
Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
Instruments and Controls 3
Instruments and Controls
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check EngineLight) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Wait-to-Start Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Power Take-Off Light (Chassis Cab Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . 10
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization (Van Models) . . . . 11
Vehicle Personalization (PickupModels) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
8 Instruments and Controls
the tank was half full, but it actually took
a little more or less than half the tank's
capacity to fill the tank.
.The gauge moves a little while turning a
corner or speeding up.
.The gauge does not go back to E (Empty)
when the ignition is turned off.
None of these indicate a problem with the
fuel gauge.
For information on how to fill the fuel tank,
see Filling the Tank 032.
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
4-Cylinder Pickup Models
See “Oil Pressure” under“Driver Information
Center (DIC)” in the owner’s manual.
Metric Van Models
English Van Models
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. Driving with the
engine oil low can also damage the
engine. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil
level as soon as possible. Add oil if
required, but if the oil level is within the
operating range and the oil pressure is
still low, have the vehicle serviced.
Always follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
The engine oil pressure gauge reads in kPa
(kilopascals) or psi (pounds per square inch)
when the engine is running. Oil pressure
may vary with engine speed, outside
temperature, and oil viscosity.
If readings are outside the normal operating
range, the low oil pressure message may
display on the Driver Information Center
(DIC), or for vehicles without a DIC the oil
pressure light will come on. If the oil
pressure message or light comes on, check
the oil level immediately. Do not operate
the engine with the oil pressure warning
light on or an ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL
message displayed.

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
10 Instruments and Controls
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
.The light is on when the engine is
running.
.The light does not come on when the
ignition is on with the engine not
running.
.Critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed. If this
happens, the vehicle would not be ready
for inspection and might require
several days of routine driving before the
system is ready for inspection. This can
happen if the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if the
vehicle has recently been serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will not pass
or cannot be made ready for the test.
Wait-to-Start Light
This light comes on briefly while starting
the engine, as a check to show the light is
working. If the wait-to-start light comes on, the glow
plug system is required and operating. Wait
until the light turns off before starting the
engine. This light may not come on in warm
temperatures.
The fast warm-up glow plug system makes
the wait-to-start light stay on for a shorter
amount of time than most diesel engines.
See
Starting the Diesel Engine 013.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
Warning Light
This light, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message, and a chime come on when there
is an issue with the Diesel Exhaust Fluid.
If the DEF level has not been corrected, the
light will continue to flash when the vehicle
is started. The vehicle's speed may also be
limited.
Also see Diesel Exhaust Fluid 022.
Power Take-Off Light (Chassis
Cab Only)
Chassis Cab
The vehicle may have a Power Take-Off
(PTO) light. Under normal operating
conditions, the PTO light will remain on
throughout the PTO operating cycle. If all
conditions required to engage PTO have not
been met when enabling PTO, the PTO light
will turn on, then turn off after one second.
See Power Take-Off (PTO) 037.
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC)
The DIC is in the instrument cluster. The DIC
comes on when the ignition is on.
A Duramax diesel vehicle may have the
following additional DIC menu items:

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
Instruments and Controls 11
Exhaust Fluid Level :The Diesel Exhaust
Fluid (DEF) level will be displayed as either
OK, XX%, or LOW.
When LOW appears on the display, add DEF
as soon as possible. See Diesel Exhaust Fluid
0 22.
Fuel Filter Life Remaining : This display
shows an estimate of the fuel filter's
remaining useful life. If 90% Fuel Filter Life
Remaining is displayed, it means 90% of the
current fuel filter life remains. The fuel filter
life system will alert when to change the
fuel filter on a schedule consistent with your
driving conditions.
When the remaining fuel filter life is low,
the CHANGE FUEL FILTER message will
appear on the display. Change the fuel filter
as soon as possible.
Fuel Filter Life Reset : Reset the Fuel Filter
Life Remaining display after each fuel filter
change. It will not reset itself. Also, be
careful not to reset the display at any time
other than when the fuel filter has just been
changed because it cannot be reset
accurately until the next fuel filter change.
The fuel filter life will change to 100% when
the system has been reset. To reset the
system, press and hold the set/reset button, or the trip odometer reset stem if there are
no DIC buttons, for two seconds while Fuel
Filter Life Remaining is displayed on the DIC.
Engine Hour (Hourmeter) :
Shows the total
number of hours the engine has run. The
display also shows the engine idle hours.
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization (Van
Models)
This vehicle may have customization
capabilities that allow you to program
certain features to one preferred setting.
Customization features can only be
programmed to one setting on the vehicle
and cannot be programmed to a preferred
setting for two different drivers.
A Duramax diesel vehicle may have the
following additional vehicle personalization
items:
Feature Settings Menu Items
The following are customization features
that allow you to program settings to the
vehicle: ELEVATED IDLE
This feature allows you to turn on or off
Elevated Idle.
Press
Uuntil ELEVATED IDLE appears on the
DIC display. Press
Vonce to access the
settings for this feature. Then press
Uto
scroll through OFF, ON, or NO CHANGE. To
select a setting, press
Vwhile the desired
setting is displayed on the DIC.
Vehicle Personalization (Pickup
Models)
Use the audio system controls to access the
personalization menus for customizing
vehicle features.
The following features may be available on
some vehicles with a diesel engine. See
“Vehicle Personalization” in the owner’s
manual for additional vehicle
personalizations.
If equipped, these features may be selected
using the infotainment display.
To access the vehicle personalization menu:
1. Touch the Settings icon on the Home Page of the infotainment display.

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
12 Instruments and Controls
2. Touch Vehicle to display a list ofavailable options.
3. Touch to select the desired feature setting.
4. Touch
9orRto turn a feature off or on.
5. Touch
zto go to the top level of the
Settings menu.
Climate and Air Quality
Select and the following may display:
Rapid Heat-Elevated Idle
This allows the feature to be turned on and
off. See “Elevated Idle” inStarting the Diesel
Engine 013.
Select Off or On.

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
16 Driving and Operating
.The transmission is shifted out of P (Park)
or N (Neutral).
.The parking brake is released.
.The vehicle speed is not 0 km/h (0 mph).
On vans, when fast idle is active, a FAST
IDLE ON message will be displayed in
the DIC.
Winter Cover
Pickups
Do not use a winter cover on pickups.
Vans
If equipped, the winter cover can be used to
enhance heater performance in extremely
cold conditions below −18 °C (0 °F). The
winter cover installs over the grille and
restricts airflow to the engine compartment.
For vehicles that did not come with a winter
cover, a GM winter cover can be purchased.
See your dealer for additional information.
When the winter cover is in use, the heater,
ventilation, and air conditioning AUTO mode
may not function properly. Use the manual
settings for comfort.
Usage Guidelines
The winter cover should only be used while
operating the vehicle in extremely cold
temperatures or in heavy snow for extended
periods. In these temperatures, the vehicle
does not need a large amount of air to
properly cool the engine. When more
airflow is required to cool the vehicle, the
winter cover should not be used. The
following usage guidelines will allow
adequate airflow for proper radiator and air
cooler performance:
.Do not use the winter cover if towing a
trailer. The vehicle may overheat if the
radiator is covered while towing.
.Do not modify the cover. The winter
cover does not cover some sections of the
front of the vehicle to provide enough
airflow.
.When the winter cover is used, the
outside air temperature display may not
function properly.
.Keep the underside of the winter cover as
clean as possible. Remove monthly or as
necessary and clean away dust and
debris.
.Use only a mild soap to clean. Do not use
harsh soap, strong detergents, or vinyl
protectant/sealant type products as they
may damage the special finish. Allow the
winter cover to dry completely before
reinstalling.
Installation Instructions
When first trying to fit the cover, it may
appear to be undersized but will stretch
during installation to ensure a tight fit. The
initial installation of the cover is best
performed when the winter cover is warm.
1. Open the hood and secure it with the prop rod.

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
Driving and Operating 21
or see www.gmupfitter.com to contact the
GM Upfitter Integration Group for
assistance.
If equipped, this feature allows for manual
cleaning/regeneration of the DPF when it is
unable to clean itself. It may be necessary
to perform a manual regeneration if driving
conditions—such as extended slow speed,
stop-and-go traffic, extended idles, short
drive cycles, or stationary PTO operation —
prevent DPF self-cleaning.
Manual regeneration can only be used when
the DPF has become at least 90% full. At
100% full, it will attempt to automatically
self-clean if proper driving conditions are
met. The DPF will clean itself if the vehicle
can be driven above 50 km/h (30 mph) for
about 30 minutes.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) message
displays when manual regeneration is
possible.
Scroll through the DIC pages to find the
Exhaust Cleaning menu. Depending on
whether the vehicle has a base or uplevel
cluster, it may be under the Settings menu.
If the vehicle cannot be stopped when the
DIC message first indicates cleaning is
available, automatic self-cleaning may have begun. If conditions cannot be met for
self-cleaning to complete, and manual
regeneration is selected, it may take up to
four minutes for the system to switch to
manual regeneration. When the switch
occurs, a DIC message prompts to start the
cleaning process.
{Warning
Do not leave the vehicle during the
regeneration.
Make sure that there are no flammables
near the muffler, DPF and exhaust pipe
which may result in a fire.
Remember that the temperature of
exhaust gases is high enough to burn
you. You and others could be seriously
injured.
Before starting the manual regeneration,
make sure all of the following safety
conditions are met:
.The vehicle is parked on level ground,
away from any flammable materials.
.The vehicle is parked outdoors, away
from any walls or buildings.
.The vehicle is at least 3 m (10 ft) from
any obstructions or materials that may
combust or melt.
.The shift lever is in P (Park).
.The fuel tank is at least one-eighth full.
.All fluids are at the proper level.
.No diagnostic trouble codes have been
set, and the malfunction indicator lamp is
not on.
.The engine coolant temperature is above
71 °C (160 °F).
After making sure all of the safety
conditions have been met, press the trip
odometer reset stem or
Von the steering
wheel control for at least one second to
select Start on the infotainment display.
Follow the instructions in the DIC messages.
Touch ACCEPT to acknowledge that all of
these safety conditions have been met and
to activate regeneration.
If the infotainment display returns to the
previous screen, then one or more of the
necessary operating conditions has not been
met. If you cannot determine which
condition has not been met, see
www.gmupfitter.com to contact the GM
Upfitter Integration Group for assistance.

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
22 Driving and Operating
Continue to follow the instructions in the
DIC messages. Hold the exhaust brake
switch on the center stack below the climate
controls for more than three seconds, and
then release it, to begin the regeneration
process.
If the EXHAUST BRAKE ON message displays,
then the switch was released too soon.
Press it again to turn off the exhaust brake,
then try again when the DIC message
prompts.
When manual regeneration begins, the
engine speed increases, the engine cooling
fan sound increases, and a DIC message
indicates that cleaning is in progress.
A DIC message will display when cleaning
has completed. The message will remain as
long as cleaning is not necessary. Cleaning
could take up to 30 minutes. Upon
completion, the engine will return to normal
idle, but exhaust components will remain
hot for several minutes. Do not move the
vehicle until the exhaust has had time to
cool. Manual regeneration can be canceled
at any time by pressing the brake pedal or
turning the engine off. Unusual noises may
be heard if regeneration is interrupted.Diesel Exhaust Fluid{
Warning
Avoid getting Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
on your skin or in your eyes as it could
cause irritation. For more safety,
handling, and storage information, see
the Diesel Exhaust Fluid container label.
Caution
Use only DEF that is GM approved,
or fluid containing the API certified or ISO
22241 label. The use of other fluids could
damage the system, requiring costly
repairs that will not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Caution
Do not mix fuel with DEF, and do not put
DEF in the fuel tank. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is used with diesel
engines to reduce the amount of regulated
emissions produced. Products such as AdBlue are types of DEF, and are approved for use
in the vehicle as long as they have an API
certification label or meet ISO 22241. The
fluid level in the DEF tank must be
maintained for the vehicle to run properly.
DEF is not a fuel additive. DEF should not be
mixed with or added to diesel fuel. DEF
freezes when exposed to temperatures
below
−11 °C (12 °F). For DEF tank capacity
see Capacities and Specifications 082.
It is normal to hear the DEF system purge
fluid back into the tank after the vehicle is
shut off.
Locating Diesel Exhaust Fluid
DEF can be purchased at your dealer.
Additionally, some diesel truck fueling
stations or retailers may have DEF for
purchase. For vehicles with an active OnStar
or connected services plan, OnStar can help
to locate a DEF retailer. See “Customer
Assistance Offices” in the owner’s manual
for phone numbers to assist in contacting a
GM dealer. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 078.