Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
232 Driving and Operating
from your dealer, service stations,
parts stores and other automotive
places. See your authorized dealer
for advice on using biocides in your
area and for recommendations on
which biocides you should use.
Smoke Suppressants
Because of extensive testing of
treated fuel versus untreated fuel,
the use of a smoke suppressant
additive is not recommended
because of the greater possibility of
stuck rings and guttered valves,
resulting from excessive ash
deposits.
Water Separator
The purpose of the water separator
is to separate any water from the
fuel that may have formed in the
fuel tank due to condensation.
The water separator is located on
the bottom of the fuel filter.
Caution
Remaining water that is not
discharged from the water
separator could freeze and
damage the vehicle.
If the warning light comes on
while the engine is in operation,
promptly drain the water from the
water separator (fuel filter).
Continuing to drive with the light
remaining on could damage the
fuel injection system. If this
happens, have the vehicle
checked and serviced by the
nearest dealer.
Draining Water from the Fuel
Filter
Clean off any fuel that has adhered
to the vehicle body.
Starting the engine immediately
after draining the water from the fuel
filter requires a little more time than
usual. If the engine does not start in
10 seconds, wait for a while and try
again.Fuel will be mixed in the drained
water. Dispose of it in a method
conforming to the regulatory
requirements in your state.
If the water separator (fuel filter)
requires frequent draining, have the
fuel system inspected at your
dealer.Pre Fuel Filter (Chassis-side)
1. Attach a plastic hose to the drain plug (2) on the bottom of
the chassis-side fuel filter and
put the other end of the hose in
a container placed beneath the
filter.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
Driving and Operating 233
2. Loosen the drain plug andmove the priming pump (1) up
and down by hand between
10 and 20 times.
3. Fully tighten the drain plug (2) and move the priming pump (1)
several times.
Fuel Filter (Engine-side)
1. Attach a plastic hose to the drain plug (2) on the bottom of
the engine-side fuel filter (1)
and put the other end of the
hose in a container placed
beneath the filter.
2. Loosen the drain plug andmove the priming pump up and
down by hand between 10 and
20 times.
3. Fully tighten the drain plug and move the priming pump several
times.
4. Test run the engine and check that there are no fuel leaks
from the drain plug of the
engine-side fuel filter. Also
check that the water separator
(fuel filter) warning light
stays off.
Running Out of Fuel
When the Fuel Tank is Empty
When the fuel tank is empty, air will
enter the fuel system, so refueling
alone will not be enough to restart
the engine. Use the following
methods to bleed the fuel system.
Bleeding the Fuel System
Steps for Refueling
1. Follow the directions in "Parking Brake Lever" under
Parking Brake 0220.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
234 Driving and Operating
2. Select the correct fuel (See"Diesel Fuel Requirement and
Fuel System"). Follow any
posted safety rules. Stand to
the side, never above or
opposite the filler opening.
3. Check that the fuel cap is tight, and see to it that engine oil,
engine coolant in the reservoir,
and washer fluid, etc. are at
proper levels. Then do the
Driver Daily Checklist.
See Owner Checks and Services
0 340.
Driving your vehicle until the fuel
tank is empty may activate the
check engine malfunction indicator
light. You do not need to have your
vehicle checked. After refueling,
perform the following:
. Bleed the fuel system.
. Start, turn off and restart the
engine three or four times.
. The check engine malfunction
indicator light will be cancelled. Before Starting the Engine
1. The priming pump (1) is
located on the outboard side of
the left frame rail, in front of the
batteries. Place a container
beneath the air bleed plug (2)
to receive fuel, and then fully
loosen the plug.
2. Attach a clear hose onto the air bleed plug, direct the clear
hose into a catch pan.
3. Pump the priming pump (1) up/ down for 65 times to get most
of the air bubbles out. Note fuel
was drawn into the filter bowl at
around 40 - 50 times. 4. Fully retighten the air bleed
plug (2) and wipe off any fuel
that may have adhered to the
plug or surrounding area.
5. Continue to operate the pump for 50 times.
6. Start the engine.
7. If the engine does not start, repeat steps 5 and 6 as
necessary until it does start.
After Starting the Engine 1. Without pressing the accelerator pedal, start the
engine.
2. After the engine has started, allow it to idle for about
5 seconds.
3. Fully press the accelerator pedal and increase the engine
speed to the maximum speed
for 10 seconds. (Repeat this
operation several times.)
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
Driving and Operating 235
Insufficient air bleeding can result in
faulty engine operation. Be sure,
therefore, to always carry out the
previous steps under "After starting
the engine".
Filling the Tank
Be sure to obey the following
instructions when refueling the
vehicle:
.Stop the engine and close the
vehicle's doors and windows.
. Keep cigarettes and other
flames away from the vehicle.
. Before opening the fuel tank
filler cap, touch a metallic object
to discharge static electricity
from your body.
. When filling, place the nozzle
deeply into the fuel tank. If you
try to fill more fuel by pulling out
the nozzle from the fuel tank, the
fuel may spill out, thus causing
danger.
. Be sure to wipe off the fuel that
is spilled at refueling.
{Warning
Fuel vapor is highly flammable.
Be careful not to inhale fuel vapor
when refueling the vehicle.
If you have a static charge
buildup on your body while
refueling the vehicle, a spark
caused by its discharge could
ignite the fuel, resulting in burns.
All parts of the refueling
procedure (from opening the fuel
tank filler cap to completing the
refueling and closing the fuel tank
filler cap) must be performed by
the same person.
Other people may be carrying
static electricity. Do not allow
them to approach the fuel filler.
The person performing the
refueling procedure must not
return to the seat in the cab
part-way through the procedure.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
He/she could pick up another
charge of static electricity by
doing so.
Obey all cautions posted in filling
stations.
Type A
In the case of Type A, grip the tab of
the fuel tank filler cap when turning
the cap to open or close.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
236 Driving and Operating
Type B
After refueling, make sure that the
fuel tank filler cap is tightly closed.
Do not use any fuel tank filler cap
that is not a genuine GM part.
The use of an improper fuel tank
filler cap could cause fuel spillage in
the event of a crash. The use of an
improper fuel tank filler cap could
also affect the fuel system and the
emission control system.
Be sure to wipe off the fuel that is
spilled at refueling.
{Warning
Fuel may be under pressure. Be
sure to slowly open the fuel tank
filler cap. If you open it quickly,
fuel may spurt out. You and
others could be seriously injured.
Caution
Care must be taken when filling
the fuel tank to prevent entry of
dirt and water.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
Installing Electrical Equipment
{Warning
Inappropriate installation or
removal of audio, radio or other
electrical equipment can
adversely affect other electrical
equipment and cause a
breakdown or fire. Be sure to
have electrical equipment
installed or removed by your
dealer. You and others could be
seriously injured.
Do not install any unauthorized
radio set, or any radio set or
antenna that does not comply with
relevant standards. Noise from the
radio set could cause
electromagnetic interference with
the vehicle's electronic equipment
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
Vehicle Care 239
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 240
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 240
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Cab Tilting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Engine Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 253
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 259
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . 262
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Battery - North America . . . . . . 269 Fuel Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Rear Axle (Gear Oil Viscosity
Chart) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Rear Axle (Oil Level Check) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 272
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 275
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Headlamps and Front Turn Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Roofmarker Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Sidemarker Lamps (Including Turn Signal and Cornering
Lamps) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 286
Interior Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 287
Wheels and Tires
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
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242 Vehicle Care
chock the wheels. It would be very
dangerous if the vehicle started
to move.
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.
When working on the fuel line or
fuel filter, 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.
Do not make engine adjustments
yourself. Be sure to consult your
dealer.
Use only appropriate tools.Oils, brake fluid and engine coolant
have lubrication, cooling and rust
prevention functions. If these liquids
deteriorate through loss or
contamination, it will cause a
decline in the performance of the
parts and such problems as seizure
or malfunctioning. Replenish or
change these liquids when
performing the checks (daily and
periodic checks) as required by the
relevant regulations or in
accordance with the Maintenance
Schedule (when either the specified
driving distance or period of time,
whichever comes first, has expired).
Confirm that all systems and
components are normal after
performing the work.
Do not leave the removed parts or
tools in the engine compartment.
They could damage the equipment if
caught in the belts or other moving
components.
Dirty water, dirt and other impurities
seriously impair the effectiveness of
the oil, grease and fluids, and
damage the parts. Exercise all due
caution to prevent waste or otherrefuse from coming in contact with
parts or materials that have been
removed when changing or
replenishing them.
Do not step on the engine or climb
onto it. You could cause an engine
failure by, for example, damaging
the cylinder head cover or various
connectors.
Electric Welding
Careless electric welding of vehicle
parts can cause welding current to
flow back through the vehicle’s
ground circuit and damage electrical
and electronic parts so that they do
not function normally. Whenever
electric welding is necessary,
consult your dealer.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
Localizing-U.S.-12407814) - 2019 - crc - 12/13/17
246 Vehicle Care
and the oil should be changed
regularly according to the
Maintenance Schedule.
The engine oil performs the
following important functions:
.It prevents engine parts from
becoming worn.
. It cools engine parts.
. It cleans engine parts.
. It seals the combustion
chambers and prevents rust.
Replace the engine oil at regular
intervals.
When particulate matter (PM) has
accumulated to a preset level in the
diesel particulate filter (DPF), the
filter is automatically regenerated
through combustion. To make this
regeneration (combustion) possible,
a small amount of fuel is injected
into the engine combustion chamber
after firing. This causes fuel to
gradually become mixed with the
engine oil, and the engine oil level
may rise beyond the original level.
This does not indicate a malfunction
of the engine.Access to the Engine
Single Cab Model
Access to the engine oil dipstick is
located on the engine left side after
tilting the cab. See Cab Tilting
0 243.
Crew Cab Model
The engine oil dipstick is under the
engine inspection sub cover located
beneath the driver's seat.
Checking the Engine Oil Level
Press the engine oil level check
switch. If engine oil level is low the
red oil pressure warning light will
turn on. If the engine oil level is
above the "OK", the green oil level
indicator will turn on.
The oil level varies while the engine
is running, right after it is stopped,
and on sloping ground. When
checking the oil level, be sure the
vehicle is on level ground while the
engine is cool.