
Running Out of Fuel
If the diesel engine stalls and you think that you have
run out of fuel, do this to restart the engine:
{CAUTION:
Diesel fuel is flammable. It could start a fire if it
gets on hot engine parts. You could be burned. Do
not let too much fuel flow from the air bleed valve,
and wipe up any spilled fuel with a cloth.
1. If parked on a level surface, add at least 2 gallons
(7.6 liters) of fuel. However, if parked on a slope, up
to 5 gallons (18.9 liters) of fuel might need to be
added.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 the 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.
The service engine soon 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.
5-17

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 the engine and let it idle for five minutes.
Check the fuel filter and air bleed valve for leaks.
How to Reset Fuel Filter Change
Light - DURAMAX 6.6L (LMM) Engine
The engine controller calculates when to change the fuel
filter based on vehicle and fuel use. Whenever the
fuel filter is changed, reset the fuel filter light so
the engine controller can calculate when the next fuel
filter change is required. If the fuel filter is ever changed
prior to a change fuel filter light being turned on,
reset the fuel filter change light.To reset the Fuel Filter Change light:
1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN with the engine off
2. Fully press the accelerator and brake pedals at the
same time for 10 seconds. If the Fuel Filter Change
light flashes for 5 seconds, the system is resetting.
3. Turn the key to OFF.
If the Fuel Filter Change light comes back on when you
start the vehicle, the light has not been reset. Repeat
the procedure. SeeChange Fuel Filter Warning Light on
page 3-45for more information.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel might be hard
to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel
not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.
5-19

To reset the change engine oil light:
1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN with the
engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal slowly
three times within 10 seconds.
If the change engine oil light flashes for
five seconds, the system is resetting.
3. Turn the key to OFF.
If the change engine oil light comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life system has not
reset. Repeat the procedure.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good
hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or
rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it
in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Recycle it by taking it to a
place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
(DURAMAX/Isuzu Diesel Engines)
When to Change Engine Oil
If the vehicle has the Engine Oil Life System, it has a
computer system that indicates when to change
the engine oil and filter. This is based on injection timing,
engine load, and engine temperature, and not on
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change is indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work properly, the system
must be reset every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it indicates that an oil change is necessary.
A change engine oil light comes on. SeeChange Engine
Oil Light on page 3-39. Change the oil as soon as
possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km) or 30 hours
of engine operation, whichever occurs first. It is possible
that, if driving under the best conditions, the oil life system
might not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over
a year. However, the engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the system
must be reset. Your dealer/retailer has trained service
people who will perform this work using genuine parts
and reset the system. It is also important to check the oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level.
5-36

If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 15,000 miles (24 000 km), or 150 hours
of engine operation, whichever occurs first, since the last
oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change
the engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Whenever
the oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate
when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs
where oil is changed prior to a change engine oil light
being turned on, reset the system.
To reset the Engine Oil Life System:
1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN with the
engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal slowly
three times within five seconds.
If the change engine oil light is turned off, the
system is resetting.
3. Turn the key to OFF.If the change engine oil light comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the Engine Oil Life System has
not reset. Repeat the procedure.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good
hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or
rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it
in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Recycle it by taking it to a
place that collects used oil.
5-37

Engine Oil Life System (Caterpillar
Diesel Engine)
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change
the engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Whenever
the oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate
when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs
where the oil is changed prior to a change engine oil light
being turned on, reset the system.
To reset the Engine Oil Life System:
1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN with the
engine off.
2. Fully apply and hold the brake pedal while fully
pressing and releasing the accelerator pedal,
pausing slightly at each press and each release,
three times within five seconds.
3. Turn the key to OFF.
If the change engine oil light comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the Engine Oil Life System has
not reset. Repeat the procedure.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Duramax Diesel 6.6L
EngineV8 Gas, Caterpillar and
Isuzu 6H Diesel
Engines
5-38

Fluid Leaks Check
Check for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks by
looking at the surface beneath the vehicle after it has
been parked for awhile.
Underbody Inspection
Corrosive materials used for ice, snow removal, and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these materials
are not removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur
on underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan,
and exhaust system. At least every spring, flush these
materials from the underbody with plain water. Take care
to clean well any areas where mud and other debris can
collect. Sediment packed in closed areas of the frame
should be loosened before being flushed.
Engine Cover Check
Check that the cab’s engine cover and seal, if the
vehicle has one, are not torn or damaged. Be sure that
the cover is clamped down firmly to the floor.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part C.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
Tractor Protection (Breakaway) Valve
Check
On air brake models, remove, disassemble, clean, and
inspect the tractor protection (breakaway) valve.
6-30

Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985,
in Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Front Wheel
Bearings
(Except Oil
Filled Hubs)Wheel bearing lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2,
Category GC or GC-LB
(GM Part No. U.S. 1051344,
in Canada 993037).
Front Wheel
Bearings with
Oil Filled HubsSAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant for Medium Duty Trucks
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021675,
in Canada 10953512).
Transfer Case
(Four-Wheel
Drive)Manual Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 88861800,
in Canada 88861801).
Front Axle
(Four-Wheel
Drive)SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant for Medium Duty Trucks
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021675,
in Canada 10953512).Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Rear Axle and
Rear HubsSAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant for Medium Duty Trucks
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021675,
in Canada 10953512).
Rear Axle Shift
Motor LubricantRefrigerant Oil
(GM Part No. U.S. 5416939,
in Canada 10953496).
Propshafts and
SplinesWheel bearing lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2,
Category GC or GC-LB
(GM Part No. U.S. 1051344,
in Canada 993037).
Cab — Door
Hinges and
LatchesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningWeatherstrip Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 3634770,
in Canada 10953518) or
Dielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579,
in Canada 992887).
Weatherstrip
SqueaksSynthetic Grease
with Teflon, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12371287,
in Canada 10953437).
6-32

OnStar®(Isuzu 7.8L L6 Engine)
If your vehicle has OnStar and you subscribe to the
OnStar services, please refer to the OnStar Terms and
Conditions for information on data collection and use.
Navigation System (Isuzu
7.8L L6 Engine)
If your vehicle has a navigation system, use of the
system may result in the storage of destinations,
addresses, telephone numbers, and other trip
information. Refer to the navigation system operating
manual for information on stored data and for deletion
instructions.
Radio Frequency Identification
(RFID) (Isuzu 7.8L L6 Engine)
RFID technology is used in some vehicles for functions
such as tire pressure monitoring and ignition system
security, as well as in connection with conveniences
such as key fobs for remote door locking/unlocking and
starting, and in-vehicle transmitters for garage door
openers. RFID technology in GM vehicles does not use
or record personal information or link with any other
GM system containing personal information.
7-13