2020 Silverado 1500 Duramax Diesel Fuel Filter Change 

We just did my friend's on Friday (2/19/21) and he had been at ZERO % for probably 4 days-500 miles, his filter was a little dark but certainly NOT horrible......

Man, I was wondering if it was about to launch into space Lol

We did my friend's for the first time at 23,200 and the minder had been at ZERO % for about 500 miles, we followed the procedure and his DID NOT make any noise like we heard on the video-We DID hear the pump run 2 times during the re-prime....All was/is good!

Sorry it's a T-40 allen tool.

Thank you.

I wonder how much of that was a tax for environmental protection...

​@CJIEngineering They did not say anything about an environmental tax.

For the new generation trucks there is only one filter in the same place for both LD and HD. Older trucks had the one in the engine bay. Thanks for watching and the question.

Chris, I have used Power Service products in the past when it gets that cold around here. I would assume that you will be running #1 Diesel either bought at the pump that way or a serious mix in a normal pump. In Michigan's Upper Peninsula they sell both but down where I live they mix the fuel to handle the temperature that is expected during the winter so we get a mix of #1 and #2 to keep the cloud point down low enough to typically not cause issues. I have not used the plug in heater at all, last winter it really never got down below -20 celsius and from what I remember it should only be used when it gets cold, below -20 C. Not sure what this winter will hold but please keep me posted on how you do.

@@CJIEngineering Yeah it will be all #1 around here. Never used the heater either but preparing for it this year. Just dont want to throw any additives in that will mess anything up with these delicate computers these days lol

I had exactly the same thing. It gets pretty loud as the fuel purges out the air... Thanks for the question

I have not driven the Ram Eco Diesel yet but I do have a buddy that purchased one about a month ago. Hopefully I'll be able to get my hands on it for an hour or two to see how it is. That engine actually is pretty advanced and was a development between GM and VM Motori for use in Cadillacs that were going to be sold in Europe. Ram ended up with it when they bought VM after GM pulled out of their investment in the company. The Ram only has an 8 speed and that is the one thing that might be a small negative. The GM 10 speed is amazing, smooth fast shifting in all conditions. Hopefully I'll have more info for you soon.

Carl, I us AC DELCO filters. I have been told WIX is a really good filter also and I have used them in other vehicles without any issues. I typically run Meijer fuel, it is considered premium fuel. Michigan doesn't require Cetane to be listed on the pump so it's a little hard to tell if it is really better but so far I'm really happy using it. I have not run any additives in this truck. In some of my other vehicles when it's really cold I have used Cetane booster/anti gel additives. I have only had one case of the fuel gelling when the outside temperature was -28F and I had fall blend still in the tank.

I have Meijer and Shell both close to my normal route and I’ve been going with the Shell fuel. It was hard to determine if Meijer was indeed a premium fuel when I was doing research. Like you said, no ratings on the fuel. I guess I’ll see what the filter looks like upon replacement. Got talking to a GM engine department employee and he (of course) suggested only GM filters and was adamant that only the best quality fuel filters should be used on Diesel engines, and to change them often. Does make sense with the pressures that injection systems run on now. I’ve been running BG DFC HP since the truck was new. Now that there is not much sulfur in diesel fuel to lubricate the fuel system I feel it’s a good idea to run and additive for extra protection. It’s about $30 a quart but I only use a quart about every 5000 miles or so. Cheap insurance if you ask me. Or a waste of money, lol.

@@Mittencarpentry I believe it is a good idea to run additive. I use marvel mystery oil in my fuel. I be never lost a gm fuel pump in the vehicles I use it. There are other benefits!

Just re watched the video and changed mine. Piece of cake. Just about 23,000 on it. I’ve still been using the shell fuel and the filter on mine looked almost identical to yours. It was a little discolored but not very dark. Thanks again!

You are correct, this one has the same thing. I should have done that :)

That is a GoPro mount for recording the gauges. I have used it on a few videos :)

I believe what you are hearing is the change in the number of injections that is happening for each combustion cycle. The engine can do up to 10 shots of fuel but under certain conditions this number goes down and the engine has more knock because there are fewer but larger injections. I hear this when the engine is cold and when I'm under higher loads but like you said it's not all the time. The DEF injector is a pretty load click that you will only hear when you are driving next to a building with your window down, like at a drive through window. Keep me posted on how your truck does. I'm love to hear others experiences.

@@CJIEngineering Thanks Chad just turned 3100 mi.

Yep, next time I'll use that valve. I don't remember what one had to the little white plastic drain but this one does look like one I would use :)

@@CJIEngineering good to know. How much fuel would you say drained out when doing the change? I remember the Colorado was like half a gallon.

@@trpblr I would say it was about 1 to 1.5 quarts of fuel that came out.

Kai, I have not had any issues with this truck yet but last year was pretty warm. With the 2016 Colorado Duramax that I had prior did freeze up one time and it actually lead me to purchasing a EFILive system to dig deeper into what was going on. I believe the issue that I had was cause from not driving the truck very often. When the temperature is low, I don't exactly where the tipping point is yet but I'm thinking around 40 F, the truck will pull the DEF back into the tank when you shut off the truck so that it can use the heater to warm up or unfreeze the DEF before it gets pumped out to the injector. My particular case was one where I didn't drive the truck for about 1 month prior to a day where the temperature was below 0 F. DEF does freeze around 12 F so I'm pretty sure the lines were frozen because the prior drive cycle was when it was 50 F out. I was able to drive around 100 miles before a message on the DIC came up stating that the DEF system needed service. I knew something was up because the NOx pre matched the NOx post during the whole drive but I thought that maybe when it was super cold out that this was an allowed case. Like you stated the only way to fix the issue was to put it in a warm garage overnight, mine is typically 35-40 F even when it is very cold out since it shares two walls with my house. So I believe that if the truck is run daily or at least run one time prior to some sub 20 F weather that the system should work properly down to -40 F. There is a heater in the tank that should thaw the DEF and pump it then at the end of the drive it will draw it back to do the same thing the next time you start the truck. I have a interview coming up with GM so I'll confirm that the system has been tested down to -40 F and to make sure my understanding is correct. Thanks for the comment and for watching. Let me know if you hear more way up North. One day I'll make it up there...

@@CJIEngineering Thanks for the info. Chad! Sounds good. Great videos!

The fuel filter life didn't drop suddenly. It was going down faster while I was towing burning more fuel. Thanks for the question. Keep me posted on how your truck is doing.

We just did my friend's first one at 23,200 miles, the minder had been at ZERO % for about 500 miles, He tows pretty heavy 90% of his miles (aprox 5k lbs) and has never run B20 Bio-Diesel yet.

There is a drain plug, you need to use a Torx bit to open it up. It is in the middle of the 36mm hex in the cap. No sure if it is a T25 or possibly T30. I need to check it an put a driver in the truck just in case i get water in the fuel ...

I have 14k on mine. Still very quiet.

I'm now getting really close to 22k miles on the truck. There is a little bit more noise at times driving the diesel but most of the time it is quieter that the 5.3. I don't think it has changed since it was new but that is something I'm going to try and record and compare down the road. Thanks for the question.

I typically fill up with Diesel at Meijer Gas Stations or at Truck Stops like Flying J, Loves, or Pilot. Places that sell a lot of fuel. I don't use any additives.

I don't know of anyone that has drive a different oil viscosity in their truck yet. After I'm out of warranty I might switch to the 5W30 Dexos 2 oil that get's used in the 1.6, 2.0 and 2.8 diesels from GM. I have the Equinox Diesel with the 1.6 and it seems to do really well. As for the oil pressure, the engine has a variable displacement oil pump, a lot of GM engines in the past have had 2 stage oil pumps but this guy can vary the pressure to a much higher degree based on temperature and load on the engine. I'm hoping that GM has done a good job of running that fine line between efficiency and longevity for this motor. Stay tuned and we will see.

There is only one fuel filter that is serviceable. I would expect that there is a screen on the fuel pump in the tank but I have not researched that enough to be completely confident it has one. I'll try and check on that and let you know.

Chris, thanks for the question. The truck still uses a quart of oil every 4,000 miles when doing lite driving. Towing, the long trip that we took to Harrisburg, PA then to Austin, TX and back to Michigan, part of the trip was 14,000 GCW and running the speed limit in each state the truck used a quart every 2,500 miles. I will have a video on that trip coming up also talking through the DEF usage :). Stay tuned and thanks for watching.

I actually don't use any fuel treatment. I buy most of my fuel from Meijer and they have a premium fuel package they add and it all comes from one depot so it's really pretty consistent. When we travel I use truck stops, that way the fuel is fresh, at least that is what I hope for. So far it has worked for me :)

Shant, do you know what the check engine lights codes were? The engine is pretty complicated on many levels. If they were related to cooling then I would not be to worried about them, the fix is mostly external to the block. If they are emissions related a lot of that is external but if it's related to something mechanically wrong then lemon law case would be the way to go IMO. More info would be useful in helping decide how serious the issues could be. I have heard of only a few cases of problems with the LM2 but you hear about them on the other brands/models too :(

@@CJIEngineering All three times I had the same error code of "P1488". Each time I took to the dealer it was a different part that needed to be replaced. Which tells me they have no clue what the problem is.

@@shantbeezee487 there is actually a technical service builtin on the issue, gm-techlink.com/?p=13781. Most dealerships do struggle with new engines until some history does exist. Using a OBD reader you could look at the data coming from that sensor and see if it is really a wiring issue, possible drop outs, or a problem with the Diesel Particular Filter, possible leaking or damaged unit. My Cruze Diesel thew the same code after a software update and the did have to replace the sensor. The software update was to specifically find faulty sensors and I would think these updates are already in our trucks. Let me know if I can help.

I’d say every 20,000

@@DuramaxBadger20 I'll do that, thx 👍

Looked to be a touch over 20k from the odometer

The vast majority of the time I run Meijer fuel, it's produced at one plant in Michigan. When I'm traveling I stop at Flying J or Pilot Truck stops. It's important that you get diesel from some place that sells a lot and all these places do :)

@@CJIEngineering I BELIEVE those larger truck stops have B20 Bio-Diesel (Pumps should be marked as such if they are)

@@richardbarkley9909 I believe you are correct. Most of the places outside of Michigan do have B20 or some say a mix up to B20 especially south of me. The truck is tested to handle B20 and I like the idea of using it when I can. My Jeep Liberty with the 2.8l Diesel ran great on B99 that was available at only one station in my general area, Manchester, MI. I'm not sure if they still sell it but with the extra emissions on these trucks I probably won't be trying it :(. Thanks for the comment and for watching.

Josh, I have not had anything done for the temperature fluctuations but it is something that I will need to check into. I will probably also log some using my EFILive system to see what else I can figure out. No issues towing at 75mph in Texas with temperatures over 100F.. Does he have the digital gauge package or the standard analog temperature gauge? It could have to do with filtering of the value being shown...

@@CJIEngineering He has the analog gauges. You may be onto something is regards to the system smoothing and filtering small changes. Sounds like you have it figured out. I will say I will stay tuned to your channel as I was to watch for reliability as I am interested in my next Denali having the Duramax vs. the l86 6.2 though I am pretty happy with my 6.2 l86 towing my 28ft travel trailer.

There are a few clues that the truck is in Regen, higher idle, exhaust now will change, fuel economy will be lower for 10-15 minutes and if you shut the truck down and the fans keep running. Best way to know is to use something to monitor the OBD2 port. That is how most people do it :).

@@CJIEngineering I noticed you had an app/OBD2 port scanner or something in your video testing the MPG. What were you using? Thanks and great videos!

Banks IDash is a good product. Not too expensive and easy to install. It can monitor many different parameters as well as check/clear codes.

@@Mittencarpentry I think there are 2 versions, one that can log data and one that just displays the data. Can you share the model number of the one you are using? I have seen a really neat dash mount for that sensor that I'm thinking of getting.

@@CJIEngineering The number on my package is 66560 iDash version 1.8. There is a spot for a mini SD card however I haven’t tried to data log with it. Mostly interested in real time data. Bought mine with the windshield mount as well, very happy with the unit. It can display up to 7 data points at a time, and there are somewhere around 60 different data choices.

The filter is a water separator but it doesn't have the electrical contacts or float like some of the other vehicles have. I need to check and see if the filter gets more restrictive when it gets wet. That could be the method they are using???? They could measure the restriction and drop the filter life to 0% so you would drain the water and change the filter. I'll see if I can drain it during my next oil change....

I have not, on my 3rd filter already. If you have an Auto Parts store near you, Autozone or Pep Boys type of place, they can read the code for free. If you still have OnStar they can also read the code. Let me know what you get.

P1488

So that error code is related to the Particulate Matter Sensor. There are a few reports of issues related to that sensor/possible exhaust leak. Best to bring it to the dealership, it is covered. You can read more about it here. www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10185730-9999.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiG3sTPrN75AhVfjYkEHfiXCzMQFnoECA0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw3QcZfR4LkbUHztwnfD5YHc

That is a great idea, thanks for the tip. How do you like the Equinox? With fuel being so expensive, I love mine for road trips...

@@CJIEngineering The car has been absolutely flawless for us. Decent power for what it is & love the options the premium have. Like that we can deactivate the AWD for better fuel mileage. The best we have got was 45, but my wife loves the turbo to much, so the car usually gets us 40-42.

Well I'm not a fan of letting other's work on my vehicle unless they really need to. When I change the oil I will let it drain overnight to try and get as much oil out of it as possible. When you use the fast oil change I'm thinking that the best case is getting out 93% of the oil out, probably still about 1/2 quart of old oil still left in there. I'm a little strange that way :)

@@CJIEngineering I get it .. no problem but it's free mate, free for a certain amount of time. If anything was to go wrong with your vehicle within that time frame and you're doing the changes they can say it's because you didn't follow instructions of the warranty! You could have a lemon and yet get fucked because you change ya own fluids! It's why they give you a warranty my dood!!

Yep, free but I have oil analysis for every oil change and also receipts for the oil and filters. No way they can't honor the warranty. Different strokes...

@@CJIEngineering In a court of law you will not win my dood! Your receipts and records dose not matter! Stop talking about your video and start talking like ya have viewers! you're selling a praduk! which is u!! to others!! Be very careful mi dood!!

@@supanami2603 The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act look it up mi dood!

Mike, I agree with your assessment on the color of the filter but will all of my vehicles I fill up at the same station more than 95% of the time so it seems that it can vary even at the same station/storage tank. Diesel needs to be fresh and treated in order to keep the fuel system clean. Thanks for the comment and for watching.

Wow, that's a lot. Maybe it's environmental fees :) Diesel is like gold right now :( Thanks for the info.

On my Equinox it is based on the number of gallons of fuel that go through it, 1000gal is 100-0% so towing does cut into it's longevity. Not sure if the truck is the same way. I have almost 39k on mine and getting close to the changing it the 2nd time. I need to look at the fuel use history and see if I can say for sure the same with the LM2. Thanks for the comment.

@@CJIEngineering Thanks for the response! Appreciate the video, it will help a lot when I go to do it. I just ordered the filter and will probably do it at the same time as my next oil change.

It's a China special and the camera was right next to the motor :)

That is crazy... Probably environmental fees... I'm not sure what they are thinking but it is really easy IMO

I know it's not good for you but I kind of like the smell...