2020 Silverado 1500 Duramax Diesel 20,492 mile update 

True, I can't blame the machine but as we get closer to self driving cars I would think some of these "features" would help :(.

@@CJIEngineering Yeah I've noticed the more I depend on the tech/cameras the more I depend. Loved the front and side cameras on some tricky high exposure offroad spots.

exactly. I still use the mirrors. Old habit.

@@CJIEngineering There's no but. Nothing to do whatsoever with the truck. Nothing. Full stop.

@@CJIEngineering Chad I'd say you need to learn how to back up, not the trucks issue you can't drive

Thank you, it has been a super crazy year. I have lots of footage and the farm has slowed down for now so I should be able to help get us through the winter :). I really loved my Colorado but couldn't justify keeping two trucks...

Thanks for the comment, I appreciate the support.

I got a laugh with this one. 20,000 miles is long term testing? I had a 1982 Silverado SWB 6.2 diesel with just under 400,000 miles that I drove for 24 years. That is long term testing.

Congratulations on ordering a new Suburban. Keep me posted on how you like it. The last two years have really put a dent in my ability to test out new vehicles.

Thank you, I have been taking a lot of videos over the last 6 months and should have time to keep the updates coming during the winter. I am working on getting access to the engine plant and also have access to an engineer within GM to do an interview. Let me know if you have any questions that I can ask. The next video I post will ask the same thing to ask my subscribers. The interview will be in the middle of December. Plant video is waiting on lower level of COVID restrictions, not sure when that will be...

pretty sure if he files a claim with his insurance co, they'll put HIM at fault, not the truck. lol

That is unacceptable for a newer engine and even the def. You are either getting real poor mileage and towing over 30,000lbs or Dodge needs to fix your truck

Unfortunately they say that's normal on the new trucks until the engine breaks in. I don't like it either... It's documented at the dealer... I assume the truck needs to use more DEF to clean up the oil that it burns. Apparently the cylinder walls are super hard and take a while to get a good cross hatch

Yep, not a good day. I can say I was happy it didn't take out the turn signal or the radar in the bumper. Now I just need to find a tailgate that is already painted. Just the shell without paint is only $450 so not too bad. Just need to look at the positive side, everyone can see what the inside of an Aluminum Tailgate looks like :)

David, thanks for watching. Did you have any questions about the Tahoe with the Duramax? I am going to be interviewing one of the engineers on that project between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am hoping to get to drive one in a month or so, production starts really soon...

@@CJIEngineering Chad, as a person who does virtually all maint./repairs on his vehicles and held a career in Production/Quality/Tech Ops, as well as having interviewed with GM early in my career, I'd have a lot of questions. But here are a few suggestions; 1) Are there any significant environmental/pollution control changes expected on the 3.0L in the next four years? (I understand there are changes expected in 2024). 2) What interesting/noteworthy running mechanical design changes have occurred in the Tahoe with the 3.0L vs. the pick-up truck version. 3) Is the Tahoe frame still "wax" coated vs. the e-coating in the mid size trucks? If so, is it due to the size of the frame and the supplier process capability? 4) What other production "process improvement" change(s) would your interviewee say they are most proud of in the 2021 Tahoe model? Thanks in advance, Chad!

@@davidgrisco1939 all great questions, I will see if I can get them answered. Stay tuned.

@@davidgrisco1939 they have already been out for awhile. The 3.0 Silverado was out for over 4 years over seas before it came here to America

Well I just finished shoot some video towing this trailer at 70mph and 65mph to compare the fuel economy, processing the clips today.... I can say that with a nice load on the truck they are frickin amazing. Unloaded they are still a little rough but it only takes about 15 min to jack the truck up and swap them in and out so I'm defiantly a fan. The Timbren are too stiff for every single case!!! Still figuring out how to make that into a video :) Thanks for watching and commenting.

@@CJIEngineering Well what I did was when the truck was completely unloaded I only had about a 1 inch gap. So what I did was I cut the sumo springs half an inch so that when the truck is completely unloaded I had a one and a half inch of suspension travel before the sumo springs touch the axle and stiffen up the ride. So now my truck will sag an inch and a half before it even touches the sumo spring maybe you could try something like that to have a bigger gap so when the truck is unloaded it will ride like factory

Paul, Thanks for the information. I have not calculated my Fuel vs. DEF but it seemed to me that ambient temperature had something to do with it also. Running in 100+ F weather defiantly used more DEF than at 70 F. I will be doing the video talking about how pessimistic the gauge is and how "DEF is Empty" is complete BS. I think I have it documented on what the system is thinking/doing. I have run both the Equinox Diesel and Silverado Diesels down into the speed limiting phase to see how accurate they are. It was rather interesting.....

@@CJIEngineering I have a 7 gallon DEF tank in my 2500 Denali and it usually flags the 30% level at about 2 gallons left since I am able to add two 2.5g jugs of DEF. I track all my fillups,maintenance and DEF with Fuelly as well and came up with the consumption percentage over the 30000 miles, both towing and not towing.

Paul, what year is your truck? I also use fuelly, great tool for keeping track of cost and maintenance.

@@CJIEngineering the truck is a 2018 with the L5P Duramax

My 2020 came with 3.73 gears. Diesel off-road package.

Excellent, great to hear

Rob, Thanks for the comments. Please check out my fuel filter video that will be going live in just over an hour. Let me know if your filter looks similar to mine, I was surprised by how clean it was compared to ones I've pulled out the the Colorado Duramax that I had. I keep doing the oil analysis to see if there is anything going sideways with the motor but I agree, changing the oil early never hearts. One other thing when comparing the Colorado to the Duramax and DEF consumption, every year emissions get tougher so the trucks do need to pump more DEF in to keep the emissions at bay and as we get greener the amount that is needed will of course increase. I agree also with the EGR comment. Super happy that most of the EGR comes post DPF so the system should be clean a lot longer. Sorry to hear about your truck... I would love to keep them perfect for ever but it doesn't appear to be in the cards :( I think after I get out of the factory warranty I will consider using something a little thicker, I agree that the kit to fuel economy will be there but would prefer to keep some of the oil from burning up in the engine, that's the only place I can think it is going.... I would probably try the 5w30 Dexos 2 oil but not going to do it for a little while longer. Thanks for the comments, I really appreciate the input. Stay tuned, more videos are on the way and if you have any questions for GM please let me know. I have scored an interview that will take place between Thanksgiving and Christmas....

Same way. I could really care less about the "center screen" attention nowadays. Overhead cameras...? I'm old school, just get in and drive.

I would say the key with your trailer is the tongue weight. The hitch is rated for 1,250lbs and my trailer is right around 1,050lbs and that weight all gets added to GVW so the limit always boils down to RAWR or GVWR. I have no problem with 2 people and a few dogs, some tools and that's all I can put in her. If you got a lowered optioned truck the payload would be higher so you would probably be ok, just need to look at the sticker. I would have no concerns towing your size trailer.

Edward, the torque of that diesel is more than big blocks from the 80's and 90's. 8300lbs is nothing for it.

@@melissaclark4912 I'm not worried it would pull it, I was concerned about the suspension and the brakes. My trailer squats my 2500 pretty good. I believe the tongue weight on my trailer is heaver than what the decal shows.

@@edwardsmith169 just use a weight distribution hitch and will be fine. Can't be worse than the bumper dragging f150's pulling 26-30' trailers. Depending on age of 2500, you could have better braking and towing technology with this truck. If not the 6.6 2500 gas will drag this trailer like a little wagon

i have an 18, changed the rear shocks to bilsteins and it helped control the rear end alot

I'm looking for a tailgate that I can buy and bolt on. The only problem is that 95% of them are white :(. I'm also curious how the aluminum is going to handle a Michigan salty winter. Thanks for commenting and for watching, I really appreciate it.

@@CJIEngineering It does suck that you would have to pay a body shop to color match the tailgate.

@Kevin J I'm curious if your remote start works, when I have had a check engine light, even a historical code my remote start stops working. It kinda shows you how bad the CEL is... I'll post the service bulletins that I have had done. If you don't mind keep me posted on what you find

@@CJIEngineering Chad, remote starts works fine. Couple of weeks ago i drove it over to my parents house 100 miles from me. Parked it for an hour or so, remote started it and it threw a CEL. CEL remained overnight, gone the next morning. Threw a CEL last week, cleared after a restart, weather is getting colder on and off I in the south. I thought I heard the fans running on high after a cold start, but stopped pretty quick after my iDash cleared the code.

You can have Onstar check the CEL light for you while it's on. Mine has been giving me an intermittent CEL since it was new. Its always the same code, P25A2 accompanied by U100 and U101. It is due to the wheel speed sensors detecting wheel movement after the truck is shut off. The BCM stays "awake" for a period of time (up to 5 minutes) after you shut the truck off. Parking without parking brake, getting in and out of the bed have caused my CEL to come on.

I have been able to have onstar give me the code while I'm driving. I had a code on both the Equinox and the Silverado that they were able to read. Not sure if they work 100% of the time but it has worked for me a few times :)

Ok the weather is the south is all over the place, cold at night 70 during the day. The last two times I’ve started the Duramax the fan starts out on high and a nice shiny CEL is on. My iDash allows me to clear the CEL and doing so stop the high fan situation. Looks like I’ll have to schedule a trip to the dealer in the near future. One concern is the dealer give me crap about my iDash.

John, thanks for the comment. If it were not for this thing that is going on I would probably have more miles on the truck for sure... I do want to keep putting the miles on her just to see how good the engine really is. Thanks for watching, I really appreciate it.

@@CJIEngineering I see brother I have a 2004 2wd single cab swb with a 4.8 and jus hit 240380 miles it's strong and has me worried at times but hasn't let me down she's my daily driver not a heavy foot but she's has her ups and downs but none major problem but I am kinda hoping them 862 heads aren't castech tho I've kept regular maintenance doesn't use or make oil she still has good compression. at 180 other than # 1 it's 179 with no issues I'm hoping to hit 300000 🤔 😁

Two things I’ve heard from a GMC Rep 1. There are quite a few of these operating near the 200,000mi and none have changed this belt. (No issues) and there are a number that have changed the belt around the 150,000 range with none showing signs of wear or needing replacement. 2. If and when the belt fails you’ll get numerous lights and degraded travel, but you’ll be able to pull off side of road with no damage to engine. Not saying I believe it all but food for thought.

I agree that it's not a critical item. In Michigan the truck will rot out before I hit 250k

Daniel, thanks for the input. The next video to drop is all about the frame and the NOX-RUST frame coating touch up spray that you can purchase. I will be showing the area were I needed to add some more. I'm going be doing this at least once a year and I'm hoping I can keep the frame looking "like new" for a long time. My 2002 truck is still on the road with over 240,000 miles and the 2nd owner has not had any frame issues without touching it up, nor did I for the first 14 years, so it's probably not necessary but I don't like seeing rust on any parts. Really interesting to hear about your airbags. I also have noticed a little more bounce and have been experimenting with the Timbren and Sumospring bump stop replacements. I'm working on that video too. They only take about 15 min to install/remove and I'm trying to figure out how to qualify the ride using some data acquisition hardware. Ride is very subjective but I would like to be able to put a number to how bouncy or harsh each of the systems change the ride. The next step would be to install bags but once you have done that I'm not going to be able trying these other things :). Couple other questions for you. Did you get higher load rated tires and what kind of WDH are you using with your Airstream? They are kind of related since I have been told if you get "D" or "E" load rated tires the side walls are stiffer and it helps with sway without the need to an expensive hitch system. Thanks again for the input and the kind words. I'm really enjoying making the videos and getting feedback from lots of owners like yourself. Stay in touch and stay tuned.

You understand with 1k on the tongue you are probably over the max payload on the truck. The max is 1900 pounds if I recall. That leave 900 lbs. Assuming you and your significant other a buck and a half that means you have 600 pounds for the rest of your camping gear. Guessing you are over max payload

Same setup and same on the regen mileage.

@Carl Mills, so I have the EFILive system along with using Torque Pro and it turns out there are several reasons why a truck goes into Regen and I have seen two case on my truck, "Soot Load reached", lots of highway driving normally around 260 miles or lots of town it's down around 160 miles, then there is the "Distance reached", typical when towing is 630-635 miles. I'm not sure if it will get better as the truck matures. I'm still using a quart of oil every 3750 miles not towing and 2,500 mile when towing. I really hope that gets better as it seals up :)

I need to keep a closer eye on oil consumption, I just had my second oil change. 14,500 miles on my High Country. Haven’t notice any oil consumption.

@@Kevin_67_RS one key is to wait one hour after you shut down the truck when it is warm to get an accurate reading, 2hrs if it's cold. It takes a while for the oil to drain back :(.

Well that actually alleviates my concerns a little bit. That is about what I’m seeing in town vs highway. Sounds about the same as both of you guys. With my mixed driving regens happen between about 150-250 miles. Just was concerned that GM had rated it around 400 originally. My tow trips are short, but don’t notice much soot buildup when towing 5k or heavier trailers. Have to admit I haven’t checked the oil yet, so can’t comment on consumption. I’ve changed it at 5k both times and plan to keep that interval as long as I have it. Started using the BlueDEF platinum as well... not sure if I’m wasting money or not. Supposed to stop deposit buildup in the SCR system. Figured it couldn’t hurt, only $7 more per 2.5 gallon jug.

Never had that problem. My engine was one of the first ones off the line in Flint, MI and it has been rock solid when it comes to the crank/cam sensor, no fire issue. It burns some oil but I think I'm going to change to Dexos2 or 5w40 Rotella T and see if the helps now that the base warranty is done.

Thanks for the comment, you have given me a great idea, a specific video about "The Accident". Without video taping every moment the I drive I can't really say if the camera was running or if the ultrasonic sensor/seat notifications actually worked. With the time and the questions that it normally goes through I don't think either worked, the dumpster was only about 20' behind me. I need to see if I can reproduce the same thing except not actually hit something :). I have had the truck only for software updates/recalls and once to have the lane keeping assist relearn. 3 time for software, 1 for the seatbelt potential fire issue, and 1 for the relearn. The system is only slightly better, still leave it off the vast majority of the time :( I'm not sure it can be fixed...

@@CJIEngineering Thanks Chad for the reply. Appreciate it

I know that you can add the tow mirrors without the cameras to the lower level trims of the truck. I'm not sure if the wiring and software will be on the truck to support the difference placement of the cameras on the larger mirrors. I'll ask around but I'm thinking it's going to be pretty darn expensive :(. Let me know what other questions you have about towing...

@@CJIEngineering so I currently have as i said before a 2021 26rbs with a blue ox wdh along with the roadmaster heavy duty kit trailer is level 9 links I was also thinking about using timbren and this 3.0 is not using the oil my 2020 did however I'm the one that my 2020 broke down at 13g gm flew a engineer in and due to starus of the crap going on I was given this high country it's not me but after 5 months beggars can't be choosers and gm made me a better deal so pls keep the videos coming 😀 👍

I'm sorry to hear about your experience so far with the truck. I just finished a trip from MI to NC and back running around 73mph the vast majority of the time including a few days in the Winston-Salem area and I averaged almost 28mpg. This trip had 3 regen cycles so between 260 and 360 miles. My suggestion would be to make sure it is not burning too much oil. There are a few reasons this could happen and it could cause the truck to do a lot of regens/burn more fuel to clean it out. I know you probably don't want to spend money on it but getting a OBD2 reader like I use and the Torque Pro app would give you a ton of insight as to what is going on. I have a video on some extra PIDs and a google sheet that I maintain for all my viewers. High blow bye or a CCV issue could be causing extra oil to go in the intake and cause lower MPGs. Just thought of one other thing, where you running in 2wd or Auto? I have not checked the mpg difference between those modes yet. Keep me posted on what you find.

@@CJIEngineering thanks for the response and ideas to look at....I have been running 2WD the entire time. I will let you know what I find once I get set up

Yeah doesn't sound right. I did a 500 mile trip about 90% highway and got 30mpg

There have been reports that a small number of LM2 diesels have had stalling and no start issues, both Chevrolet and GMC. I have not had any issues with mine and I have 39k miles on it.

I'm now using as and experiment to see how the paint will hold onto the aluminum after a Michigan salty winter :). Some good needs to come from it.

I have not had that problem. Just thinking though the issue, it must be related to fuel pressure being low or a miss match in the crank/cam signals that tell the ECU that the engine is cranking and the position of the pistons/valves. Unfortunately I haven't found a consumer level tool, less that $200, that allows a person to look at those parameters and find what data is causing the no fire condition. Since you have had it happen, how often do you have it happen? Does it only happen when the engine is cold? Hot? Does it ever happen when Auto Start/Stop it engaged? At a stop sign or light? Since these engines have a lot more sensor on them compared to engines even a few years ago I think it's really important for us owners to have a way to evaluate and repair our own engines :). Thanks for the question and I would love to know more to possibly help....

@@CJIEngineering it’s actually only happened to me once I was in the vehicle when it happened. The truck was only sitting for just over before driving it last. I was low on fuel around 1/8 of a tank. I pressed the starter and it cranked for about 30 seconds without starting. I tried again after about 30 seconds and it started right up. No alarms or warning came on. This problem hasn’t happen again to me. But if you search “3.0L diesel starting issues” you can see other owners with the same issue happening to them numerous times.

The mirrors are factory options starting in 2020. GM sell them as add on for some trucks, 2019, 2020 and 2021 but I think only if you don't have the camera package. Mine are power adjustable for the top section and have power fold, to extend you need to do that manually. Thanks for the question and for watching.

Woody, I did not change out the mirrors. They became a factory option on the 2020 model. You can get them changed at the dealership on some models. The LTZ and the High Country have the extra cameras so I'm not sure if they can be upgraded or not at the dealership.

Not that I know of. My truck has the optional towing mirrors that are a factor option or can be installed on some models at the dealership.

It does have start stop and there are three ways to turn it off from the factory. Turn on Tow Haul mode, run in manual shift mode "L" or there is a button to disable for the one key cycle. I believe there is also a plug-in module you can buy aftermarket to keep it disabled but I have not tried one of them yet.

My 2020 had a switch to shut it off. But you have to do it everytime you start the truck

They are a factory option and are offered as a GM accessory for at least some models. Search for this part number: 84776100

It was called Shadow Grey Metallic (GJI) WA626D touch up paint. They only offered it in 2019/2020. Thanks for asking.

Max payload for my truck is listed at 1,600 LBS. GVWR is 7,200 LBS, GCWR is 15,000 LBS, RGAWR is 3,800 LBS and Curb Weight is listed at 5,600 LBS and that seems correct. I have weighted the truck with me in it and it comes out at 5,780 LBS full of fuel. Thanks for the question and for watching.

@@CJIEngineering thanks for the info I have been looking at some

Dang my 5.3 is rated higher. Payload and tow capacity