehicle is not out of fuel, and
the engine will not start:
Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN.
After the wait-to-start light goes off,
turn the ignition key to START.
If the light does not go off, wait a
few seconds, then try starting the
engine again. See your dealer as
soon as you can for a starting
system check.
If the light comes on and then goes
off and you know the batteries are
charged, but the engine still will not
start, the vehicle needs service.
If the light does not come on when
the engine is cold, the vehicle
needs service.
If the batteries do not have enough
charge to start the engine, see
“Battery” in the owner manual.
Check that the correct engine oil
has been used and changed at
appropriate intervals. If the wrong oil
is used, the engine may be harder
to start.
Be sure you are using the proper
fuel for existing weather conditions.
See Fuel for Diesel Engines 0 45.
If the engine starts, runs a short
time, then stops, the vehicle needs
service.
Warning
{
Do not use gasoline or starting
aids, such as ether, in the air
intake. They could damage the
engine, which may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
They could also cause a fire,
which could cause serious
personal injury.
Engine Idle Variations
Under certain conditions the engine
idle speed can vary or be elevated.
Change in idle speed is normal and
does not indicate a problem. Normal
conditions that can raise idle speed
are low voltage, DPF regeneration,
air conditioning compressor loads,
and engine warmup. These speeds
can range from approximately 600
to 1000 rpm.
Elevated Idle
The engine has a cold temperature
high idle feature which elevates the
engine idle speed from base idle to
1050 to 1100 rpm for pickup models
or 1200 rpm for van models when
outside temperatures are below 0 °C
(32 °F), and the engine coolant
temperature is below 65 °C (150 °F).
This feature enhances heater
performance by raising the engine
coolant temperature faster.
To turn this feature on or off on
pickup models, see Vehicle
Personalization (Pickup Models)
0 22 or Vehicle Personalization (Van
Models) 0 23.
On van models, this feature can be
turned on and off using the DIC
buttons.
When the engine is started, it will
slowly ramp up to the high idle
speed after a delay of a few
seconds up to approximately
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
two minutes. For this method to
work properly there must be no
throttle or brake pedal faults.
The engine idle speed will return to
normal once the following conditions
are met:
.
Engine coolant temperature
reaches 65 °C (150 °F).
.
Air intake temperature reaches
0 °C (32 °F).
The high idle speed will be
temporarily interrupted and the
engine speed will return to normal if
any of the following conditions
occur:
.
The brake pedal is applied.
.
The accelerator pedal is
pressed.
.
The transmission is shifted out
of P (Park) or N (Neutral).
.
Vehicle speed is detected.
Once these inputs are removed, the
engine idle speed will slowly ramp
back up to high idle after the normal
delay, if the conditions for engine
coolant temperature and air intake
temperature are still met.
Fast Idle Control (Vans and
8-Cylinder Pickups Only)
The vehicle may have this system
which can be used to increase the
engine idle speed.
Fast Idle control will be enabled
when the following conditions
are met:
.
The parking brake is set.
.
The transmission is in P (Park)
or N (Neutral).
.
The vehicle speed is about
0 km/h (0 mph).
.
The cruise control Set switch is
pressed and released for Preset
Fast Idle Speed (1200 rpm).
Fast Idle control will be disabled
when one or more of the following
conditions occur:
.
The cruise control Set switch is
pressed and released. See
“Cruise Control” in the owner
manual.
Driving and Operating 27
.
The cruise control Cancel switch
is pressed.
.
The brake pedal is pressed.
.
The transmission is shifted out
of P (Park) or N (Neutral).
.
The parking brake is released.
.
The vehicle speed is not
0 km/h (0 mph).
On vans, when fast idle is active, a
FAST IDLE ON message will be
displayed in the DIC.
Winter Cover
4-Cylinder Pickups
Do not use a winter cover on
4-cylinder pickups.
Vans and 8-Cylinder Pickups Only
If equipped, the winter cover can be
used to enhance heater
performance in extremely cold
conditions below −18 °C (0 °F). The
winter cover installs over the grille
and restricts airflow to the engine
compartment.
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
28 Driving and Operating
For vehicles that did not come with
a winter cover, a GM winter cover
can be purchased. See your dealer
for additional information.
When the winter cover is in use, the
heater, ventilation, and air
conditioning AUTO mode may not
function properly. Use the manual
settings for comfort.
Usage Guidelines
The winter cover should only be
used while operating the vehicle in
extremely cold temperatures or in
heavy snow for extended periods. In
these temperatures, the vehicle
does not need a large amount of air
to properly cool the engine. When
more airflow is required to cool the
vehicle, the winter cover should not
be used. The following usage
guidelines will allow adequate
airflow for proper radiator and air
cooler performance:
.
Do not use the winter cover if
towing a trailer. The vehicle may
overheat if the radiator is
covered while towing.
.
Do not use the winter cover if a
snow plow is mounted on the
truck.
.
Do not cover the opening in the
front bumper.
.
Do not modify the cover. The
winter cover does not cover
some sections of the front of the
vehicle to provide enough
airflow.
.
When the winter cover is used,
the outside air temperature
display may not function
properly.
.
Keep the underside of the winter
cover as clean as possible.
Remove monthly or as
necessary and clean away dust
and debris.
.
Use only a mild soap to clean.
Do not use harsh soap, strong
detergents, or vinyl protectant/
sealant type products as they
may damage the special finish.
Allow the winter cover to dry
completely before reinstalling.
Installation Instructions
When first trying to fit the cover, it
may appear to be undersized but
will stretch during installation to
ensure a tight fit. The initial
installation of the cover is best
performed when the winter cover
is warm.
Chevrolet/GMC Duramax Diesel Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
11354421) - 2018 - CRC - 10/10/17
Installation (Chevrolet Pickup)
1. The white label must be at the
top and back of the cover.
Driving and Operating 29
2. Starting in the middle, attach
fastening points as illustrated.
3. To remove, reverse the steps
listed previously.
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