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 133
Refer toEngine Coolant 0243.
. Do not put well water, river water
or other hard water in the engine
cooling system. It would hasten
the formation of rust and scale.
. If foreign matter (insects, mud,
etc.) gets stuck in the radiator's
air passages, the cooling
system's performance will
deteriorate. Check the air
passages for clogging, and
remove any foreign matter using
water under low pressure.
Refer to Exterior Care 0307.
When Turning, the Rear
Wheels will Follow Tighter
Curves than the Front Wheels
Use the mirrors to confirm safety.
Sidewinds
If the vehicle catches a sidewind
and drifts sideways, firmly grip the
steering wheel, decelerate to a
speed that allows you to stay
completely in control, and make a directional correction. The vehicle
may catch strong sidewinds in the
following situations:
.
Emerging from a tunnel
. Driving over a bridge
. Driving on an embankment
. Driving through a cutting
. Being overtaken by a large truck
or bus
. Overtaking a large truck or bus
Flat Tire
If a blowout or flat tire occurs while
you are driving, calmly grip the
steering wheel and gradually apply
the brakes to decelerate. (Hard
braking would be dangerous
because it could cause the steering
wheel to be pulled to one side.)
Stop the vehicle in a safe place, and
change the tire.
Hard Bump Under Vehicle
If the underside of the vehicle
receives a hard bump, stop in a safe
place where the vehicle will not
obstruct traffic and check for brake fluid leakage, fuel leakage and
component damage. If any part of
the vehicle is damaged or broken,
promptly have the vehicle inspected
and repaired.
Highways
.
Speeds on highways are higher
than those on regular roads, so
there is more danger. Also, a
breakdown on a highway
represents a hazard to other
vehicles and can cause a crash.
Concentrate on safe driving.
Remember to perform daily
pre-operation inspections and
use highway driving techniques.
When performing daily
pre-operation inspections,
perform the checks shown in the
table on the left with particularly
great care.
Refer to Owner Checks and
Services 0330.
. When merging with traffic on a
highway, use the turn signal
lights to indicate your intentions
ahead of time. Speed up
sufficiently when you are in the
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
138 Driving and Operating
2. To move the selector lever to"P" (Park), hold in the button
on the lever and push the lever
all the way toward the front of
your vehicle.
3. Turn the key to "LOCK".
4. Remove the key and take it with you.
5. Before you leave the driver's seat, be sure the vehicle is not
moving, or check that your
vehicle is in Park by trying to
pull the selector lever out of "P"
(Park) by pulling the selector
lever toward you without
pushing the button. If you can
do this, it means that the
selector lever was not fully
locked into "P" (Park).
Do Not Touch the Selector Lever
While the Vehicle is Stationary
with the Engine Idling
Do not touch the selector lever while
the vehicle is stationary with the
engine idling. If you touch the
selector lever at this time, a gear
could be selected and the vehicle
could move even with the parking brake applied. The risk of knocking
against the selector lever and
causing a crash is particularly great
when you move in or out of
your seat.
Driving Down a Long Slope
When driving down a long slope,
use the exhaust brake together with
the foot brake. Using the exhaust
brake and low-gears reduces the
work load on the foot brakes and
yields greater braking force. Even
so, use the foot brakes
appropriately to prevent the engine
over-revving.
Frequent use of the foot brakes can
cause vapor lock and brake fade,
resulting in reduced brake
effectiveness.
Brake Fade :
Frequent use of the
brakes can cause the brakes to
overheat so that the frictional force
of the brake linings decreases and
the brakes become less effective
than normal. This phenomenon is
called brake fade. Vapor Lock :
If the brakes overheat
due to frequent use, the heat can
cause the brake fluid to boil so that
air bubbles are created in the brake
fluid. Pressing the brake pedal
simply compresses the air bubbles;
pressure is not transmitted to the
wheel cylinders, so the brakes'
effectiveness sharply deteriorates.
This phenomenon is called
vapor lock.
Even so, you should be very careful
when using engine braking in a low
gear because the engine is likely to
over-rev. See Exhaust Brake 0213
and
Selector Lever 0205.
Do not adjust the exhaust brake
valve.
The engine should never be allowed
to exceed the governed speed.
Supplement the exhaust brake with
vehicle service brakes intermittently
and/or shift to higher transmission
gear to prevent engine overspeed.
A rule of thumb for gear selection is
that the vehicle should be driven
down a grade in the same gear that
would be used to climb that grade.
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 151
SymptomCauseCorrective Action Reference
Not enough engine power Parking brake not fully
released
Make sure it is fully
released
-
Brake dragging
4-
Air cleaner clogged
4-
Fuel filter clogged
4-
Engine control system
faulty
4-
Common rail system
faulty
4-
Engine faulty
4-
DPF clogged
4-
Brakes not effective Drum-to-lining gap too
large
4-
Air in brake fluid
4-
Brake system failure
4-
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
152 Driving and Operating
SymptomCauseCorrective Action Reference
Uneven braking Unbalanced air pressure
in tires
Adjust to proper air
pressureSee
Wheels and
Tires 0285
Tire unevenly worn Replace tire See
Wheels and
Tires 0285
Drum brake out of
adjustment
4-
Poor wheel alignment
4-
Exhaust brake not working The electrical system is
faulty
4-
Steering wheel hard to turn Loaded too far forward Load properly -
Power steering fluid level
too low
Add fluidSee
Power
Steering Fluid
0 252
Insufficient air in front
tires Adjust to proper inflation
pressureSee
Wheels and
Tires 0285
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
162 Driving and Operating
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 0218.
Stopping the Engine
When stopping the 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.
If the Vehicle Has Not Been Used
for a Long Period
If a diesel vehicle has been
standing for an extended period of
time, the turbocharger bearings
should be pre-lubricated prior to
starting. See your authorized dealer
for more detailed information.
Before using a vehicle that has not
been driven for a long period, check
the engine and transmission for oil
leakage, and make sure the oil is at
the required levels. If there is
insufficient oil, it will not adequately
reach and lubricate components,
and a breakdown will result.Start the engine and allow it to idle
for at least five minutes. Check for
abnormal noises.
For instructions on warming up the
engine, refer to
“Starting the Engine”
previously in this section.
If one year has passed since the
diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in the
DEF tank was added, the DEF in
the tank should be replaced. Be
careful not to inhale the ammonia
odor when replacing the DEF. Also,
please contact your nearest dealer
about the replacement work.
Operating Temperature
Recommendations for Warming
Up the Engine
The engine is sufficiently warmed
up when the needle of the engine
coolant temperature gauge starts
to move.
Do not race the engine or quickly
accelerate before the engine has
sufficiently warmed up. Oil would
not have adequately reached and
lubricated components, and a
breakdown may result.
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
166 Driving and Operating
The cruise set indicator light will
stop flashing and the engine speed
will return to normal.
Engine Checks Before
Operating
Checks Before Operating
Allow the engine to warm up before
placing the engine under heavy load
driving. While the engine is warming
up under light load, the following
checks should be made:1. Observe the red engine oil pressure warning light. The
light should go out when the
engine is running. If it stays on,
shut the engine off and find the
cause.
2. Look at the engine coolant temperature gauge. If the
gauge reaches the H (HOT)
area, stop the engine and find
the cause of the overheating.
3. Check that the battery warning light has gone out. The light
should go off and stay off at
normal idle speeds. If the light does not go out or comes on
during normal operation, have
the charging system checked.
4. Check that the brake low vacuum warning light is out
and that the vacuum buzzer is
not sounding. It is normal for
the warning buzzer to sound
for a few seconds after the
engine starts. If the light and
buzzer remain on, do not drive
the vehicle until the cause has
been found and corrected.
5. Look at the brake system warning light. It should be out
when the parking brake is
released and the engine is
running. If it stays on, it could
mean that the brake fluid level
is low. Check the brake fluid
reservoir. This condition must
be corrected before moving the
vehicle.
{Warning
To reduce the chance of personal
injury and/or vehicle damage due
to engine overheating, never
leave the engine idling without an
alert driver present. If the engine
should overheat, as indicated by
the engine coolant temperature
gauge, immediate action is
required to correct the condition.
Continued operation of the
engine, even for a short time, may
result in a fire.
Do not engage the exhaust brake
while the engine is idling as this
may cause engine overheating.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
Avoid Unnecessary Idling of the
Diesel Engine
If the diesel engine idles too long,
the engine coolant temperature will
fall below the operating range. Low
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
180 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 Messages074.
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 70.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 74
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 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500 HD/XD/5500 HD/XD
Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-13337621) - 2020 - crc - 12/5/18
196 Driving and Operating
When the exhaust system warning
light comes on, promptly have the
vehicle inspected and serviced at a
dealer.
When a malfunction is detected in
the SCR system, the warning and
the indicator lights shown in the
table come on. SeeVehicle
Messages 074, Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine
Light) 061, and Diesel Exhaust
Fluid (DEF) Warning Light 068.
When the Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) Tank is Empty
If the DEF tank is empty and
warning and indicator lights are on,
you must follow below procedure to
cancel the vehicle restriction: 1. Turn the engine control switch to the LOCK or ACC position,
and add DEF.
2. After adding DEF, turn the engine control switch to ON
position.
3. Wait until buzzer stops, warnings and indicators are
turned 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. Restart the engine.
It may take a while until the warning
lights and indicators turn off and the
buzzer stops after turning the
engine control switch to the ON
position.
It is desirable to fill up the tank with
DEF to avoid DEF remaining level
warning indication from reappearing.
When the outside temperature is
low, refer to Adding DEF in Cold
Weather. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) 070, Brake System
Warning Light (Parking Brake Light)
0 62, Warning Buzzers 079, and
Winter Driving 0142.Automatic
Transmission
On an automatic transmission
vehicle, the driver does not use a
clutch pedal when pulling away,
changing gears, or stopping. Only
the selector lever, accelerator pedal,
and brake pedal are used.
Practice learning the characteristics
of the automatic transmission
vehicle and how to correctly operate
it. When the vehicle is stationary,
remember to keep the brake pedal
firmly pressed, and if necessary,
move the selector lever in the P or
N position and apply the parking
brake.
Creep : With the engine running
and a gear position other than P or
N selected with the selector lever,
power reaches the wheels even
when the accelerator pedal is not
pressed, causing the vehicle to tend
to move.