Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500 HD/XD/5500 HD/XD
Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-13337621) - 2020 - crc - 12/5/18
Driving and Operating 161
usually requires 30 seconds to
2 minutes depending on ambient
conditions. This will help reduce
white start-up smoke.
Preheating :Diesel engines are
compression ignited, which makes
them difficult to start when they are
cold because the compression
alone cannot create a temperature
high enough for fuel to ignite.
Preheating means warming the
compressed air inside the
combustion chambers to facilitate
engine starting. Be sure to start the
engine after the wait-to-start light
has gone out.
Start : Do not press the accelerator
pedal at the engine start. The
accelerator opening degree at the
engine start is electronically
controlled.
Warm-up : Do not race the engine
to speed warm-up. Cold Weather Starting
If you plan ahead for cold weather,
starting and driving your vehicle
should be no problem. The following
tips will help ensure good starting in
cold weather.
Oil gets thicker as it gets colder,
which slows down the engine
cranking speed. The diesel engine
functions by the heat of
compression (and glow plugs when
cold), rather than through the use of
spark plugs as in 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 engine block heater
may be needed for starting. See
Engine Heater
0163. 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
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500 HD/XD/5500 HD/XD
Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-13337621) - 2020 - crc - 12/5/18
174 Driving and Operating
The DPF performs regeneration
automatically when a certain
quantity of PM accumulates in the
filter.
Depending upon running conditions,
however, the regeneration may
sometimes not be completed. In this
case, the regeneration required
warning light (amber) will come on,
so promptly operate the emergency
regeneration according to the
Emergency Regeneration
Procedure. This operation recovers
the function of the DPF. It does not
mean that a breakdown has
occurred.
The engine speed may increase
and the exhaust brake may activate
while the vehicle is stopped with the
engine idling. When this occurs, the
DPF is automatically regenerated.
This does not indicate a failure.
The system generates a sound
during the automatic regeneration
and its cancellation. This does not
indicate a failure.DPF SwitchThe DPF switch is used to burn PM
(regenerate the filter). You can
initiate regeneration when the
regeneration required warning light
or selectable (switch) regeneration
required warning light turns on with
short repeated beeps.
Continuing driving without
performing the regeneration will
cause the check engine malfunction
indicator light and reduced engine
power indicator light to come on.
The DPF then must be repaired at
the nearest dealer.
Emergency Regeneration
Procedure
If the regeneration required warning
light (amber) or selectable (switch)
regeneration required warning light
(amber) turns on the DIC, the DPF
could not satisfactorily complete
automatic regeneration and driver
action is required. If the
regeneration required warning light
(Not selectable (switch)
regeneration warning light) is turned
on, you can choose from Running
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500 HD/XD/5500 HD/XD
Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-13337621) - 2020 - crc - 12/5/18
Driving and Operating 197
Furthermore, the higher the engine
speed, the stronger the creep and
the greater the vehicle's tendency
to move.
Starting
Start the engine in either the P or
the N position. The engine should
not start in any other selector
position. If it does, something is
wrong. Have your truck checked by
your dealer as soon as possible.
Always apply either the foot brake
or the parking brake before shifting
into any driving position. This will
prevent creeping.
The engine should be running at
idle when shifting from P or N to one
of the driving positions. See
Selector Lever0205.
Caution
Do not apply water from a
high-pressure washer nozzle
directly to the electric connectors.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
Failure to observe this precaution
can lead to faulty operation of the
electrical system.
Caution
Never move the selector into the
P position when the vehicle is in
motion. This will damage the
automatic transmission.
Firmly press the brake pedal to
prevent the vehicle from moving
even if it is stopped on a level road,
and move the selector lever into P
and firmly apply the parking brake
as needed.
The engine speed rises and
creeping will be stronger than usual
during the conditions noted below.
Keep the brake pedal firmly
pressed:
. Immediately after engine
start up. .
While the air conditioner is
running.
. During the diesel particulate filter
(DPF) regeneration.
How to Use the Automatic
Transmission
{Warning
Before starting the engine, move
the selector lever into P or N (P is
preferred), make sure the shift
indicator indicates P or N, pull up
the parking brake lever and firmly
press the brake pedal.
When moving the selector lever to
any position other than P, be sure
to press the brake pedal.
Never leave the driver's seat with
the selector lever placed in D, 2,
1 or R. The vehicle may start
moving. When leaving the driver's
seat, be sure to move the selector
lever into P and securely set the
parking brake. (Continued)
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500 HD/XD/5500 HD/XD
Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-13337621) - 2020 - crc - 12/5/18
224 Driving and Operating
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 Refueling1. Follow the directions in "Parking Brake Lever" under
Parking Brake 0211. 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
0 330.
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.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500 HD/XD/5500 HD/XD
Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-13337621) - 2020 - crc - 12/5/18
Vehicle Care 229
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 230
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 230
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Cab Tilting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Engine Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 243
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 249
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . 252
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Battery - North America . . . . . . 259 Fuel Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Rear Axle (Gear Oil Viscosity
Chart) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Rear Axle (Oil Level Check) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Noise Control System . . . . . . . . 262
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 265
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Headlamps and Front Turn Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Roofmarker Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Sidemarker Lamps (Including Turn Signal and Cornering
Lamps) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 276
Interior Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 277
Wheels and Tires
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500 HD/XD/5500 HD/XD
Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-13337621) - 2020 - crc - 12/5/18
232 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 orcontamination, 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 other
refuse 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 HD/XD/5500 HD/XD
Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-13337621) - 2020 - crc - 12/5/18
Vehicle Care 243
.Dipstick H (HOT) —
Transmission fluid
temperature Approx. 70 -
80 °C (158 - 176 °F).
. The “C (COLD)” range on
the dipstick is a guide used
by your dealer for
specialized equipment used
to replace or service the
automatic transmission
fluid. When performing your
own inspections, always
use the “H (HOT)” range
after warming up the
vehicle.
The fluid must be hot to
ensure an accurate check.
The fluid level rises as
temperature increases.
6. If the fluid level is too low, add the specified fluid through the
dipstick guide tube. Also, check
whether there are no fluid
leaks.
7. Insert the dipstick securely into position.{Warning
Be extremely careful not to burn
yourself when checking the oil
level if the engine temperature is
high. Protect yourself with
gloves etc.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
Discarded parts, oil, grease and
fluids could have an adverse effect
on the environment. It is difficult to
dispose of these, so have your
dealer handle all checks and
replacements.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Air Cleaner
Using a clogged air cleaner element
not only reduces engine output but
also causes increased fuel
consumption and an increased DPF
regeneration frequency. Be sure to use a genuine air cleaner
element. If a different air cleaner
element is used, it may cause the
sensor to output a wrong signal.
See
Maintenance Schedule 0317.
Air Cleaner Indicator Light
When the air cleaner indicator light
comes on, check the air cleaner
element. If the air cleaner element is
clogged, replace the air cleaner
element.
See Vehicle Messages 074.
See Maintenance Schedule 0317.
Engine Coolant
Protection of Engine Against
Overcooling
Overcooling of the engine not only
accelerates wear of the vital engine
parts but also hurts fuel economy.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500 HD/XD/5500 HD/XD
Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-13337621) - 2020 - crc - 12/5/18
320 Service and Maintenance
No. Service Interval16 000 km/10,000 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
32 000 km/20,000 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
64 000 km/40,000 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
80 000 km/50,000 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
112 000 km/70,000 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
128 000 km/80,000 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
160 000 km/100,000 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi
176 000 km/110,000 mi
Service intervals
months or
kilometers
(miles)
whichever
occurs first (1)
1 Engine noise check I - I I I - I I I - I I I - I
2 Valve lash - - - A - - - A - - - A - - - or every
12 months
3 Engine oil and oil filter (2) R - R R R - R R R - R R R - R or every
12 months
4 Fuel filter - R - R - R - R - R - R - R - or every
24 months
5 Pre-fuel filter/water
separator
- R - R - R - R - R - R - R - or every
24 months
6 Air cleaner filter - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - indicator (3)
7 Damage to air intake
ducts and hoses - I - I - I - I - I - I - I - or every
12 months
8 Drive belts I - I I I - I I I - I I I - I or every
12 months
9 Engine bolt torques - - - - - - I - - - - - I - -
10 Rotate tires Every 10 400 km (6,500 miles)