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Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
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Vehicle Care 57
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil depends on
both the proper oil specification and
viscosity grade. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants 078.
Specification
Ask for and use engine oils that meet the
dexos2 specification. Engine oils that have
been approved by GM as meeting the
dexos2 specification are marked with the
dexos2 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.
Use of Substitute Engine Oils if dexos2 is
unavailable: In the event that
dexos2-approved engine oil is not available
at an oil change or for maintaining proper
oil level, you may use substitute engine oil
that meets ACEA C3 of the appropriate
viscosity grade.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended engine
oil or equivalent can result in engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade engine oil.
Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of
extreme cold, where the temperature falls
below −29 °C (−20 °F), an SAE 0W-40 oil
may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade
will provide easier cold starting for the
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Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
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engine at extremely low temperatures.
When selecting an oil of the appropriate
viscosity grade, it is recommended to select
an oil of the correct specification. See
“Specification”earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the dexos2
specification are all that is needed for good
performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements
that can be unhealthy for your skin and
could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil
stay on your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water, or a
good hand cleaner. Wash or properly
dispose of clothing or rags containing used
engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings
about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain
all the oil from the filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates engine
oil life based on vehicle use and displays the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message when it
is time to change the engine oil and filter.
The oil life system should be reset to 100%
only following an oil change. See
“Engine Oil
Life System” in the owner’s manual.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change (2.8L
4-Cylinder Engine Pickup Models)
See“Automatic Transmission Fluid” in the
owner’s manual.
When to Check and Change (2.8L
4-Cylinder Engine Van Models)
It is not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible. There is a special procedure for checking and
changing the transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be done at
your dealer. Contact your dealer for
additional information.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals
listed in
Maintenance Schedule 073 or
Maintenance Schedule 077, and be sure to
use the fluid listed in Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 078.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
2.8L 4-Cylinder Engine Pickup Models
See “Engine Air Cleaner/Filter” in the
owner’s manual.
2.8L 4-Cylinder Engine Van Models
The air cleaner/filter assembly is on the
front of the engine compartment on the
driver side of the vehicle. See Engine
Compartment Overview 053.
When to Inspect/Replace the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and inspecting the
engine air filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 73 or
Maintenance Schedule 077.
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Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
The following fluids apply to vehicles with a Duramax diesel engine. For other fluids not listed here, see“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the owner’s manual.
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name or specification can be obtained from your dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission (6 Speed) DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission (8 Speed) DEXRON-HP Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Diesel Exhaust Aftertreatment System Diesel Exhaust Fluid that meets ISO 22241 or displays the API Diesel Exhaust Fluid Certification Mark.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL coolant. See Cooling System
0 60.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos2 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos2 is recommended. SeeEngine Oil055.
Hydraulic Power Steering System (If Equipped) GM Power Steering Fluid. See your dealer.