Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
10716700) - 2017 - crc - 12/6/16
146 Driving and Operating
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 0232 orFuel (Gasoline)
0 231.
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
scraper, you can remove the snow
and frost without scratching the glass. At this time, check whether
the wiper blades are frozen onto the
glass.
Also, look under the vehicle and
remove any lumps of ice that are
stuck to the underbody. Be careful
not to damage components.
Driving on Snowy or Frozen
Roads
On slippery roads, never accelerate
rapidly, brake hard, decelerate
rapidly or make sharp turns of the
steering wheel.
There is a risk of reduced grip
between the tires and road surface
and of increased braking distances.
The danger of icy road surfaces is
particularly great on bridges, in
shady places and where there are
puddles.
Keep your speed down and be sure
to use tire chains or winter tires on
snowy or frozen road surfaces.
For diesel vehicles, 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.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
10716700) - 2017 - crc - 12/6/16
Driving and Operating 171
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
optional engine block heater may be
needed for starting.
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
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 0232.
Stopping the Engine
When stopping the diesel 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.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
10716700) - 2017 - crc - 12/6/16
192 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
Do not add substances such as
gasoline or diesel fuel to the DEF
tank. You and others could be
seriously injured.
Caution
When opening the DEF tank cap,
be careful not to let dirt or other
foreign matter enter inside the
DEF tank. Intrusion of foreign
matter can cause a clogging of
the filter or affect the quality of
DEF, which may result in a SCR
system failure.
If DEF is spilled on the body or
frame, it may cause generation of
rust, so wipe it off and then rinse
it away with water.
When DEF dries it will leave a
crystalline residue, this condition is
normal. Wash with water or wipe
away the residue to prevent it from
entering the DEF tank. Adding DEF in Cold Weather
DEF freezes at low temperature but
the engine coolant circulates to
thaw the DEF tank and to prevent
DEF from freezing. Vehicle can be
driven normally when DEF is frozen.
If the refill diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)
warning light is on and the
remaining DEF in the DEF tank is
frozen, the warning lights, indicator
lights and restriction will not be
canceled until the DEF thaws even
if the DEF tank is refilled.
It is not recommended parking the
vehicle for long periods with the refill
diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) warning
light on in cold weather. The DEF
gauge will not register correctly
should the DEF freeze in this
condition causing the DEF low level
warning system not to reset when
DEF is added. Take the following
actions to avoid this condition in
cold weather:
1. Refill the DEF as soon as possible after parking the
vehicle. 2. Turn the engine control switch
to the ON position from the
LOCK position.
3. Wait for the warning buzzers and warning lights to turn off.
4. If the buzzer does not stop, return the engine control switch
back to the LOCK position and
add more DEF, and then start
over from step (2) above.
5. Turn the engine control switch to the LOCK position.
The DEF freezes at approximately
−11 °C (12 °F).
In cold weather, when the vehicle is
left without performing these actions
and the DEF tank freezes, the low
DEF level warnings and indicators
may not turn off when DEF is added
until after the tank defrosts.
Make sure to stop the engine before
adding the DEF. See Warning
Buzzers 0101.
When DEF Freezes
Engine coolant circulates through
the DEF tank to thaw it when frozen
and prevent it from freezing while
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
10716700) - 2017 - crc - 12/6/16
232 Driving and Operating
Some gasolines contain an octane
enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). It is not
recommended to use gasoline
containing MMT. Some gasolines
contain an additive called methyl
tertiary butyl ether (MTBE).
Gasoline containing more than 15%
MTBE should not be used in this
vehicle.
Gasoline containing ethanol or
methanol may be available in your
area. Ethanol is ethyl or grain
alcohol. Methanol is methyl or wood
alcohol.
Fuels containing more than 5%
methanol or more than 10% ethanol,
such as E15 or E85, should not be
used in this vehicle. These fuels can
corrode metal parts in the fuel
system. They can also damage
plastic and rubber parts. This
damage would not be covered
under your warranty.
Fuels containing 5% methanol or
less must contain cosolvents and
corrosion prevention additives to
avoid damage to the fuel system.Gasoline for Cleaner Air
Gasolines with detergent additives
help to prevent deposits from
forming in your engine. This helps to
keep the engine in tune and the
emission control system working
properly. These additives as well as
gasoline blends containing oxygen,
such as MTBE or alcohol, promote
cleaner air. This is important in
locations that have high carbon
monoxide and ozone levels.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
Foreign Operation
If you plan on driving in another
country outside the U.S. or Canada,
unleaded fuel may be hard to find.
Do not use leaded gasoline. If you
use even one tankful, your emission
controls won't work well or at all.
With continuous use, spark plugs
can get fouled, the exhaust system
can corrode, and your engine oil
can deteriorate quickly. Your
vehicle's oxygen sensor will bedamaged. All of that means costly
repairs that would not be covered by
your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an
auto club, or contact a major oil
company that does business in the
country where you'll be driving.
Fuel for Diesel Engines
Diesel Fuel Requirement and
Fuel System
Fuel Requirements
Use of fuels other than ultra
low-sulfur fuel may not conform to
emission regulations.
The fuel supply pump, injector or
other parts of the fuel system and
engine can be damaged if you use
any fuel or fuel additive other than
those specifically recommended by
the dealer.
To help avoid fuel system or engine
damage, pay attention to the
following:
.
Some service stations mix used
engine oil with diesel fuel. Some
manufacturers of large diesel
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
10716700) - 2017 - crc - 12/6/16
236 Driving and Operating
At low temperatures, wax flakes are
more likely to form in Number 2-D
fuel than in Number 1-D (or
"winterized" Number 2-D) fuel. For
best operation at temperatures
below -7 °C (20 °F), use Number
1-D, or Number 2-D which has been
blended with Number 1-D for winter
use. When temperatures are
consistently below (or near) -18 °C
(0 °F), use Number 1-D if at all
possible. Bear in mind, however,
that even Number 1-D fuel will form
wax flakes when temperatures are
extremely low.
Do not use home heating oil or
gasoline in your diesel engine;
either may cause engine damage.
The addition of kerosene will not
unplug a filter plugged with wax.
Warming a "waxed" filter to a
temperature of 0 °C to 10 °C (32 °F
to 50 °F) will return the wax to
solution. Filter replacement is not
normally required.Water in Fuel (Diesel)
During refueling, it is possible for
water (and other contaminants) to
be pumped into your fuel tank along
with the diesel fuel. This can occur if
a service station does not regularly
inspect and clean its fuel tanks, or if
a service station receives
contaminated fuel from its
supplier(s).
To protect your engine from
contaminated fuel, there is a water
separator system on the engine
which allows you to drain excess
water from the fuel.
{Warning
The drained water/diesel fuel
mixture is flammable, and could
be hot. To help avoid personal
injury or death and/or property
damage, do not touch the fuel
coming from the water separator
drain valve, and do not expose
the fuel to open flames or sparks.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Be sure you do not overfill the
drain pan. Heat (such as from the
engine) can cause the fuel to
expand. If the container is too full,
fuel could be forced out of the
pan. This could lead to a fire and
the risk of personal injury and/or
vehicle damage.
Biocides
In warm or humid weather, fungus,
and/or bacteria may form in diesel
fuel if there is water in the fuel.
Fungus or bacteria can cause fuel
system damage by plugging the fuel
lines, fuel filters or injector. They
can also cause fuel system
corrosion.
If fungus or bacteria has caused fuel
system problems, you should have
your authorized dealer correct these
problems. Then, use a diesel fuel
biocide to sterilize the fuel system
(follow the biocide manufacturer's
instructions). Biocides are available
from your dealer, service stations,
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
10716700) - 2017 - crc - 12/6/16
246 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
vehicle or its equipment. If you
have any questions about
carrying out some service, have
the work done by a skilled
technician.
To prevent personal injury, keep
hands, tools and clothing clear of
the engine cooling fan when the
engine is running.
The engine, exhaust pipe and
radiator will be hot immediately
after the vehicle is driven. Be
careful around these parts to
prevent burns. Perform all checks
when the engine is cold.
Do not perform work near an
open flame or other heat sources.
Do not let the engine run in poorly
ventilated garages or sheds. This
could cause carbon monoxide
poisoning.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Performing maintenance work on
a truck or chassis can be
dangerous. In trying to do some
jobs, you can be seriously injured.
Do your own maintenance work
only if you have the required
know-how and the proper tools
and equipment for the job. If you
have any doubts, contact your
dealer.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
For gasoline vehicles, pull firmly on
the parking brake lever and put the
transmission in neutral. Move the
selector lever to “P”and make sure
the shift indicator displays "P".
For diesel vehicles, pull firmly on the
parking brake lever and move the
selector lever to "P" and make sure
the shift indicator displays "P".
Make sure to turn off the engine and
remove the key from the engine
control switch before performing any
checks. Select a place with a solid and level
surface to perform the checking and
maintenance work. Make sure to
chock the wheels. It would be very
dangerous if the vehicle started
to move.
For gasoline vehicles, when
performing work on the electrical
system, be sure to remove the cable
from the negative terminal on the
battery.
For diesel vehicles, when
performing work on the electrical
system, begin by turning the engine
control switch to the "LOCK"
position, wait at least 3 minutes, and
then disconnect the negative cable
from the negative terminal on
battery. If the negative cable is
disconnected within 3 minutes, the
engine control module may
malfunction.
For gasoline vehicles, when working
on the fuel line or fuel pump,
remove the fuel tank filler cap. The
fuel system is under pressure and
the fuel will overspill unless the
pressure is relieved, possibly
leading to combustion or a fire.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
10716700) - 2017 - crc - 12/6/16
268 Vehicle Care
Crew Cab Model (3.0L Diesel and6.0L Gasoline)Crew Cab Model (5.2L Diesel)
When the engine coolant level in the
engine coolant reserve tank is
below the “MIN”line, open the
reserve tank cap and fill to near the
“MAX” line with engine coolant.
Wash the reserve tank cap and filler
neck with clean water. Tighten the
cap securely after the engine
coolant has been replenished.1. When the engine is cool, remove the radiator cap (1).
.Turn the cap slowly to the
left until it reaches a “stop”.
Do not press down while
turning the cap.
. Wait until any remaining
pressure (indicated by a
hissing sound) is relieved,
then press down on the cap
and continue turning it to
the left.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
10716700) - 2017 - crc - 12/6/16
272 Vehicle Care
4. If no steam or engine coolantcan be seen or heard from the
engine compartment:
.Tilt the cab or open the
engine access cover.
‐If the engine coolant is
boiling, wait until it stops
before proceeding.
‐ Look at the see-through
reserve tank. The
engine coolant level
should be between the
"MAX" and "MIN" lines
on the reserve tank.
‐ If necessary, pour
engine coolant (See
Engine Coolant 0263
for the proper coolant
and water mixture) into
the reserve tank only,
not directly into the
radiator. Also, do not
check engine coolant
level at the radiator.
. Make sure the fan belts are
not broken, or off the
pulleys, and that the fan
turns when the engine is started. Make sure the fan
blade and pulleys are not
broken.
. Diesel engine only, check
the radiator hoses and
connections, heater hoses
and connections, radiator,
water pump, EGR cooler,
and SCR system and hoses
for leakage.
. Gasoline engine only, if the
engine coolant level in the
reserve tank is low, look for
leaks at the radiator hoses
and connections, heater
hoses and connections,
radiator, and water pump.
If the engine coolant level in
the reserve tank is at the
correct level but there is still
an indication on the
instrument panel of an
overheat condition:
You must let the engine
cool first. You may then add
engine coolant directly to
the radiator. See "Adding
Engine Coolant" under
Engine Coolant 0263. 5. Inspect to see if there is any
dirt, etc. attached to the front
surface of the radiator. Also,
inspect to see if there is
anything blocking the core.
If there is anything attached,
clean and remove it.
6. After the inspection, regardless of the vehicle condition, please
contact the nearest dealer.
Once the engine coolant
temperature gauge no longer
signals an overheat condition, you
can resume driving at a reduced
speed. Return to normal driving
after about 10 minutes if the gauge
pointer does not again show an
overheat condition.
When tap water only has been used
for engine coolant in an emergency,
change the engine coolant as soon
as possible.
Engine damage may be caused if
an overheating engine is suddenly
refilled with water. Instead, refill
slowly.