18NA103

Bulletin No.:
Service Bulletin
Date:
18-NA-103
January, 2022
INFORMATION
Subject:
Brand:
Information on Diesel Fuel Gelling in Cold Temperatures Causing In-Tank Fuel Pump
Whine and Driveability Concerns
Model:
GM Passenger Cars and
Trucks
(Excludes Chevrolet Low
Cab Forward Medium Duty
Trucks)
Model Year:
VIN:
from
to
from
to
2010
2022
—
—
Engine:
Transmission:
Any Diesel
—
Involved Region or Country
North America
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 gel and/or develop solids that may block the in-tank fuel pump
pickup. Technicians 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 0°C (32°F).
Confirm the engine will start and the whining 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,
alcohol or other water emulsifiers that may compromise
the water removal effectiveness of the fuel filtering
system.
Copyright 2022 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
1. Bring the vehicle inside to allow the diesel fuel to
warm up to more than 0°C (32°F). Confirm the
engine will start and the whining 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
January, 2022
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
5
Modified
Released April 5, 2018
July 25, 2018 – Added the 2019 Model Year.
June 24, 2019 – Added Model Year 2020 vehicles and removed the Supersede stating:
This Bulletin replaces PIP5543.
October 23, 2020 – Added the 2021 Model Year.
January 19, 2022 – Added the 2022 Model Year and exclusion statement to Models
section.
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.
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