2018 CHEVROLET LOW CAB FORWARD warning

Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
11254764) - 2018 - crc - 12/5/16
170 Driving and Operating
the selectable (switch) regeneration
required warning light (red) is
displayed on the DIC.
Continued driving without
performing DPF regeneration will
cause the check engine malfunction
indicator light and reduced engine
power indicator light to come on, an
engine power reduction, and may
cause damage to the DPF filter. See
Vehicle Messages086.
The time needed to complete
regeneration differs depending on
the outside temperature.
The exhaust brake is activated
during DPF regeneration. The
exhaust brake starting to operate or
being disengaged will produce a
sound, but this does not indicate a
failure.
During regeneration, white smoke
may be temporarily produced from
the exhaust pipe. This results from
combustion of PM, it does not
indicate a failure.
Regeneration is finished earlier
immediately after driving than when
the engine is cold. The engine coolant temperature
may rise during regeneration.
DPF Regeneration during
Prolonged Idling
DPF regeneration may be initiated
automatically during prolonged
idling. If regeneration is initiated, the
regeneration in progress indicator
light (amber) comes on but this is
normal and does not indicate a
failure.
If driving is started or the PTO is
connected during DPF regeneration
by prolonged idling, the selectable
(switch) regeneration required
warning light (amber) comes on and
regeneration is suspended. Perform
Switch regeneration procedure in
order to complete the DPF
regeneration.
Prolonged idling may require more
frequent DPF regeneration.
See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 82.Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is used
exclusively for the selective catalytic
reduction (SCR) system. Be sure to
use only API certified DEF. When
the SCR system detects DEF level
is nearly empty or incorrect fluids
(such as water or low concentrated
DEF.) are added, the SCR system
will turn on warning and indicator
lights and reduce engine power in
progressive stages to encourage
you to have the condition corrected.
Continuing to drive for too long after
these lights come on will eventually
result in a severe vehicle speed
limitation. See Vehicle Messages
0 86
The DEF freezes below −11 °C
(12 °F). The SCR system is
equipped with a heating function
which utilizes the engine coolant, so
the engine can be started even
when DEF is frozen.

Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
11254764) - 2018 - crc - 12/5/16
Driving and Operating 171
Handling of DEF
Use only API certified DEF (or ISO:
AUS 32). DEF is a colorless,
transparent solution. It may smell
depending on the conditions, but
this is not abnormal.
DEF is available from your local
authorized dealer. In addition, the
U.S. Department of Energy has
created an on-line DEF locator that
can be accessed at http://
www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/
def/. The American Petroleum
Institute (API) also maintains a list
of API-certified distributors of DEF
on its web page at http://
www.apidef.org/searchresults.asp.
{Warning
Though DEF should be harmless
for physical contact, in the rare
case in which it induces make
sure to take following actions:
In the event that DEF does come
into contact with your skin, wash
it off with water and/or soap.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Although it is rare, a person with
sensitive skin may suffer from
irritation. If you come into contact
with DEF, flush the affected area
with water and/or soap. If irritation
or redness develops or persists,
seek medical attention.
If it is accidentally swallowed,
drink 1-2 glasses of water or milk
and seek immediate medical
attention.
If it does come into contact with
an eye, immediately rinse it off
with a large amount of water for
at least 15 minutes, and then
seek medical attention.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
See Winter Driving 0133, and
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0326. Adding DEF Before Driving the
Vehicle
Add DEF regularly to maintain an
adequate supply. If the DEF level
becomes too low the DEF low level
warning system may activate. The
vehicle speed will be severely
limited when the DEF tank is empty.
Be sure to obey the following
instructions when refilling the
vehicle:
.
Stop the engine before
adding DEF.
. When filling, place the nozzle
deeply into the DEF tank. If you
try to fill more DEF by pulling out
the nozzle from the DEF tank,
DEF may spill out.
. Obey all cautions posted in filling
stations.
. When DEF is spilled, wash it
away with water and wipe the
area clean.
. Add API certified DEF only (or
ISO: AUS 32). Do not fill the
DEF tank with any substance
other than the DEF.

Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
11254764) - 2018 - crc - 12/5/16
172 Driving and Operating
.Any substance other than the
DEF may cause a breakdown to
the SCR system.
. Use the DEF handling
equipment made of correct
materials (Polyethylene or
Stainless-steel).
. Avoid contamination from using
dirty funnel for filling.
. If a fluid other than the specified
DEF is mistakenly added,
incorrect fluid may cause a
failure. Have it inspected and
serviced at a dealer immediately.
. Ammonia odor may be
generated when the DEF is
exposed to high temperature.
. Do not add DEF above the F
position on the level gauge. DEF
may leak from the breather hose
while driving. Also, the sensor
may be broken when DEF
freezes.
. Do not put your feet on or stand
on the DEF tank. The tank, pipe
or sensors may be damaged. .
After stopping the engine, a flow
sound may be heard from the
DEF tank or DEF supply pump.
This sound occurs as the DEF in
the piping is returning to the
tank, and does not indicate an
abnormality.
See Winter Driving 0133.
Adding DEF
1. Turn the engine control switch to the ACC or LOCK position
and make sure to stop the
engine.
2. Wipe off dust or dirt from around the filler port of the
DEF tank. 3. Turn and remove the filler cap.
4. Refill the tank up to the F
position in the level gauge on
the front face of the tank. The
DEF may overflow from the
filler port if it is added in excess
of the F position.
5. Tighten the cap after refilling is completed.
6. Wipe off DEF that is spilled at refilling.
{Warning
On occasion, you may notice an
odor when the DEF tank is
opened. Do not sniff the filler
port, etc.
When refilling the DEF tank:
Failure to follow the above
instructions could result in a fire
or a breakdown of the selective
catalytic reduction (SCR) system.
Do not dilute DEF with water.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
11254764) - 2018 - crc - 12/5/16
Driving and Operating 173
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 091.
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.-
11254764) - 2018 - crc - 12/5/16
174 Driving and Operating
the engine is running. The vehicle
can be driven normally when DEF is
frozen in the DEF tank.
If the Refill DEF warning light is on
and the remaining DEF in the DEF
tank is frozen, the vehicle low level
warning system cannot be reset by
adding DEF. The DEF gauge will not
register correctly should the
remaining DEF freeze at this level.
Move the vehicle to a location to
allow the DEF to thaw. Once the
DEF is thawed the DEF gauge
should read correctly allowing the
low level warning system to reset.
To avoid this condition follow the
instructions for Adding DEF in Cold
Weather.
{Warning
Do not warm up the DEF tank
using a burner, heater, etc. You
and others could be seriously
injured.DEF Storage
Seal the container and store it in an
indoor place with good ventilation
avoiding direct sunlight.
When storing DEF, the shelf life
varies depending on the room
temperature of the storage place.
For details, please contact the
distributor of the DEF.
For storage of DEF, seal the
container to prevent the moisture
from evaporating.
Even when DEF has been frozen,
its quality is maintained when it is
thawed. It can be used as it is.
To store or carry DEF, use the
original container in which the DEF
was kept at the time of purchase.
Also, if other containers are used,
prepare a clean container for
exclusive use, which can be a
polyethylene resin tank (PE) or
stainless steel container, and do not
introduce foreign matter such as
water or contamination. DEF Disposal
Do not dispose of DEF and the
empty container into lakes, marine
areas, rivers, etc. DEF must be
disposed of in a method conforming
to the regulatory requirements in
your state.
Selective Catalytic Reduction
(SCR) System
The Selective Catalytic Reduction
(SCR) system reduces nitrogen
oxide (NOx) emissions emitted from
a diesel engine. The SCR system
reduces NOx by adding (injecting)
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) into the
exhaust system and inducing a
reaction converting NOx into water
vapor and nitrogen.
The SCR system consists of the
DEF tank, DEF Control Unit, DEF
Supply Pump and Injector, and the
SCR Catalyst. It is important to keep
a good supply of DEF in the DEF
tank at all times. Monitor the DEF
gauge to be sure the DEF tank level
does not become too low.

Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
11254764) - 2018 - crc - 12/5/16
Driving and Operating 175
If the DEF level becomes too low or
incorrect fluid is added to the DEF
tank, the warning buzzer will sound,
warning and indicator lights will
come on and engine power will be
reduced. If you see these warning
and indicator lights, add DEF as
soon as possible or have your
vehicle serviced as soon as
possible.
Continuing to drive for too long after
these lights come on will result in
additional warnings, more engine
power reduction and will eventually
result in a severe vehicle speed
limitation. See“Diesel Exhaust
Fluid (DEF) Low Level Warning” and
“Incorrect Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF)/SCR System Malfunction
Warnings” later in this section.
{Warning
Do not touch the water that
comes out from the muffler. The
water is mildly acidified due to the
action of oxidation catalyst inside
the muffler. In the event that the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
fluid does come into contact with
your skin, completely wash it off
with water. You and others could
be seriously injured.
Do not relocate or modify the
exhaust pipe, muffler, DPF, SCR,
or DEF tank, which may affect the
exhaust gas cleaning performance.
If any relocation or modification is
necessary, consult your dealer.
The SCR system continues to
operate for approximately 3 minutes
after the engine control switch is
turned to the "LOCK" position. It is
normal to hear a buzzing type noise
from the DEF supply pump
(mounted on the left side frame rail
behind the cab) during the
shutdown process.
If it is necessary to disconnect the
batteries for any reason, be sure to
wait at least 3 minutes after turning
the engine control switch to the
"LOCK" position. This will allow the SCR system to properly complete
its shutdown processes. See
Winter
Driving 0133.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Low
Level Warning
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a
required fluid for the operation of
your diesel engine just as diesel fuel
is required. To avoid running out of
DEF your vehicle will turn on
warning and indicator lights and
reduce engine power in progressive
stages to encourage adding DEF.
The following is a summary of the
diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) low level
warning lights, indicator lights and
engine power reductions.
Continuing to drive for too long after
these lights come on will eventually
result in a severe vehicle speed
limitation.
These warning and indicator lights
will go out automatically and engine
power will be restored to normal
after the SCR system detects that
the DEF tank is refilled with DEF.

Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
11254764) - 2018 - crc - 12/5/16
Driving and Operating 177
DEF Tank Level is Low/Empty (cont'd)
StageStage 1 Stage 2Stage 3Stage 4
Indicator light(s)
SolidSlow blinkingFast blinkingFast blinking
Warning buzzer 1 short beep 3 short beeps *3 3 quick beeps *4 Continuous beeping
Restrictions Vehicle speed is
limited to
89 km/h (55 MPH) Vehicle speed is
limited to
56 km/h (35 MPH)Vehicle speed is
limited to
56 km/h (35 MPH)Vehicle speed is
limited to
8 km/h (5 MPH)
Required action Refill DEF as soon
as possible *1 Refill DEF tank
immediately *1Refill DEF tank
immediately *1Refill DEF tank
immediately *1

Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-
11254764) - 2018 - crc - 12/5/16
178 Driving and Operating
DEF Tank Level is Low/Empty (cont'd)
StageStage 1 Stage 2Stage 3Stage 4
CAUTION
This message indicates incorrect DEF or an SCR system malfunction. Immediately contact
your dealer to have your vehicle serviced *2
Remarks:
*1 –See Diesel Exhaust
Fluid (DEF).
*2 –See Incorrect Diesel Exhaust
Fluid (DEF) /SCR System
Malfunction Warnings.
*3 –The warning buzzer continues
to sound every 5 minutes.
*4 –The warning buzzer continues
to sound every 5 minutes and when
driving 8 km (5 miles) or more, the
buzzer changes its sound to
continuous beeping.
DEF tank low stages are as follows: Stage 1 :
When the remaining level
of DEF becomes excessively low
the DEF gauge will change color
from green to amber. In addition,
warning and indicator lights will
come on as shown in the table and
engine power will be reduced so the
vehicle speed will not exceed
89 km/h (55 MPH).
Stage 2 : If driving is continued
without adding DEF (approximately
320 km (200 miles)) the DEF gauge,
warning and indicator lights will
begin blinking. Again, engine power
will be reduced so the vehicle speed
will not exceed 56 km/h (35 MPH). Stage 3 :
If driving is continued until
the DEF tank is empty, the DEF
gauge will change color from amber
to red and the warning and indicator
lights will begin to blink faster.
Engine power will still be reduced so
the vehicle speed will not exceed
56 km/h (35 MPH). The vehicle
speed will be limited to
8 km/h (5 MPH) either when the
vehicle is stopped after driving
further on (approximately
8 km (5 miles)) or when the engine
is restarted.