18NA103

File in Section:
Service Bulletin
-
Bulletin No.:
18-NA-103
Date:
April, 2018
INFORMATION
Subject:
Brand:
Information on Diesel Fuel Gelling in Cold Temperatures Causing the In-Tank Fuel
Pump to Whine and Driveability Concerns
Model:
GM Passenger Cars and
Trucks
Model Year:
VIN:
from
to
from
to
2010
2018
—
—
Engine:
Transmission:
Any Diesel
—
Involved Region or Country
United States and Canada
Condition
Some customers may comment that the in-tank fuel pump is whining, the engine is hard
to start and/or stalls and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is illuminated.
Cause
Some diesel fuels may have blends that are incompatible with cold ambient temperatures
causing the diesel fuel to gell and/or develop solids that may block the in-tank fuel pump
pickup. The technician may observe on a scan tool one or more of the following DTCs set
in the K20 Engine Control Module:
• DTC P0087 Fuel Rail Low Pressure
• DTC P018B Fuel Pressure Sensor Performance
• DTC P228A Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Control - Forced Engine Shutdown
• DTC P228B Fuel Pressure Regulator 2 Control - Forced Engine Shutdown
• DTC P2635 Fuel Pump Flow Performance
Correction
Bring the vehicle inside to allow the diesel fuel to warm up to more than 32°F (0°C).
Confirm the engine will start and the noise from the fuel pump is gone.
Service Recommendation
Fuel Waxing/Icing
Fuel distributors blend #1 and #2 diesel fuels for
seasonal requirements in a particular region. In
Canada, diesel fuel blend #1 is categorized as type A
(Winter) and diesel fuel blend #2 is categorized as type
B (Summer). No other blending of fuels is
recommended. However, a customer may desire to use
a winter fuel additive to prevent fuel waxing or icing
during extreme cold snaps. If a winter fuel additive is to
be used, it must not contain any metal based additives,
Copyright 2018 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
alcohol or other water emulsifiers that may compromise
the water removal effectiveness of the fuel filtering
system.
1. Bring the vehicle inside to allow the diesel fuel to
warm up to more than 32°F (0°C). Confirm the
engine will start and the noise from the fuel pump
is gone. This may take as little as one to two hours.
Fuel temperature sensor data can be monitored
with the scan tool. Once the engine can be started
and is running, the warm return fuel will further aid
in thawing the tank. When the fuel has thawed it is
suggested to drain the water separator at the
bottom of the fuel filter to ensure any water is
removed.
2. DO NOT replace the in-tank fuel pump for this
concern. If the fuel pump whine noise is gone after
warming the fuel, the fuel blend that was used is
most likely incompatible with the climate
conditions. Purchasing fuel from a high volume fuel
retailer increases the chance that the fuel is fresh
and of good quality.
Page 2
April, 2018
Bulletin No.: 18-NA-103
Parts Information
No parts are required for this repair.
Warranty Information
Note: This condition should not be considered a
vehicle problem but an issue with the local fuel
blend. Do not submit a warranty claim for this
procedure.
Version Information
Version
1
Modified
Released April 5, 2018
Duramax™ is a Trademark of General Motors LLC
Duramax® is a Registered Trademark of General
Motors LLC (In the United States)
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.
WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY
TECHNICIAN
CERTIFICATION