engine oil CHEVROLET LOW CAB FORWARD 2020 User Guide
Page 140 of 374
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500 HD/XD/5500 HD/XD
Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-13337621) - 2020 - crc - 12/5/18
Driving and Operating 139
{Warning
To reduce the risk of personal
injury, before going down a steep
or long grade, reduce speed, turn
on the exhaust brake and shift the
transmission to the next lower
gear. This will help control your
speed. Do not hold the brake
pedal down too long or too often
while going down a steep or long
grade. This could cause the
brakes to get hot and not to work
as well. As a result, the truck will
not slow down at the usual rate.
Failure to take these steps could
result in loss of vehicle control.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
Brake Effectiveness When the
Vehicle Has Been Driven on a
Flooded Road or Washed
{Warning
When the vehicle is driven on a
flooded road, parked on a flooded
road or washed, water can get
into the brakes and reduce their
effectiveness. If the brakes do not
work well afterward, drive slowly
and gently press the brake pedal
several times until the brakes dry
out and start working normally.
Always do this after driving
through water or washing the
vehicle to help reduce the risk of
personal injury. Before parking
the vehicle in winter, press the
brake pedal several times in the
same way to get rid of moisture in
the brakes. Otherwise, the
moisture in the brakes may freeze
and make the vehicle immovable.
You and others could be seriously
injured.If the vehicle must be driven on a
flooded road or is parked in an area
that becomes flooded, promptly
perform a check for the following
points:
.
Effectiveness of the brakes
. Water-ingress or damage to
drum brakes, disc brakes
. Engine damage due to
water-ingress
. Shorting of electrical
components
. Oil level and degradation
(cloudiness) of the engine,
transmission, differential
. Greasing of each components
(lubrication)
Page 141 of 374
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500 HD/XD/5500 HD/XD
Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-13337621) - 2020 - crc - 12/5/18
140 Driving and Operating
Steering
Do Not Leave the Steering
Wheel Fully Turned for a
Long Time
{Warning
If you leave the steering wheel
fully turned for a long time, the oil
in the power steering oil pump will
become extremely hot. This
would cause poor lubrication, oil
tank damage and seal
deterioration, leading to power
steering oil pump damage, power
steering unit damage and power
steering hose damage. As a
result the steering wheel could
become extremely hard to turn
and a fire or a crash could occur.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
Steering Wheel
If the steering parts have excess
play or looseness or if any abnormal
condition is noted, have the steering
system checked immediately.
Driving on Wet Roads
Driving on Slippery Surface or
Driving in Bad Weather (Rain,
Icy Roads, Snowy Roads, etc.)
In bad weather, visibility is reduced
and slippery road surfaces increase
stopping distances. Drive more
slowly than you would in good
weather. Also, avoid sharp turns of
the steering wheel and hard
braking. Use engine brakes together
with the foot brakes to decelerate.
Using the exhaust brake on a
slippery road surface could cause
the tires to slip.
You may not realize the surface is
slippery until the vehicle is skidding.
Learn to recognize warning clues—
such as enough water or ice on theroad to make a "mirrored surface"—
and slow down when there is any
doubt.
There is a risk of hydroplaning,
particularly where water tends to
collect on the road surface. Drive at
speeds that allow you to stay in
complete control.
If you cannot avoid driving on a
flooded road, first check the depth
of the water and then drive through
the water at a slow, constant speed.
There is a risk that water will get
into the engine's cylinders and
cause engine damage (water
hammering). Keep your speed
down, and drive with great care.
Hydroplaning :
If a vehicle is driven
at high speed on a road that is
covered with water, a layer of water
can form between the tires and road
surface, causing the tires to lose
their grip and slide across the water.
This phenomenon is called
hydroplaning. It is dangerous
because it makes the steering
wheel and brakes useless.
Refer to Wheels and Tires 0285.
Page 143 of 374
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500 HD/XD/5500 HD/XD
Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-13337621) - 2020 - crc - 12/5/18
142 Driving and Operating
Overrunning :An engine overrun is
an engine-speed increase that
causes the tachometer needle to
enter the red zone. It is dangerous
because it can cause engine failure.
Winter Driving
Recommendations for Driving
in Cold Regions
The following recommendations
apply to snowbound regions and to
mountainous regions, ski resorts
and other areas of extreme cold
and/or snowfall. Please follow them
also for reference in winter in other
regions.
For the sake of your vehicle, make
the winter preparations described in
the links below. Also have these
preparations made before driving to
a cold region.
See Engine Oil 0235.
See Engine Coolant 0243.
See Washer Fluid 0252.
See Battery - North America 0259.
When Ice Prevents You from
Putting Your Key in the Door
or Opening the Door
If you try to force the key into the
door, you could bend it. And if you
try to pull the door open with undue
force, the rubber seal around the
door could come unstuck or become
damaged. Use warm water to melt
the ice, then quickly wipe it away
and open the door.
If the wipers, electric door mirrors,
or power windows freeze up, also
use warm water to melt the ice and
then operate the system. Otherwise,
you could damage the mechanism
and drain the battery. After that,
wipe the water away.
Before Driving in Cold Regions
Getting In and Out of the Vehicle
The step can get icy in cold regions.
Be careful not to slip when getting in
and out of the vehicle. Before Sitting in the Driver
’s Seat
Remove snow and ice from your
shoes when getting into the vehicle.
If you try to drive with snow on your
shoes, your shoes would slip on the
pedals and you would not be able to
press the pedals properly, meaning
that your driving would be
inconsistent. Also, the cabin could
become more humid, causing the
glass to fog up.
Check Fuel Level
Fuel consumption increases when
tire chains are used. Determine how
much fuel you need to reach your
destination and fill up the tank in
advance. Refer to Fuel for Diesel
Engines 0218.
Removing Snow from Glass
and Underbody
Do not use a sharp implement to
remove snow. Sharp edges could
damage rubber parts.
To maintain an adequate field of
view, use a plastic scraper to
remove snow and frost from the
glass surfaces. By using a plastic
Page 147 of 374
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500 HD/XD/5500 HD/XD
Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-13337621) - 2020 - crc - 12/5/18
146 Driving and Operating
SymptomCauseCorrective Action Reference
Engine does not
start Starter does not
turn over, or weak Discharged batteries Recharge or replace
See
Battery - North
America 0259
Battery terminals
detached, loose,
or corroded After repairing corroded
section, connect the
terminals firmly
-
Starter ground wire
terminal detached,
loose, or corroded After repairing corroded
section, connect the
terminals firmly
-
Engine oil viscosity
too high Change to an oil with
proper viscositySee
Engine Oil
0 235
Starter or electrical
system is faulty
4-
Page 149 of 374
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500 HD/XD/5500 HD/XD
Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-13337621) - 2020 - crc - 12/5/18
148 Driving and Operating
SymptomCauseCorrective Action Reference
Unsteady engine speed There is water or air in
the fuel system
Drain water from fuel
filter or bleed the systemSee
Running Out
of Fuel 0224 or
Water in Fuel
0 221
Fuel system is faulty
4-
White exhaust smoke Engine not sufficiently
warming up
Allow the engine to
warm up
-
Too much engine oil Correct the oil level See
Engine Oil
0 235
Engine Control system
faulty
4-
Fuel system faulty
4-
Exhaust injector
4-
Continuous idling for a
long period (more than
two hours) With the vehicle
stationary in a place
where it will not obstruct
traffic, hold down the
accelerator pedal and
check that white smoke
is not emitted
-
Page 151 of 374
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500 HD/XD/5500 HD/XD
Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-13337621) - 2020 - crc - 12/5/18
150 Driving and Operating
SymptomCauseCorrective Action Reference
Engine is overheating No engine coolant Add engine coolant
See
Engine
Coolant 0243
Front of radiator is
clogged with dirt Wash clean with tap
waterSee
Exterior Care
0 307
Radiator cap not
sufficiently tightened Make sure it is firmly
tightened or replace the
radiator cap
-
Fan belt loose Adjust the tension or
replace the beltSee
Engine Drive
Belt Routing 0355
Engine coolant dirty
4-
Fan clutch is faulty
4-
Radiator cap dirty or
faulty Clean or replace -
Oil pressure is low Improper engine oil
viscosity
Change to an oil with
proper viscositySee
Engine Oil
0 235
Engine oil level too low Add engine oil See
Engine Oil
0 235
Engine inner
components are faulty
4-
Meter, indicator/warning
lights or switches faulty
4-
Page 155 of 374
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500 HD/XD/5500 HD/XD
Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-13337621) - 2020 - crc - 12/5/18
154 Driving and Operating
SymptomCauseCorrective Action Reference
Loud or abnormal
noises From the
transmission
Insufficient
transmission oil
Add oilSee
Automatic
Transmission Fluid
0 241
Transmission inner
components faulty
4-
From differential Insufficient differential
gear oil
Add oilSee
Rear Axle
(Gear Oil Viscosity
Chart) 0261 or
Rear Axle (Oil
Level Check) 0262
Differential inner
components faulty
4-
From the
suspension Spring pins, shackles,
or stoppers worn
4-
From the driveshaft Poor lubrication in each
component
Lubricate themSee
Owner Checks
and Services 0330
Splines or bearings worn
4-
Page 161 of 374
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500 HD/XD/5500 HD/XD
Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-13337621) - 2020 - crc - 12/5/18
160 Driving and Operating
Starting the Engine
Do not keep the engine control
switch in the START position for
more than about 10 seconds.
Operating the starter for too long
might cause starter and battery
failure or may result in overheating.
When the engine does not start,
wait for 20 to 30 seconds and then
turn the engine control switch again.
Before starting the engine sit in the
driver seat, check that the parking
brake is firmly engaged, the selector
lever is in the P or N (P is preferred)
position and the shift indicator also
shows P or N, and firmly press the
brake pedal to start the engine.
When stopped on a slope, start the
engine with the selector lever in the
P position. SeeIgnition Positions
0 157.
1. Make sure that the selector lever is in the P or N position
and firmly press the brake
pedal.
2. When the engine control switch
is turned to the ON position,
the wait-to-start light comes on
and it goes out in about
1 second when the engine is
warm, to about 10 seconds
when the engine is cold.
3. After confirming that the wait-to-start light has gone out,
turn the engine control switch
to the START position to start
the engine. Release the engine
control switch as soon as the
engine starts.
4. Do not crank the engine for more than 10 seconds at a
time. If the engine does not
start, wait 20 to 30 seconds
with the engine control switch
in the LOCK or ACC position
before trying to start again. It is normal for the vacuum warning
buzzer to sound for a few seconds
after the engine has started.
After the engine has started, check
to be sure the selector lever is still
in the P position.
This engine has an automatic
warm-up system that increases
engine idle speed and applies the
exhaust brake. Allow sufficient time
to let the engine circulate lubricant
oil before driving. This usually
requires 30 seconds to 2 minutes
depending on ambient conditions.
See
Brake System Warning Light
(Parking Brake Light) 062.
The turbocharged engine should be
started in a way which ensures the
bearings supporting the rotating
parts of the turbocharger are
sufficiently lubricated. Do not race a
cold engine.
At low ambient temperatures, a cold
engine may emit more smoke than
usual.
Do not drive the truck until the
engine has had sufficient time to
circulate the lubricant oil. This
Page 162 of 374
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500 HD/XD/5500 HD/XD
Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-13337621) - 2020 - crc - 12/5/18
Driving and Operating 161
usually requires 30 seconds to
2 minutes depending on ambient
conditions. This will help reduce
white start-up smoke.
Preheating :Diesel engines are
compression ignited, which makes
them difficult to start when they are
cold because the compression
alone cannot create a temperature
high enough for fuel to ignite.
Preheating means warming the
compressed air inside the
combustion chambers to facilitate
engine starting. Be sure to start the
engine after the wait-to-start light
has gone out.
Start : Do not press the accelerator
pedal at the engine start. The
accelerator opening degree at the
engine start is electronically
controlled.
Warm-up : Do not race the engine
to speed warm-up. Cold Weather Starting
If you plan ahead for cold weather,
starting and driving your vehicle
should be no problem. The following
tips will help ensure good starting in
cold weather.
Oil gets thicker as it gets colder,
which slows down the engine
cranking speed. The diesel engine
functions by the heat of
compression (and glow plugs when
cold), rather than through the use of
spark plugs as in a gasoline engine.
So, your engine must crank faster
than a gasoline engine before it will
start.
To be sure the engine can turn fast
enough to start, use SAE 10W-40
viscosity engine oil when prevailing
temperatures drop below 0 °C
(32 °F). See the oil quality and oil
viscosity recommendations. Using
the proper viscosity oil will make
starting easier down to -23 °C
(-10 °F). When prevailing
temperatures drop below -23 °C
(-10 °F), the engine block heater
may be needed for starting. See
Engine Heater
0163. Maintenance Items to Aid Cold
Weather Starting
Since the basic principle of diesel
engine ignition is based on
compression, the diesel engine is
somewhat harder to start than a
gasoline engine when the
temperature is below freezing.
To help prevent hard starting
problems, special attention should
be given to following normal
maintenance items:
1. Neglecting to have the fuel filter and water separator
serviced can be one of the
major contributors to hard
starting. If water is permitted to
accumulate in the primary filter,
it will freeze and make starting
the engine impossible.
2. Make sure the fuel tank vent is open.
3. Always refuel at the end of a day's operation. Moisture will
condense in an empty tank;
therefore, the tank should be
Page 163 of 374
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500 HD/XD/5500 HD/XD
Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-13337621) - 2020 - crc - 12/5/18
162 Driving and Operating
filled before leaving the vehicle
standing for an extended
period.
Do not use starting aids in the air
intake system. Such aids can cause
immediate engine damage. See
Fuel for Diesel Engines 0218.
Stopping the Engine
When stopping the engine, take the
following steps: 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Move the selector lever to the P position and make sure that
the shift indicator shows P.
4. Allow the engine to idle for approximately 3 minutes.
5. Turn the engine control switch to the ACC or LOCK position.
Do not shut down the engine
immediately after driving the vehicle.
Otherwise, a seizure or other
failures may result. To prevent the battery from going
dead, turn the engine control switch
to the ACC or LOCK position after
stopping the engine. If you leave the
vehicle for an extended period of
time, place the engine control switch
in the LOCK position.
Let the engine idle for 3 minutes
before shutting off the engine. This
allows the turbocharger to slow
down while keeping the bearings
lubricated.
If the Vehicle Has Not Been Used
for a Long Period
If a diesel vehicle has been
standing for an extended period of
time, the turbocharger bearings
should be pre-lubricated prior to
starting. See your authorized dealer
for more detailed information.
Before using a vehicle that has not
been driven for a long period, check
the engine and transmission for oil
leakage, and make sure the oil is at
the required levels. If there is
insufficient oil, it will not adequately
reach and lubricate components,
and a breakdown will result.Start the engine and allow it to idle
for at least five minutes. Check for
abnormal noises.
For instructions on warming up the
engine, refer to
“Starting the Engine”
previously in this section.
If one year has passed since the
diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in the
DEF tank was added, the DEF in
the tank should be replaced. Be
careful not to inhale the ammonia
odor when replacing the DEF. Also,
please contact your nearest dealer
about the replacement work.
Operating Temperature
Recommendations for Warming
Up the Engine
The engine is sufficiently warmed
up when the needle of the engine
coolant temperature gauge starts
to move.
Do not race the engine or quickly
accelerate before the engine has
sufficiently warmed up. Oil would
not have adequately reached and
lubricated components, and a
breakdown may result.