GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Notice: Use of diesel fuel other than Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (15 ppm sulfur maximum) or engine oil other than low ash CJ-4 oil will cause permanent damage to the DPF and related components. This damage would not be covered by your warranty.

The emission control system requires the use of diesel fuel with ultra low-sulfur (0.0015% by weight, or 15 ppm, maximum) content. Both Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel and Low Sulfur Diesel fuels are available in the United States and Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel is available in Canada. However, only higher sulfur diesel fuel is available in Mexico.

At a minimum, the diesel fuel you use should meet the latest version of ASTM specification D 975 (Grades No. 2-D or No. 1-D S15 commonly known as Ultra Low Sulfur diesel) in the United States. In addition, the Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) has identified properties of an improved diesel fuel for better engine performance and durability. Diesel fuels corresponding to the EMA Recommended Guideline on Premium Diesel Fuel (FQP-1A) could provide better starting, less noise, and better vehicle performance. If there are questions about the fuel you are using, contact your fuel supplier.

In the United States, for best results use No. 2-D diesel fuel year-round (above and below freezing conditions) as oil companies blend No. 2-D fuel to address climate differences. No. 1-D diesel fuel can be used in very cold temperatures (when it stays below 0°F or -18°C); however, it will produce a power and fuel economy loss. Avoid the use of No. 1-D diesel fuel in warm or hot climates. It can result in stalling, poor starting when the engine is hot, and could damage the fuel injection system.

It is acceptable to use diesel fuel containing up to 5% biodiesel (B5), but the final blended fuel must meet the same specification, ASTM D 975 (Grades No. 2-D or No. 1-D S15 commonly known as Ultra Low Sulfur diesel), as other fuels used in your vehicle, and the biodiesel used for making this fuel must meet the latest version of ASTM specification D 6751. Biodiesel is produced from vegetable oils or animal fat that have been chemically modified to reduce the possibility of damage to the fuel system and engine. Higher concentration (i.e., greater than B5) biodiesel-containing fuels or the use of unmodified bio-oils blended into diesel fuel at any concentration is not recommended and could damage the fuel system and engine. Such damage would not be covered by your warranty. If there are questions about the biodiesel-containing fuels you are using, contact your fuel supplier.

Because of the cleansing properties of biodiesel, switching from straight diesel to a biodiesel blend can prematurely restrict the fuel filter with normal deposits in the fuel system. A fuel filter replacement might be required sooner than the recommended interval.

Diesel fuel can foam when you fill the tank. This can cause the automatic pump nozzle to shut off, even though the tank is not full. If this happens, just wait for the foaming to stop and then try filling the tank more slowly. See Filling the Tank .

Caution: Heat coming from the engine can cause the fuel to expand and force the fuel out of the tank. If something ignites the fuel, a fire could start and people could be burned. To help avoid this, try filling the tank more slowly and fill the fuel tank only until the automatic nozzle shuts off. Do not try to top it off.

What Fuel to Use in Canada

Notice: Use of diesel fuel other than Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (15 ppm sulfur maximum) or engine oil other than low ash CJ-4 oil will cause permanent damage to the DPF and related components. This damage would not be covered by your warranty.

The emission control system requires the use of diesel fuel with ultra low-sulfur (0.0015% by weight, or 15 ppm, maximum) content. Both Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel and Low Sulfur Diesel fuels are available in the United States and Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel is available in Canada. However, only higher sulfur diesel fuel is available in Mexico.

At a minimum, the diesel fuel you use should meet the latest version of specification CAN/CGSB-3.517 (ULS) in Canada. In addition, the Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) has identified properties of an improved diesel fuel for better engine performance and durability (FQP-1A). Diesel fuels corresponding to the EMA description could provide better starting, less noise, and better vehicle performance. If there are questions about the fuel you are using, contact your fuel supplier.

Canadian fuels are blended for seasonal changes. Diesel Type "A" fuel is blended for better cold weather starting (below 0°F or -18°C); however, you might notice some power and fuel economy loss. If Type "A" fuel is used in warmer temperatures, stalling and hard starting may occur. Diesel Type "B" fuel is blended for temperatures above 0°F (-18°C).

It is acceptable to use diesel fuel containing up to 5% biodiesel (B5), but the final blended fuel must meet the same specification, CAN/CGSB-3.517 (ULS) in Canada, as other fuels used in your vehicle, and the biodiesel used for making this fuel must meet the latest version of ASTM specification D 6751. Biodiesel is produced from vegetable oils or animal fat that have been chemically modified to reduce the possibility of damage to the fuel system and engine. Higher concentration (i.e., greater than B5) biodiesel-containing fuels or the use of unmodified bio-oils blended into diesel fuel at any concentration is not recommended and could damage the fuel system and engine. Such damage would not be covered by your warranty. If there are questions about the biodiesel-containing fuels you are using, contact your fuel supplier.