2021 CHEVROLET COLORADO key

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
Driving and Operating 13
Driving and Operating
Starting and Operating
Starting the Diesel Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Winter Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Fuel Operated Heater (FOH) (VanModels Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . 19
Diesel Particulate Filter
Diesel Particulate Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Diesel Exhaust Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Brakes
Exhaust Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Fuel for Diesel Engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Cold Weather Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Water in Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Running Out of Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Fuel Filter Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . 34
Trailer Towing
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Conversions and Add-Ons
Power Take-Off (PTO) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Starting and Operating
Starting the Diesel Engine
The diesel engine starts differently than a
gasoline engine.
Caution
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel, and is held
in that position while starting the vehicle,
damage may occur to the power steering
system and there may be loss of power
steering assist.
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the engine when the
vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Starting the Engine
1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN.

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
14 Driving and Operating
Observe the wait-to-start light. See
Wait-to-Start Light010. This light may
not come on if the engine is warm.
2. If the wait-to-start light is on, wait until this light goes off. Turn the ignition key
to START, then release the ignition key.
The engine will continue to crank until
the engine starts.
The engine has a fast warm-up glow
plug system. The wait-to-start light will
illuminate for a much shorter time than
most diesel engines, due to the rapid
heating of the glow plug system.
Caution
If the wait-to-start light stays on after
starting the vehicle, the vehicle may not
run properly. Have the vehicle serviced
right away.
3. If the engine does not start after 15 seconds of cranking, turn the ignition
off. Wait one minute for the cranking
motor to cool, then try the same steps
again.
If you are trying to start the engine after
you have run out of fuel, follow the steps in
Running Out of Fuel 030. When the engine is cold, let it run for a few
minutes before driving. This lets oil pressure
build up. The engine will sound louder when
it is cold.
For turbo protection, engine power at
speeds above idle may be limited if the
engine is cold. This protection can last up to
a maximum of 40 seconds at extreme cold
coolant and ambient temperatures.
Cold Weather Starting
Use the recommended engine oil when the
outside temperature drops below freezing.
See
Engine Oil 055. When the outside
temperature drops below –18 °C (0 °F), use
of the engine coolant heater is
recommended.
If you experience longer cranking times,
notice an unusual amount of exhaust smoke,
or are at higher elevations (over 2 135 m or
7,000 ft), you may use the engine coolant
heater. See Engine Heater 017.
See Fuel for Diesel Engines 025 for
information on what fuel to use in cold
weather.
If the Diesel Engine Will Not Start
If the vehicle runs out of fuel, see Running
Out of Fuel 030. If the vehicle is not out of fuel, and the
engine will not start:
Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN. After the
wait-to-start light goes off, turn the ignition
key to START.
If the light does not go off, wait a few
seconds, then try starting the engine again.
See your dealer as soon as possible for a
starting system check.
If the light comes on and then goes off and
you know the batteries are charged, but the
engine still will not start, the vehicle needs
service.
If the light does not come on when the
engine is cold, the vehicle needs service.
If the batteries do not have enough charge
to start the engine, see
“Battery”in the
owner’s manual.
Check that the correct engine oil has been
used and changed at appropriate intervals.
If the wrong oil is used, the engine may be
harder to start.
Be sure you are using the proper fuel for
existing weather conditions. See Fuel for
Diesel Engines 025.
If the engine starts, runs a short time, then
stops, the vehicle needs service.

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
30 Driving and Operating
The system is not harmed by air in the fuel
lines; however, the engine and/or the FOH
may not start until the fuel system is
primed and the air is removed.
Priming the Fuel System
There is an electric priming pump that will
bring fuel to the engine and eliminate air in
the fuel lines. To prime the engine:1. Correct any condition that caused the loss of prime.
2. Turn the ignition on for 30 seconds. Do not start the engine. The fuel pump will
start priming.
3. Turn the ignition off, then back to start, and crank the engine for 15 seconds.
4. If the engine does not start, repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the engine starts.
If the engine does not start after
repeating Steps 2 and 3 three times, turn
the ignition key off for 60 seconds.
5. Repeat the above steps until the engine starts.
6. If the engine starts, but does not run smoothly, increase the engine speed
slightly. 7. If the engine starts and runs but stalls
again, turn the ignition off for
60 seconds.
8. When the engine starts, let it idle for a few minutes and check the filter for any
leaks.
To Prime the Fuel Operated Heater (FOH)
Fuel Lines (Van Models)
See your dealer or qualified technician if the
FOH fuel lines need to be primed.
Running Out of Fuel
If the engine has stalled due to running out
of fuel, try to restart it: 1. If parked on a level surface, add at least 3.8 L (1 gal) of fuel. Up to 18.9 L (5 gal)
may be needed if parked on a slope.
2. Follow the vehicle fuel system priming procedure earlier in this section to
re-prime the system and restart the
engine.
If the check engine light comes on due to
running out of fuel, it may take a few drive
cycles to clear.
On van models only, the Fuel Operated
Heater (FOH) stops automatically when the
fuel tank volume is less than or equal to 10% of the total tank. The FOH fuel lines
will not need to be primed if the vehicle
runs out of fuel.
Fuel Filter Replacement
Van Models
{Warning
Diesel fuel is flammable. It could start a
fire if something ignites it, and people
could be burned. Do not let it get on hot
engine parts, and keep matches or other
ignition sources away.
The fuel filter is on the driver side, inside
the frame rail.
To replace the fuel filter: 1. Drain any water from the filter. See “Removing Water from the Fuel Filter” in
Water in Fuel 027.
Keep the engine off until the procedure
is completed.
2. Apply the parking brake.

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
38 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO), which cannot be seen or
smelled. Exposure to CO can cause
unconsciousness or even death. Never
operate PTO in an enclosed area such as
a garage or building that has no fresh air
ventilation. See“Engine Exhaust” in the
owner’s manual.
Caution
If the key is in the ignition during
Remote PTO operation, the vehicle can be
shifted out of P (Park). Even though PTO
will be disengaged, depending on PTO
Upfitter application, personal injury or
property damage may result from vehicle
movement. Always remove the key from
the ignition before operating
Remote PTO.
Primary PTO Operating Modes
PTO modes of operation are:
.Preset
Stationary operation only: In-cab control
is standard, remote control is available.
.Variable
Stationary operation only: In-cab control
is standard, remote control is available.
.Mobile
In-cab control only.
.Operator Selectable In-Cab Mode (OSIM)
OSIM is for in-cab operation only.
OSIM is for vehicles that require both
stationary and mobile modes. OSIM is
available via the GM Service Tool only.
During the configuration of OSIM, two
modes must be paired. The options for
pairing are: stationary preset and mobile,
or stationary variable and mobile. During
activation of OSIM, the operator must
select one of the two modes within the
pre-configured pairing. If an OSIM mode is
not selected, PTO will not operate.
OSIM modes of operation are:
‐ Stationary
For stationary mode, the configuration
may be stationary preset or stationary
variable.
‐ Mobile
For mobile mode, the configuration is
variable only. Selection between OSIM pairings is not
available.
Remote modes are not available.
The factory default programming enables
in-cab control. For stationary modes, a GM
Service Tool can reprogram the system to
allow for remote control and disable the
in-cab control.
All PTO modes provide for engine rpm
control and PTO load relay control.
All PTO modes provide for safety interlocks
for PTO load disengagement.
Remote PTO modes provide for remote
engine starting and shutdown.
Stationary in-cab and Remote PTO modes
provide for engine shutdown due to critical
engine conditions, as well as a timed engine
shutdown feature.
Preset PTO
Preset Enable Conditions –In-Cab Operation
To enable PTO: 1. With the engine running, shift the vehicle into P (Park) and set the parking
brake. Do not press the brake pedal.
2. Confirm that cruise control is off.

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
Driving and Operating 39
3. Press and release the PTO in-cab switchbelow the climate controls in the center
stack. The PTO indicator light will blink
rapidly until the PTO load relay becomes
engaged and will then be on steady. The
engine will advance to the PTO Standby
Speed.
4. Once the PTO Standby Speed is reached, use SET− and +RES on the cruise control
to reach the Set 1 or Set 2 PTO engine
speeds.
The accelerator pedal is disabled and
cannot be used to override the PTO
preset speeds.
Factory Default PTO Engine Speeds
Standby 900 rpm
Set 1 (SET−) 1200 rpm
Set 2 (+RES) 1900 rpm
The first time a vehicle is used for PTO: 1. The PTO Control setting on the GM Service Tool is programmed to Interior
Mode PTO Switch.
2. Check the correct operation of the default PTO preset stationary mode to
observe the three idle up speeds. The
PTO function should be confirmed before any wiring modifications are done or any
reprogramming is attempted. See your
dealer if the default presets are not
functioning properly.
3. The PTO indicator light will not initially reflect the status of the PTO load until
the PTO load relay is wired into the
system. The PTO load relay output is
enabled as a factory default. When the
PTO indicator light is either blinking or
on solid, the PTO relay output will be
activated.
Preset Enable Conditions –Remote
Operation
This requires programming with the GM
Service Tool and remote switch panel
provided by GM Upfitter.
1. Confirm that cruise control is off.
2. Set the parking brake and shift the transmission into P (Park).
3. Turn the engine off. Remove or place the key in the ignition off position. Lock the
vehicle, if desired.
4. Confirm the hood is closed.
5. From outside the vehicle, press and release the Remote PTO Arm switch. 6. Within five seconds, open and close the
Remote PTO Engine Start/Shutdown
switch.
7. The horn will chirp, and then engine starting will be automatically initiated.
The PTO system will then elevate engine
rpm to PTO Standby Speed and engage
the PTO load relay.
8. The Remote PTO Set switch can now be used to accomplish the PTO Set 1 and
Set 2 engine speeds.
The accelerator pedal is disabled when
Remote PTO operation is selected.
Preset Enable Conditions –Remote
Operation In-Cab Enable
This requires programming with the GM
Service Tool and remote switch panel
provided by GM Upfitter.
Starting remote operation in-cab:
1. With the engine running, shift the vehicle into P (Park), release the brake
pedal, and set the parking brake.
2. Confirm that cruise control is off.
3. Confirm the hood is closed.
4. Press and release the in-cab PTO switch.

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
40 Driving and Operating
5. The horn will chirp, the PTO load relaywill engage, and the engine will advance
to the PTO Standby Speed.
6. The Remote PTO Set switch may be used to select PTO Set 1 and Set 2 engine
speeds.
The accelerator pedal is disabled when
Remote PTO operation is selected.
The operator may exit the vehicle.
{Warning
If the key is in the ignition during
Remote PTO operation, the vehicle can be
shifted out of P (Park) by an
unauthorized operator. Even though PTO
will be disengaged, depending on PTO
Upfitter application, personal injury or
property damage may result from vehicle
movement. The operator must ensure
that the vehicle is secured against
unauthorized access during Remote PTO
operation.
Remote PTO operation may be ended by
pressing the brake pedal at which time the
PTO load relay disengages and the engine returns to base idle speed. The operator
may drive the vehicle after releasing the
parking brake.
Preset Enable Conditions
–Operator
Selectable In-Cab Mode (OSIM)
This requires programming with the GM
Service Tool and requires pairing OSIM
stationary preset with OSIM mobile mode.
If OSIM pairing has been configured, initiate
OSIM preset operation:
1. With the engine running, shift the vehicle into P (Park) and release the
brake pedal, and set the parking brake.
2. Confirm cruise control is off.
3. Confirm the hood is closed.
4. Press and release the in-cab PTO switch. The PTO indicator light will blink slowly.
5. Within 10 seconds, press and release SET −on the cruise control.
6. The PTO indicator light will change to solid when the PTO load relay becomes
engaged. The engine speed will advance
to the PTO Standby Speed. Press and
release SET− on the cruise control to
select the PTO Set 1 speed. Press and
release +RES on the cruise control to
select the PTO Set 2 speed.
.The PTO load relay engages immediately
when the PTO operation is initiated by
the switch input. The transmission torque
converter is unlocked. The torque
converter will lock upon reaching stable
PTO Standby Speed (default = 900 rpm)
so maximum power is available.
.The first elevated engine speed, PTO
Standby Speed, is not intended as a
working speed but as a verification that
the system is active and ready to go to a
working speed. This speed can be
modified to a working speed with the GM
Service Tool. The upper limit for PTO
Standby Speed is 1500 rpm.
.The remote switches and relay
connections are made at the PTO Upfitter
Connector located on the chassis frame
behind the cab.
.The PTO Control setting on the Service
Tool must be programmed to Remote
PTO Mode Switch before the remote
switches can be used.
.The PTO relay is programmed to be
enabled in the factory default
configuration.

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
Driving and Operating 41
.Refer to the service manual or go to the
GM Upfitter Integration website
www.gmupfitter.com for details, advanced
programming features, and usage with a
removable pendant.
Variable PTO
Variable Enable Conditions–In-Cab
Operation
To enable PTO:
1. With the engine running, shift the vehicle into P (Park) and set the parking
brake. Do not press the brake pedal.
2. Press and release the PTO in-cab switch below the climate controls in the center
stack. The PTO indicator light will blink
rapidly until the PTO load relay becomes
engaged and will then be on steady. The
engine will advance to the PTO Standby
Speed.
3. Once PTO Standby Speed is reached, SET −and +RES on the cruise control can be
used to tap up and tap down the engine
speed. Factory setting for the tap step is
100 rpm and the setting for the ramp
rate is 150 rpm/sec. The GM Service Tool
can enable the capability to change the
default value for tap step via the Radio
Customization menu. The default values for both tap step and ramp rate can be
changed with the GM Service Tool. The
accelerator pedal is disabled, and cannot
be used to control PTO engine speed.
Variable Enable Conditions –Remote
Operation
This requires programming with the GM
Service Tool and the appropriate remote
switch panel provided by GM Upfitter.
1. Confirm that cruise control is off.
2. Set the parking brake and shift the transmission into P (Park).
3. Turn the engine off. Remove or place the key in the ignition off position. Lock the
vehicle, if desired.
4. The hood must be closed.
5. From outside the vehicle, press and release the Remote PTO Arm switch.
6. Within five seconds, open and close the Remote PTO Engine Start/Shutdown
switch.
7. The horn will chirp, and then engine starting will be automatically initiated.
The PTO system will then elevate engine
rpm to PTO Standby Speed and engage
the PTO load relay. Variable Enable Conditions
–Remote
Operation In-Cab Enable Starting Remote
Operation from In-Cab
This requires programming with the GM
Service Tool and remote switch panel
provided by GM Upfitter.
1. With the engine running, shift the vehicle into P (Park), release the brake
pedal, and set the parking brake.
2. Confirm cruise control is off.
3. Confirm the hood is closed.
4. Press and release the PTO in-cab switch.
5. The horn will chirp, the PTO load relay will engage, and the engine will advance
to the PTO Standby Speed.
The operator may exit the vehicle.
{Warning
If the key is in the ignition during
Remote PTO operation, the vehicle can be
shifted out of P (Park) by an
unauthorized operator. Even though PTO
will be disengaged, depending on PTO
Upfitter application, personal injury or
property damage may result from vehicle
movement. The operator must ensure (Continued)

Chevrolet/GMC 2.8L Duramax Diesel Engine Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-
U.S./Canada-14465442) - 2021 - CRC - 2/3/20
44 Driving and Operating
remain at curb idle. A press and release
of +RES on the cruise control will restore
engine rpm to the last PTO set speed. The
PTO system can also be programmed to
return engine rpm to the PTO Standby
Speed setting.
.Press*on the cruise control. The engine
returns to base idle, but the PTO load
relay remains engaged. The PTO indicator
light will blink slowly indicating that a
PTO set speed is still stored in memory.
Activating +RES on the cruise control will
restore engine rpm to the last PTO set
speed.
.Press and release the PTO in-cab switch.
The PTO load relay disengages and the
engine returns to base idle. The PTO
indicator light will turn off, indicating the
PTO load relay is disengaged and the
stored set speed has been cleared from
memory.
Stationary Modes (Preset or Variable) –
Remote Control
To disengage PTO:
.Open the Remote PTO Engine Start/
Shutdown switch. Load relay disengages
and the engine will stop.
.If equipped, press the PTO Emergency
Stop switch. Load relay disengages and
the engine will stop. Refer to the bulletins
in the GM Upfitter Integration website
www.gmupfitter.com for the Power
Take-Off (PTO) operating description and
application guide.
.With the key in the ignition and rotated
to the RUN position, press the brake
pedal. The PTO load relay disengages and
the engine returns to base idle speed. The
operator may drive the vehicle.
Stationary Modes will also disengage if:
.Vehicle movement is detected.
.The parking brake is released.
.The transmission is shifted out of
P (Park).
.The ignition is cycled from RUN to OFF.
.The PTO feedback signal is lost indicating
the load is disengaged if used. See
www.gmupfitter.com.
.Cruise control becomes enabled.
.Timed auto-engine shutdown: This feature
will shut down the engine automatically
after a predefined time. PTO must be
operational for this function to be active.
.Engine shutdown based on critical engine
or PTO system fault conditions: This
feature will shut down the engine when
PTO is operating if a critical engine
condition such as low oil, low oil pressure,
hot engine, hot transmission, low fuel,
or Diesel Particulate Filter regeneration is
detected by the vehicle system. If PTO
operation is continued when critical
engine conditions are present, a horn
chirp warning will occur after 30–
60 seconds. The engine will shut down
two minutes after the horn warning. The
engine can be restarted with the ignition
key or with the Remote PTO engine start
controls. The horn warning and engine
shutdown will again occur if the critical
engine condition is still present.
Resume memory speed is cleared for the
above actions.
When Remote PTO engine starting has been
initialized with the ignition key in the RUN
position, the shift lever will remain locked if
the brake pedal is pressed and a shift from
P (Park) is attempted while the engine is
running and PTO is active (standby mode).
A shift out of P (Park) will not be allowed
until one of the following actions is taken
by the vehicle operator: