engine CHEVROLET DURAMAX 2006 Owner's Manual

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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Water In Fuel Light/Message Chart
(cont’d)
Problem Recommended Action
•Immediately after
refueling, large
amount of water
possibly pumped
into fuel tank.Fuel tank purging
required. See your
dealer for assistance.
Notice:If you drive when this warning indicator is
on, you can damage your fuel injection system and
your engine. If the indicator comes on right after you
refuel, it means water was pumped into your fuel
tank. Turn off your engine immediately. Then, have
the water drained at once.
Hard starting, hesitation or flat performance at high speed
or during hard acceleration may be an indication of
premature fuel filter plugging due to dirty or contaminated
fuel. The filter element may need to be changed if this
happens. SeeFuel Filter Replacement on page 5-12.To drain water, do the following:
1. Stop and park the vehicle in a safe place.
Turn off the engine and apply the parking brake.
2. Remove the fuel cap.
3. Place a fuel-resistant container under the fuel
filter(s). For pickup models, the filter drain valve
is located in the engine compartment, on the
passenger’s side of the vehicle, on the bottom of the
fuel filter. For van models, the filter drain valves for
the primary and secondary fuel filters are located in
the chassis (inside frame rail) compartment. They
are on the driver’s side of the vehicle, below the
fuel filters.
4. For pickup models,
open the drain valve
by turning it two to
three turns. When fuel
empties from the valve,
all the water has been
drained. Close the
valve hand tight. To
help remove all the
water, press the priming
pump several times.
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5. For van models, in order to drain the water from the
system, you will have to repeat the operation for the
primary and secondary fuel filters.6. Remove the fuel-resistant container and properly
dispose of the contaminated fuel. To find out how
to properly dispose of contaminated diesel fuel,
see “What to Do With Used Oil” underEngine Oil
on page 5-21.
7. Install the fuel cap.
8. For pickup models, start the engine and let it run for a
few minutes. If the engine stalls, the fuel system may
need to be primed. While draining the water from the
fuel filter, air may enter the fuel system. If air has
entered the fuel system the fuel system will need to
be primed. For van models, start the engine and let it
run for a few minutes.
If the WATER IN FUEL message/warning light comes
on again after driving a short distance or the engine runs
rough or stalls, a large amount of water has probably
been pumped into the fuel tank. The fuel tank should
be purged.
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Fuel Priming
In order for the fuel system to work properly, the fuel lines
must be full of fuel and contain no air. If air gets into the
fuel lines, it will be necessary to prime the fuel lines, to
eliminate air before operating the vehicle.
Q:How does air get into the fuel lines?
A:One of the following may have happened:
•The vehicle ran out of fuel
•The fuel filter was removed for servicing or
replacement
•The fuel lines were removed or disconnected for
servicing
•The fuel filter water drain valve was opened while
the engine was running
If one or more of the above occur, it is very likely that
air has entered your fuel system and that you will need
to prime the fuel system before operating the vehicle.
Air in the fuel lines will not harm the engine or the
vehicle.However, the engine may not be able to start until the
fuel system is primed and the air is removed.
Q:How do I prime the vehicle? (Pickup Models)
A:Your vehicle is equipped with a priming pump which
is part of the engine mounted fuel filter. The priming
pump is hand operated (pickup only) and is designed
to bring fuel to the engine to eliminate any air that
may be in the fuel lines. To prime the engine, do the
following:
1. You must correct the condition which caused the loss
of prime by making sure there is fuel in the tank.
2. Make sure the fuel filter has been installed and
properly tightened.
3. Make sure the fuel lines are properly connected
and the fuel filter is cool enough to touch.
4. Remove any dirt from the fuel filter head and vent
valve by wiping with a cloth.
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5. Open the fuel filter vent
valve by turning the
screw counterclockwise
several full turns. The
vent valve is located
on top of the fuel filter
housing.
6. Repeatedly push down
on the fuel filter priming
pump with the palm of
your hand. The pump
is located on top of the
fuel filter housing. Let
the pump return upward
between pushes.7. Operate the priming pump until a small amount of
fuel seeps from the vent valve. When you see the
fuel, the filter is now full of fuel and the system
should be primed.
8. Close the vent valve. Clean any fuel which
accumulated on the fuel filter. Start the engine and
let idle for a few minutes. Check the filter for leaks.
Q:How do I prime the vehicle? (Van Models)
A:Your vehicle is equipped with an electric priming
pump which is located in front of the fuel tank
under your vehicle. The priming pump is operated
electrically and is designed to bring fuel to the engine
to eliminate any air that may be in the fuel lines.
To prime the engine, do the following:
1. Turn the ignition key on for two minutes. The fuel
pump will be operating and starting the priming
process. Do not start the engine during the first
two minutes.
2. After completing the initial prime in Step 1, turn the
ignition off, then back to start and crank the engine
for 15 seconds.
3. If the engine does not start, repeat Steps 1 and 2
until the engine starts.
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4. If the engine does not run after repeating Steps 1
and 2 three times, turn the ignition key off for
60 seconds, allowing the Electronic Control
Module (ECM) to reset.
5. Repeat the above steps until the engine starts.
6. If the engine runs, but does not run smoothly,
increase the engine speed slightly by pressing
the accelerator pedal. This will help to force
out air through the system.
7. If the engine starts and runs but stalls again, turn the
ignition key off for 60 seconds to reset the ECM and
repeat the steps above.
8. When the engine starts, let it idle for a few minutes
and check the filters for any leaks.Running Out of Fuel
Pickup Models
If the engine stalls and you think that you have run out
of fuel, do this to restart your engine:
{CAUTION:
Diesel fuel is ammable. It could start a re if it
gets on hot engine parts. You could be burned.
Do not let too much fuel ow from the air bleed
valve, and wipe up any spilled fuel with a cloth.
1. If you are parked on a level surface, add at least
two gallons of fuel. However, if you are parked on a
slope, you may need to add up to five gallons of fuel.
2. Follow the fuel priming procedure earlier in this
section to prime the fuel filter.
3. Close the air bleed valve.
4. Turn the ignition key to START for 10 to 15 seconds
at a time until your engine starts. If the engine tries to
run, but does not run smoothly, increase the rpm a
little using the accelerator pedal. This will help force
air through the system.
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Van Models
If the engine stalls and you think that you may have run
out of fuel, do this to restart your engine:
1. If you are parked on a level surface, add at least
one gallon of fuel. However, if you are parked on a
slope, you may need to add up to five gallons of fuel.
2. Follow the vehicle fuel system priming procedure
earlier in this section to re-prime the system and
re-start the engine.
Your check engine light may come on if the vehicle has
run out of fuel. This light may stay on for a few drive
cycles after the condition is corrected, but will eventually
clear itself.
Fuel Filter Replacement
Pickup Models
If you want to change the fuel filter yourself, here’s how
to do it:
{CAUTION:
Diesel fuel is ammable. It could start a re if
something ignites it, and you could be burned.
Do not let it get on hot engine parts, and keep
matches or other ignition sources away.
First, drain any water from the filter following the
procedure for draining water listed previously.
Your vehicle’s engine should be off until the end of this
procedure.
The fuel filter is located in the engine compartment on
the passenger’s side of the vehicle, or on the driver’s
side frame rail in front of the fuel tank.
1. Apply the parking brake.
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2. Unplug the water
sensor wire connected
to the fuel filter and
unscrew the filter
element.
3. Remove the filter element. If there is any dirt on the
filter sealing surface, clean it off. Remove and reuse
the water sensor float switch located on the bottom of
the fuel filter.
4. Install the new filter element.
5. Reinstall and tighten the filter container and
reconnect the water sensor wire to the filter.
6. Use the fuel filter priming procedure earlier in this
section to prime the fuel filter.
7. Tighten the air bleed valve by turning it clockwise
until hand tight.
8. Start your engine and let it idle for five minutes.
Check your fuel filter and air bleed valve for leaks.9. Reset the fuel filter monitor. SeeDriver Information
Center (DIC) (Pickup Models Only) on page 3-9for
more information.
Van Models
If your fuel operated heater (FOH) is not working, your
FOH line requires priming. See your dealer for service.
SeeFuel Operated Heater (FOH) (Van Models Only) on
page 2-8for more information.
If you want to change the fuel filter yourself, here’s how
to do it:
{CAUTION:
Diesel fuel is ammable. It could start a re if
something ignites it, and you could be burned.
Do not let it get on hot engine parts, and keep
matches or other ignition sources away.
First, drain any water from the filter following the
procedure for draining water listed previously.
Your vehicle’s engine should be off until the end of this
procedure.
The fuel filters are located on the driver’s side frame rail
in front of the fuel tank.
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