Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
Driving and Operating 151
.When going down on a steep
slope, avoid driving the vehicle
backward as much as possible.
Drive it forward slowly on the
down slope.
. Compared with forward
movement, the braking distance
of backward movement is longer,
and the steering response of
that is worse.
. If you must drive the vehicle
backward, drive it very carefully
and gradually by moving and
stopping repeatedly in order to
stop it any time.
Engine Brake : Engine brake is the
braking effect that occurs when you
release the accelerator pedal while
driving. The lower the gear, the
stronger the engine brake.
Exhaust Brake : The exhaust brake
is a system that closes the exhaust
pipe and uses the force of the
exhaust emissions to enhance the
effectiveness of engine brake. Overrunning :
An engine overrun is
an engine-speed increase that
causes the tachometer needle to
enter the red zone. It is dangerous
because it can cause engine failure.
Winter Driving
Recommendations for Driving
in Cold Regions
The following recommendations
apply to snowbound regions and to
mountainous regions, ski resorts
and other areas of extreme cold
and/or snowfall. Please follow them
also for reference in winter in other
regions.
For the sake of your vehicle, make
the winter preparations described in
the links below. Also have these
preparations made before driving to
a cold region.
See Engine Oil 0245.
See Engine Coolant 0253.
See Washer Fluid 0262.
See Battery - North America 0269.
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.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
168 Driving and Operating
4 START :On all engines, start is in
the position furthest clockwise. The
engine is started in this position.
Turn the key against spring
pressure to energize the starter.
When key is released, spring
pressure returns it to the ON
position. Release the key as soon
as the engine has started.
If the key cannot be turned from the
LOCK position to the ON position,
lightly move the steering wheel
clockwise and counterclockwise
while trying to turn the key.
Starting and Stopping the
Vehicle
Check around the Vehicle before
Starting the Engine
Proper care and operation will not
only extend the service life of your
vehicle but also improve fuel
economy.
Before pulling away, perform a
thorough safety check, making sure
there are no children or obstructions around the vehicle. Take off the
chocks after confirming that the
parking brake is securely applied.
Sit behind the wheel, adjust the seat
position, and buckle up the seat
belt. The passengers are also
required to buckle up the seat belts.
Adjust the positions of the steering
wheel and mirrors. Lock the doors.
Turn the power of the dome light or
accessories OFF before starting the
engine. See
Seat Position 038,
Seat Belts 043, Steering Wheel
Adjustment 065, and Mirrors033.
Keep the Floor Around the
Driver's Seat Clean and Tidy{Warning
It is extremely dangerous to have
empty cans, empty bottles or
other items rolling around on the
floor because they could get
trapped under the brake pedal
and prevent brake application.
For proper pedal operation, it is (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
also essential to lay floor mats
properly. Incorrectly installed floor
mats would hinder free movement
of the pedals.
Do not use the dashboard pocket
or the top of the dashboard as a
place to put items that could roll,
which could interfere with your
driving. You and others could be
seriously injured.
Choose Your Footwear Suitable
for Driving
{Warning
Choose footwear that ensures
proper operation of pedals when
driving the vehicle. Use of
footwear unsuitable for driving
may cause an accident.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
Vehicle Care 291
No. Description Rating15 H / LAMP HI (RH) 10A
16 MIRROR HEATER 15A
17 IGNITION 2 10A
18 IGNITION 1 10A
19 – –
20 ECM 10A
21 METER 10A
22 ECU (BATT) 10A
23 MIRROR 10A
24 AUDIO, ACC 15A No. Description Rating
25 HORN 15A
26 TURN, HAZARD 15A
27 TAIL LAMPS 10A
28
ILLUMINATIONS 10A 29
CORNERING LAMPS 10A 30 AIR
CONDITIONER 10A 31 – –32– –
33 – – 34– – D-1 CIGAR 20A
D-2 ACCESSORIES SOCKET 15A
D-3 POWER SOURCE 20A D-4
– –
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
318 Vehicle Care
To wash the vehicle:1. Fully turn on the tap, and wash out the undercarriage and
suspension.
2. Close all openings and wash the cab and cargo body panels
using a neutral detergent.
3. Clean wheels and tires using a brush and detergent.
4. After washing away all remaining detergent, use a
shammy or other clean cloth to
fully remove all moisture and
water droplets
{Warning
Follow the manufacturer's advice
whenever cleaning agents or
other chemicals are used, inside
or outside the vehicle. Some
cleaners may be poisonous or
flammable, and improper use may
cause personal injury or damage.
When cleaning the inside or
outside of the vehicle, do not use
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
volatile cleaning solvents, such as
acetone, lacquer thinners, enamel
reducers, nail polish removers; or
such cleaning materials as
laundry soaps, bleaches or
reducing agents, except as noted
in the following fabric cleaning
advice on stain removal.
Never use carbon tetrachloride,
gasoline, benzene or naphtha for
any cleaning purpose. Open all
vehicle doors for ventilation when
ANY cleaning agents or other
chemicals are used in the interior.
Overexposure to some vapors
may result in a health problem
that is more likely to occur in
small, unventilated spaces.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
Do not apply water directly in order
to clean the cab interior. Failure to
observe this precaution can result in
malfunction or breakdown of electronic control units and electrical
components, or in rusting of the cab
floor. Do not apply water from a
high-pressure washer nozzle
directly to the electric connectors.
Failure to observe this precaution
can lead to faulty operation of the
electrical system. If an automatic
car or truck-wash is used with
vehicles having dark or metallic
coating, the painted surfaces can be
damaged by the brushes, lose their
luster or be very noticeably
scratched.
Do not direct a large amount of
water at the air inlet openings. Do
not apply water to the engine
compartment or at electrical
components. Failure to observe this
precaution can lead to a poorly
starting and operating engine and
problems in the electrical system.
Ensure that mirrors and the antenna
are retracted before washing the
vehicle.
If an automatic car or truck-wash
must be used, avoid a
high-temperature, high pressure
type machine. Failure to observe
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
340 Service and Maintenance
Owner Checks and
Services
Before Driving
Proper care and driving is important
not only for extended service life of
your vehicle, but also for improved
fuel and oil economy. Drive carefully
and defensively. Be sure you know
how to use your truck and its
equipment before operating it.
Starting and Operating
Proper care and operation will not
only extend the service life of your
vehicle but also improve fuel
economy.
Check Around the Vehicle Before
Starting the Engine
Before pulling away, perform a
thorough safety check, making sure
there are no children or obstructions
around the vehicle.
Take off the chocks after confirming
that the parking brake is securely
applied. Sit behind the wheel, adjust
the seat position, and buckle up theseat belt. The passengers are also
required to buckle up the seat belts.
Adjust the positions of the steering
wheel and mirrors. Lock the doors.
Turn the power of the dome light or
accessories OFF before starting the
engine.
Engine Conditions
Checking the Engine for
Startability and Abnormal Noises
1. Make sure the parking brake is securely engaged. Step firmly
on the brake pedal.
2. Make sure the selector lever is in "P" or "N" position.
For safety, firmly press the
brake pedal before starting the
engine.
3. Turn the engine control switch to start the engine.
Check that the engine starts
quickly with no abnormal
noises. Checking Condition of the Engine
at Low Speeds and during
Acceleration
1. Make sure the transmission is in the "P" or "N" position and
the parking brake is securely
engaged.
2. Turn the engine control switch to start the engine, and run it to
warm up.
3. Check that the engine is running at a speed within the
standard idle speed range.
During regeneration of the
diesel particulate filter (DPF),
the engine idle speed may
increase.
4. Drive the vehicle, making sure the accelerator pedal does not
stick when gradually
accelerating, the engine speed
rises smoothly and it does not
knock.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
Service and Maintenance 341
Recommended Daily
(Pre-operation) Inspections
These checks are in addition to, not
instead of, any legally required daily
inspections. See related topics
under "Maintenance Schedule",
especially if problems are found.
For safe and comfortable driving,
keep record of the distances driven
and the condition of the vehicle
during operation. Perform
inspections at appropriate intervals,
and perform maintenance in
accordance with the findings of the
inspections. If an inspection reveals
an abnormality or there was an
abnormality the previous time the
vehicle was driven, have the vehicle
repaired by the nearest dealer
before it is driven again.1. Components that showed abnormalities during the
previous operation
.Check components that
showed abnormalities
during the previous
operation 2. Checks performed at the
engine
.Fan belt looseness and
damage
. Engine oil level
. Engine coolant level
. Power steering fluid level
3. Checks performed from the driver's seat
.Brake fluid level
. Brake pedal free play
. Operation of meters,
gauges and warning/
indicator lights
. Engine startability,
abnormal noise and color of
exhaust gases
. Parking brake lever stroke
. Windshield washer fluid
spray condition and
windshield wiper
effectiveness
. Windshield washer fluid
level .
Steering wheel position and
free play
. Operation of horn and turn
signal lights
. Door lock operation
4. Checks performed during a walk around the vehicle
.Illumination, flashing,
contamination, damage and
obstruction of lights
. Contamination, damage ad
obstruction of windows,
mirrors and reflectors
. Leaf spring damage
. Oil, engine coolant, fuel,
brake fluid and power
steering fluid leaks
. Water separator
5. Checking wheels and tires .Air pressure
. Cracks and other damage
. Abnormal wear
. Tread depth
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
Service and Maintenance 347
one side, unusual sounds when
braking, increased brake pedal
travel or harder pedal. The front and
rear brakes are attached to an auto
adjuster mechanism. If there are no
defects, as the pedal travel is
properly maintained, adjustments
are not necessary. Check regularly
that the brake fluid reservoir
(left-hand side of the instrument
panel) or HBB reservoir (5500HD,
5500XD models: left side behind the
cab) is properly filled and check for
fluid leaks. Any of these conditions
could indicate the need for brake
system inspection and/or service.
G: Exhaust System :Be alert for
any changes in the sound of the
exhaust system or any smell of
fumes. These are signs the system
may be leaking. Have it checked
and/or repaired at once. (Refer to
"Engine Exhaust Emissions Caution
(Carbon Monoxide)" under Engine
Exhaust 0177).
H: Windshield Wipers and
Washers : Check operation and
condition of the wiper blades. Check
the flow of the washer spray. I: Defroster :
Turn the outlet
selector knob to "Defroster" and the
fan speed control knob to the fully
clockwise position. Then check the
airflow from the ducts at the inside
base of the windshield.
J: Rearview Mirrors and Sun
Visors : Check that friction joints
hold mirrors and sun visors in place.
K: Horn : Sound the horn, now and
then, to be sure it works.
L: Lap-Shoulder Belts : Check the
seat belt system (including webbing,
buckles, latch plates and anchors)
for proper operation, and for
damage.
M: Seat Adjusters : When
adjusting the driver's manual seat,
be sure the seat adjusters latch by
pushing the seat forward and
backward. Do not attempt to adjust
the seat when the vehicle is in
motion.
N: Lamps : Check panel lighting,
warning lamps, indicator lamps and
interior lamps. On the outside,
check: license plate lamps, side
marker lamps, reflectors on outside mirrors, headlamps, parking lamps,
identification and clearance lamps,
taillights, brake lamps, turn signals,
cornering lamps, backup lamps and
hazard warning flashers. Have
headlamp aim checked immediately
if beams seem improperly aimed.
O: Glass, Mirrors, Lights and/or
Reflectors Condition :
Look for
broken, scratched, dirty or damaged
glass, mirrors, lamps or reflectors
that could reduce the view or
visibility, or cause injury. Replace,
clean or repair promptly.
P: Door Latches : Check that doors
close, latch and lock tightly. Check
for broken, damaged or missing
parts that might prevent tight
latching.
Q :Tilt Cab (Driving Position) : Be
sure the tilt lever is down and
locked.
R: Fluid Leaks : Check for fuel,
water, oil or other fluid leaks by
looking at the surface beneath the
vehicle after it has been parked for
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
376 Index
FuelBiodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Cold Weather Operation . . . . . . 230
Diesel Engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Running out of Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Water in Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Fuel for Diesel Engines . . . . . . . . . 227
G
Gauges
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) . . . . . 72
Engine Coolant Temperature . . . 72
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Warning Lights andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
General Information Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Getting In and Out of the
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
H
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . 94
HeadlampsAiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . 277, 280
Daytime Running Lamps(DRL) Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . 81
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . 93
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
High Idle System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 150
Hooks Shopping Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
I
Idle Shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Idle Shutdown Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Information Publication Ordering . . . . . . . . . . 370
Information on Loading the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Instrument Panel Storage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
J
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
K
Keyless EntryRemote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . 26
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
L
Lamps
Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Cornering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287