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 235
Engine Cover
Engine Inspection Cover (Crew
Cab Model)
To gain access to the engine,
release the catch hooks (3) and
raise the passenger’s seat
cushion (2). The cover can be held
up by a strap (1), permitting engine
inspection and adjustment. Engine Inspection Sub Cover
(Crew Cab Model)
To gain access to the engine
compartment, pull the lock lever
(red) (1) on the driver
’s seat
cushion (2) to unlock it, raise the
driver ’s seat cushion and remove
the sub cover. Engine Coolant Reserve Tank
Inspection Cover (Crew Cab
Model)To gain access to the engine
coolant reserve tank, remove the
inspection cover located under the
rear left seat.
Engine Oil
Engine oil is an important factor
determining engine performance
and longevity. Be sure to use only
the specified oil and oil filters. The
engine oil level must be checked
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
236 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
0 233.
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.
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 237
The engine oil level must be kept at
the right level to help assure proper
lubrication of your vehicle's engine.
It is the owner's responsibility to
check the oil level at regular
intervals (such as every fuel stop),
according to the following
instructions. Park the vehicle on a
level surface and check the engine
oil level before starting or at least
30 minutes after turning off the
engine.
1. Remove the oil dipstick (2) andwipe off any oil on the oil
dipstick.
2. Reinsert the oil dipstick fullyand then gently remove it.
The oil is at the correct level if
the oil level is between the
"FULL" and "MIN" marks.
3. If the oil level is too low, add oil to the "FULL" mark.
4. Reinstall the oil dipstick into position after checking the oil
level.
Any oil level above the "FULL" mark
on the oil dipstick may cause engine
malfunctions. The oil level cannot be checked
correctly when the engine is
running.
If the engine has been running, wait
at least 30 minutes before checking.
Adding the Engine Oil
When the engine oil level is near or
below the "MIN" mark on the oil
dipstick, remove the oil filler cap (1)
and add the oil. Remove the oil
dipstick (2) at this time. Use only the
specified engine oil.
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
238 Vehicle Care
Caution
When adding oil, be careful not to
spill any, but keep a workshop rag
handy just in case there are any
spills. If any oil should spill onto
the engine, carefully wipe it away.
If this precaution is not taken, the
spilled oil could ignite and a fire
could spread.
Do not leave flammable items,
such as rags or gloves, in the
engine compartment. They could
cause a fire. You and others could
be seriously injured.
Engine oil lubricates and cools the
engine's internal components. The
quality of the oil is degraded and the
quantity of oil is reduced by
evaporation, discharge and
combustion during the operation of
the engine. Continually using the
same oil without checking the level,
or without replenishing and
changing it could cause seizure or
damage to the engine. Prevent dirt from entering the filler
port when adding the oil. If foreign
matter mixes with the oil, it could
damage the engine.
Adding oil above the "FULL" mark
on the oil dipstick could result in
faulty engine operation. Be sure to
check the oil level by using the oil
dipstick.
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil could result in engine or
DPF breakdown, or in poor fuel
efficiency. Be sure to use the
recommended engine oil.
Choosing the Right Quality Oil
If you do not use the oil intended for
a vehicle equipped with a Diesel
Particulate Filter (DPF), both the
engine and the DPF may break
down and fuel economy may
decrease. Be sure, therefore, to use
the oil intended for vehicles
equipped with DPF.
GM recommends engine oil that
supports DPF (Low ash oil). Use of
engine oil that does not support low
ash will increase the PM produced
by engine combustion.Consequently, the maintenance
interval of the DPF filter will be
reduced.
Oil Identification Logo
A logo (symbol) is used on most oil
containers to help you select the oil
you should use. The top portion of
the logo shows the oil quality by API
designations such as CK4 or others.
The center portion of the logo
shows the SAE viscosity grade,
such as SAE *W-40 (* indicates
viscosity on the low temperature
side). You should look for this logo
on the oil container, and use ONLY
oil containing the logo.
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 239
Change Intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals
for your engine are based on the
use of recommended oil quality and
viscosity, as well as high-quality
filters such as genuine GM oil filters.
Using oil other than recommended,
or oil and filter change intervals
longer than recommended, could
reduce engine life. Damage to
engines due to improper
maintenance or use of incorrect oil
quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the new vehicle
warranty.
Your engine was filled with a
high-quality engine oil when it was
built. You do not have to change this
oil before the first recommended
change interval. Oil and filter
change intervals depend on how
you use your vehicle. For
information on the proper oil and
filter change intervals. See
Maintenance Schedule0317. Engine Oil Additives
Engine oils contain a variety of
additives. Your engine should not
need any extra additives if you use
the recommended oil quality and
change intervals.
{Warning
Used engine oil contains harmful
contaminants that have caused
skin cancer in laboratory animals.
Avoid prolonged skin contact.
Clean skin and nails thoroughly
using soap and water–not mineral
oil, fuels or solvents. Launder or
discard clothing, shoes or rags
containing used engine oil.
Engine Oil and Gear Oil
Viscosity Charts
Select appropriate engine oil in
accordance with the table below.
It is also important to select the
viscosity appropriate for the
temperature at which your vehicle
operates. Use the following table for
making correct selections. Engine Oil
Engine oil viscosity (thickness) has
an effect on fuel economy and
cold-weather starting. Lower
viscosity engine oils can provide
better fuel economy; however,
higher temperature weather
conditions require higher viscosity
engine oils for satisfactory
lubrication.
When choosing an oil, consider the
range of temperature your vehicle
will be operated in before the next
oil change. Then, select the
recommended oil viscosity from the
chart.
Do not use any viscosity of oil not
recommended. Such oils could
cause engine damage.
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
240 Vehicle Care
This Engine Oil Viscosity Grade
Chart shows general information.
For this vehicle, oil with *W-40
viscosity is recommended.
Changing the Engine Oil and
Oil Filter
Engine oil and the oil filter are
important factors in engine
performance and lifespan. Be sure
to use only the specified oil and oilfilters. The engine oil level must be
checked and the oil should be
changed regularly according to the
Maintenance Schedule.
Use the indicated oil quantities only
as guidelines when changing the
engine oil. After changing the oil,
make sure the oil is at the required
level. See
Capacities and
Specifications 0349. Failure to use the recommended
engine oil could result in engine or
DPF breakdown, or in poor fuel
efficiency. Be sure to use the
recommended engine oil.
Engine oil change precaution:
.
When adding oil, remove the
dipstick.
. After adding oil, wait for at least
5 minutes before starting the
engine. Be sure to reinstall the
dipstick.
Discarded Parts, Oils and
Other Liquids
When changing oils, filters, engine
coolant or other liquids, be sure to
have a container ready in advance
for their disposal.
Use methods conforming to legal
requirements for discarding or
disposing of parts, oils, filters or
engine coolant after change or
replacement.
Do not dispose of used engine oil,
fuel or any other oil in a careless
manner such as pouring it on the
ground, into sewers, or into streams
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 241
or bodies of water. Instead, recycle
it by taking it to a used oil collection
facility which may be found in your
community.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
{Warning
Overfilling of the automatic
transmission can cause the fluid
to be "PURGED" out of the
breather hose onto the hot engine
parts and can cause a fire.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
Both quality and quantity of fluid are
important factors that have a
significant influence on the
performance and durability of the
automatic transmission. Be sure to
use only the dealer recommended
fluid for replenishment, and observe
the specified fluid level. Too much or too little transmission
oil could damage your transmission.
Too much could cause your
transmission to overheat and fluid to
spill out from the breather hose. Be
sure to get an accurate reading if
you check your transmission fluid.
When cleaning around the dipstick
and guide tube, make sure that you
thoroughly wipe away all of the dirt
and dust etc. Failure to do so may
cause a fault in the transmission.
Do not let coolants (ethylene glycol
type), water based substances,
or other fluids etc., mix with the
fluid. Otherwise, degraded
performance and faulty operation of
the system will result.
Checking the Automatic
Transmission Oil level
This operation could be difficult and
you may choose to have this done
at your dealer.
If you choose to do it yourself, then
be sure to follow all the instructions
below or you could get a false
reading on the dipstick.Position of the Dipstick
For the single cab vehicle, the
dipstick is located to the left side of
the automatic transmission at the
rear of the engine. Tilt the cab up to
inspect it.
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.