CHEVROLET DURAMAX 2006 Owner's Manual

Water in Fuel Warning Light
(Van Models Only)
The light will come on to
warn you if there is water
in the diesel fuel system.
For more information on how this light works, seeDiesel
Fuel Requirements and Fuel System on page 5-2.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Pickup Models Only)
The Driver Information Center (DIC) is located on the
instrument panel cluster above the steering wheel. The
DIC comes on when the ignition is on. After a short delay
the DIC will display the current driver and the information
that was last displayed before the engine was last
turned off.
If a problem is detected, a warning message will appear
on the display. Pressing the select button on the DIC
steering wheel buttons, or the trip odometer reset stem
for vehicles without DIC steering wheel buttons, will
acknowledge some current warning or service messages.Some messages that your DURAMAX
®diesel may
show are:
ELEVATED IDLE OFF
This message will appear when the elevated
idle/exhaust restrictor feature has been turned off. For
more information on the elevated idle/exhaust restrictor
feature, seeStarting the Diesel Engine on page 2-2.
ELEVATED IDLE ON
This message will appear when the elevated
idle/exhaust restrictor feature has been turned on. For
more information on the elevated idle/exhaust restrictor
feature, seeStarting the Diesel Engine on page 2-2.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
A computer monitors the operation of the electric
accelerator. If the REDUCED ENGINE POWER
message comes on while you are driving, the computer
is indicating that your vehicle has a problem. You
should take your vehicle in for service soon.
WATER IN FUEL
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, seeDiesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel
System on page 5-2.
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FUEL FILTER LIFE ###%
This feature is available on vehicles with steering wheel
controls. When the fuel button is pressed and FUEL
FILTER LIFE appears on the display, this information
will give the percentage of fuel filter life remaining.
FUEL FILTER LIFE RESET
This message will appear when a reset is performed
either by using the steering wheel controls or the
following manual procedure.
For vehicles with steering wheel controls, press and
hold the select button for five seconds while the
FUEL FILTER LIFE message is displayed. This
message will appear on the DIC for ten seconds.For vehicles without steering wheel controls, do the
following:
1. Without pressing the pedals, turn the ignition key to
the on position without starting the engine.
2. Wait five seconds.
3. Completely press the brake and the accelerator
pedals simultaneously and hold for ten seconds.
The system is now reset.
4. Turn the ignition key off.
The next time the engine is started, the message will
no longer be displayed. Always reset the FUEL FILTER
LIFE system after a fuel filter change.
CHANGE FUEL FILTER
This message will appear on the DIC for ten seconds
when a fuel filter change is required. SeeFuel Filter
Replacement on page 5-12for more information.
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Towing............................................................4-2
Towing a Trailer.............................................4-2
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
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Towing
Towing a Trailer
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following:
Engine coolant will boil at a lower temperature than sea
level. If you turn your engine off immediately after towing
at high altitude on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may
show signs similar to engine overheating.To avoid this, let the engine run while parked (preferably
on level ground) with automatic transmission equipped
vehicles in PARK (P) or manual transmission equipped
vehicles in NEUTRAL with the park brake applied for at
least five minutes before turning the engine off. If you do
get the overheat warning, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-39.
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Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System.......5-2
Diesel Engine Fuel.........................................5-2
What Fuel to Use...........................................5-3
Very Cold Weather Operation...........................5-5
Water in Fuel.................................................5-5
Water in Fuel Light Chart................................5-6
Running Out of Fuel.....................................5-11
Fuel Filter Replacement.................................5-12
Filling the Tank............................................5-15
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-17Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-18
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-18
Engine Oil...................................................5-21
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-24
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-25
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-29
Engine Coolant.............................................5-34
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-39
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-39
Engine Overheating.......................................5-39
Cooling System............................................5-41
Capacities and Specications..........................5-50
Specification Charts......................................5-50
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
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Diesel Fuel Requirements and
Fuel System
Some states and provinces have restrictions on the
purchase of diesel fuel for light-duty vehicles and require
you to buy permits or pay special taxes. Some of these
restrictions apply only to residents, and others apply
to both residents and visitors. These restrictions can
change. To learn the current restrictions in any state
or province, contact your auto club, the police or other
officials.
Diesel Engine Fuel
Notice:Diesel fuel or fuel additives not
recommended in this manual could damage your
fuel system, fuel-operated heater (FOH) (Van models
only) and engine. Your warranty would not cover
this damage. And:
Diesel fuel that has been mixed with engine oil
or automatic transmission uid could damage
your engine and emission controls.
Aftermarket diesel fuel additives are not tested
by General Motors. Some additives, particularly
those which contain alcohol or water emulsiers,
may damage your fuel system. If you believe that
unique circumstances call for a fuel additive to
be used, consult your dealer for advice.
If you ever run out of diesel fuel, it can be difficult
to restart your engine. To avoid all this, never let
your tank get empty.
If gasoline is ever accidentally added to the fuel
tank, to avoid severe engine damage, do not run
the engine until the fuel tank can be drained.
If you run out of fuel,Running Out of Fuel on page 5-11
tells you how to restart your engine.
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What Fuel to Use
In the United States, for best results use No. 2-D diesel
fuel year-round (above and below freezing conditions)
as oil companies blend No. 2-D fuel to address climate
differences. No. 1-D diesel fuel may be used in very
cold temperatures (when it stays below 0°F or−18°C);
however, it will produce a power and fuel economy loss.
Avoid the use of No. 1-D diesel fuel in warm or hot
climates. It may result in stalling, poor starting when the
engine is hot, and may damage the fuel injection system.
At a minimum, the diesel fuel you use should meet the
latest version of ASTM specification D 975 (Grade Low
Sulfur) in the United States. In addition, the Engine
Manufacturers Association (EMA) has identified
properties of an improved diesel fuel for better engine
performance and durability. Diesel fuels corresponding to
the EMA Recommended Guideline on Premium Diesel
Fuel (FQP-1A) could provide better starting, less noise,
and better vehicle performance. If there are questions
about the fuel you are using, contact your fuel supplier.It is acceptable to use diesel fuel containing up to 5%
biodiesel (B5), but the final blended fuel must meet the
same specification, ASTM D 975 (Grade Low Sulfur),
as other fuels used in your vehicle, and the biodiesel
used for making this fuel must meet the latest version of
ASTM specification D 6751. Biodiesel is produced from
vegetable oils or animal fat that have been chemically
modified to reduce the possibility of damage to your fuel
system and engine. Higher concentration (i.e., greater
than B5) biodiesel-containing fuels or the use of
unmodified bio-oils blended into diesel fuel at any
concentration is not recommended and could damage
your fuel system and engine. Such damage would not be
covered by your warranty. If there are questions about
the biodiesel-containing fuels you are using, contact your
fuel supplier.
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Diesel fuel may foam when you fill your tank. This can
cause the automatic pump nozzle to shut off, even
though your tank is not full. If this happens, just wait for
the foaming to stop and then continue to fill your tank.
{CAUTION:
Heat coming from the engine may cause the fuel
to expand and force the fuel out of your tank. If
something ignites the fuel, a re could start and
people could be burned. To help avoid this, ll
your fuel tank only until the automatic nozzle
shuts off. Do not try to top it off.
What Fuel to Use in Canada
Canadian fuels are blended for seasonal changes. Diesel
Type “A” fuel is blended for better cold weather starting
(below 0°F or−18°C); however, you may notice some
power and fuel economy loss. If Type “A” fuel is used in
warmer temperatures, stalling and hard starting may
occur. Diesel Type “B” fuel is blended for temperatures
above 0°F (−18°C). The emission control system requires
the use of diesel fuel with low-sulfur (.05% by weight)
content. Both low- and higher-sulfur fuels will be available
in Canada. Only low-sulfur diesel fuels are available in
the United States. It is important that diesel-powered
trucks are refueled only with low-sulfur fuel. Use of
fuels with higher-sulfur content will affect the function
of the emission components and may cause reduced
performance, excessive smoke, and unpleasant odor.
At a minimum, the diesel fuel you use should meet
the latest version of specification CAN/CGSB-3.517
(Low Sulfur Diesel) in Canada. In addition, the Engine
Manufacturers Association (EMA) has identified
properties of an improved diesel fuel for better engine
performance and durability (FQP-1A). Diesel fuels
corresponding to the EMA description could provide
better starting, less noise, and better vehicle
performance. If there are questions about the
fuel you are using, contact your fuel supplier.
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It is acceptable to use diesel fuel containing up to 5%
biodiesel (B5), but the final blended fuel must meet the
same specification, CAN/CGSB-3.517 (Low Sulfur
Diesel) in Canada, as other fuels used in your vehicle,
and the biodiesel used for making this fuel must meet the
latest version of ASTM specification D 6751. Biodiesel is
produced from vegetable oils or animal fat that have been
chemically modified to reduce the possibility of damage
to your fuel system and engine. Higher concentration
(i.e., greater than B5) biodiesel-containing fuels or the
use of unmodified bio-oils blended into diesel fuel at any
concentration is not recommended and could damage
your fuel system and engine. Such damage would not be
covered by your warranty. If there are questions about
the biodiesel-containing fuels you are using, contact your
fuel supplier.
Very Cold Weather Operation
Follow the instructions listed previously under the
heading “What Fuel to Use.”
Notice:Never use home heating oil or gasoline in
your diesel engine. They can cause engine damage.
In cold weather, your fuel filter may become clogged
(waxed). To unclog it, move the vehicle to a warm garage
area and warm the filter to between 32°F and 50°F
(0°C to 10°C). You will not need to replace it. Additional
information on the fuel filter follows.
Water in Fuel
{CAUTION:
Diesel fuel containing water is still ammable.
You could be burned. If you ever try to drain
water from your fuel, keep sparks, ames and
smoking materials away from the mixture.
Notice:If there is water in your diesel fuel and the
weather is warm or humid, fungus and bacteria can
grow in the fuel. They can damage your fuel system
and fuel operated heater (FOH) (if equipped). A diesel
fuel biocide can be used to sterilize your fuel system.
However, your fuel system may still need to be
cleaned. Your dealer can advise you of the
appropriate solution.
If your fuel tank needs to be purged to remove
water, see your dealer or a qualied technician.
Improper purging can damage your fuel system
and block your FOH.
Sometimes, water can be pumped into your fuel tank
along with your diesel fuel. This can happen if a service
station doesn’t regularly inspect and clean its fuel tanks,
or if it gets contaminated fuel from its suppliers.
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If you have a pickup model and this happens, a WATER
IN FUEL message will appear on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). The water must be drained.
If you have a van model
and this happens, this
water in fuel warning
light will appear on the
instrument panel cluster.
The water must be drained from both chassis mounted
fuel filters. Your dealer can show you how to do this.Water in Fuel Light Chart
If the WATER IN FUEL DIC message or water in fuel
warning light comes on, use this chart.
Water In Fuel Light/Message Chart
Problem Recommended Action
Light/Message comes on
intermittently.Drain water from fuel
filter.
Light/Message stays on:
•At temperatures
above freezing.Drain fuel filter
immediately. If no water
can be drained and light
stays on, see your dealer
for assistance.
•At temperatures
below freezing.Drain fuel filter
immediately. If no water
can be drained — water
may be frozen in water
drain system. Water may
be frozen in the fuel lines.
Move the vehicle to a
warm location to thaw
out, and then drain filter
system.
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