Got a G.M. owned 2018 ZR2 diesel that was from the Las Vegas Auto show with 98 miles on it. Driven for a little over a year with 13,000 miles on it, haven't had a problem. In fact this diesel is a little jewel, it's very fuel efficient and is unbelievably smooth. I would recommend the 2.8 engine choice to anyone interested in a diesel.
13k is no benchmark for reliability. 50k maybe. I have a 07 duramax and have had virtually no issues and 200k miles. I don’t think any def diesel will be able to achieve that.
Hey Bob, neighbor here... got my 2017 Z71with the 2.8 diesel from same dealership had just under 18k miles on it.. so far so good, the truck is great! i though i had a DEF issue in that the indicator reads "OK" level but the sliding gauge just to the right stays at the bottom end..but I seen others with the same indications.
Ok man your almost correct! I’m a cummins engine tech, though I’ve worked for ford, gm and cat. All of them except cat (cat has only the cgi / EGR system, diesel exhaust fuel injection, doc and dpf) use the following aftertreatment system. Components vary in size and manufacturer, but they all go in a specific order. Sensors can be mounted either in the component or in the exhaust pipe as well. Here’s the order: engine control module, oem ecm connector, EGR exhaust temp, EGR exhaust pressure, turbo vgt, diesel fuel inj, exhaust gas temp, inlet NOX, doc intake temp, inlet dpf temp, inlet dpf pressure, dpf differential pressure, outlet dpf pressure, dpf particulate matter, dpf outlet temp, def controller, def temp, def pressure, def quality, def heater, def filter, def doser valve / inj, scr catalyst inlet temp, scr catalyst outlet temp and outlet NOX. The following is the order of the exhaust components: exhaust manifold, Exhaust gas recirculation cooler, EGR valve, turbo, diesel oxidation catalyst, diesel particulate filter, diesel exhaust fluid decomposition tube (def comp tube may be integral to the exhaust pipe), supplemental catalyst reduction canister (scr cat), muffler / resonator and tailpipe. These sensors and components are in a specific order and only function in that fashion. They are divided into 6 systems: exhaust gas recirculation, aftertreatment system controls, diesel exhaust fuel injection, diesel oxidation & particulate filtration, urrea / def injection, supplemental catalyst reduction. These aftertreatment systems are controlled by the engine control unit via the oem body controller and wiring harness. Simply put they’re supposed to make your engine more fuel efficient for more efficient power and less ozone polluting. That the theory, but it doesn’t mean that’s the way it actually is. More money for more crap that will eventually be replaced by god only knows what in the distant future.
Great video. As a GM dealership mechanic who works on these systems. I cant stand the DEF system. Thanks for showing some of the sensors and explaining what they are. Most customers dont believe anything we say when trying to tell them what is wrong when they are upset. Hopefully they watch videos like this to get a little more informed.
Jon patchett well yeah because most dealerships would be dramatic about it and try to get you to buy others stuff for the vehicle when it doesn’t need it.
TFlorida1 ....all the information I have is from actually haven driven after treatment equipped Freightliners, Volvos and Internationals since DEF became federally mandated. My personal experience is that emissions related shutdowns have been quite frustrating. I’ve had multiple breakdowns related to after treatment systems. The only other breakdown I’ve encountered, over the last several years, was a broken clamp on the charged line from an intercooler. I’ve had multiple failures to regenerate, low DEF dosing, clogged DPF filters, and coolant leaking from the DEF tank heater into the DEF itself. In fact, thanks to a problematic DEF system, I spent a Christmas at an International dealership instead of with my family.
Nice video! I appreciate your showing all the sensors and fuel injector. Your video ended an argument, as there are a lot of people who do not believe me when I tell them the 2.8 has a 5th "indirect injector". You saved me a trip onto my dirty cold garage floor to photo it. Sending a virtual beer your way sir. The actual injector is the same part as the big Duramaxes by the way. From what I have seen, the Diesel particulate filter sensor is the most common issue, followed by the DEF injector. My Canyon has 38K miles on it, no problems to date knock on wood. It has a GDE emissions system intact tune, which limits speed to 124 MPH in the event of a DEF code - LOL. The final version of that emissions system intact tune (before the EPA storm troopers moved in) reactivated DEF injection, which I prefer as it seems likely the injector is less likely to crystallize into a non functioning lump if it is being used and not dormant. That and running the DEF system negates having to drain stale DEF out of the tank - one could still get a bad DEF message even with the tune. All versions of the intact tune turn off EGR, which is a great thing as the 2.8 runs a lot of EGR. I recommend everybody install a catch can. I have a Provent 200, it catches probably 8 oz of oil between changes. Taking the oil mist out just leaves dry EGR soot for stock engines. Mist plus soot = intake clogging goo... Of course, no dry soot and no PCV oil in the intake is best, that is what the combo of catch can and tuning gives you. Averaging 27.5 MPG lifetime over 28K miles with the tune (stock was 25.1, and it has stock sized but knobbier Cooper AT3s on it since tuning, which reduce mileage), breaking 34 MPG cruising on the highway at 70 MPH is not uncommon. The truck is a 4x4 long box. The tuned 2.8 hardly ever has to rev past 2,000 RPM. Stock it had good low end, tuned it has, so much low end torque it is kinda ridiculous. Also have the GDE transmission tune, it shifts a lot earlier and firmer to take advantage of the torque. They are gonna have to pry this particular Canyon from my clutching fingers :)
While compact truck shopping in 2018 I narrowed my choices down to a Tacoma TRD Pro and the Colorado ZR2. I went with a 2018 ZR2 diesel and the truck has been problem free. Great explanation of the sensors and such on the exhaust system.
I have that engine in a 05 jeep liberty. 120k miles, egr has been “broke” for the last 110k. Runs like an absolute dream (with the now suncoast TQ). Zero issues. The rest of the vehicle will probably fall apart around the engine though, but until then, she’ll rattle on.
I have an 06 CRD. Really like it for the last 10 years. Probably will be my 1st and maybe last diesel. Don't want to deal with after treatment system. Planning to get a Tacoma
America EPA CAUSES this drama. I live in Baghdad Iraq working for our government and we use to Toyota hiluxes. Now we use the Colorado ZR2 and guess what we have none of your exhaust crap. No DEF, no sensors, a muffler with one sensor and we love it. My team and I love the ZR2; we average 35 miles to a gallon and these machines are loaded down with 5000 lbs of weight to include body armor. When we go out with Chevrolet Suburbans with the 6.0. Junk. Gasoline is just no when loaded down with armor they get 2.6 to 3.0 miles to a gallon. We beat the crap out of these ZR2. Delete your emission crap and I would not doubt a 40 mpg truck on the highway
You get all those benefits, and the only thing you need to do to get them is die of cancer from the particulate emissions! I can't believe the US hasn't seen the light on that trade off!
jblyon2 Lol you’ll die of cancer from Glyphosate a hundred years before diesel particulate matter gives it to you. Don’t you realize the ultra-tiny particulate sails right thru a dpf? Only the large, black particles are trapped. They are heavy and fall right to the ground. The ultra fine particles can stay afloat for hundreds of miles. Boy, you need to learn more about actual things and not just blindly follow liberal-esq thought patterns.
I had similar issues with my ZR2 too. Had to go to the shop three times. First time was for the DEF injectors being clogged. Second time was for a NO2 sensor and the third time was for a DEF module or something related to the DEF system ECU. I still enjoy the truck and hopefully these issues have been resolved but you're right about most of the issues we're seeing being DEF related. The powertrain I know is solid.
At least the Tank is under the truck unlike the 2500 hd trucks makes it hard to tell if it fell off if you know what Im talking about! Best to delete after the warranty is up in my opinion.
So the EPA Mandates that the vehicle slows down with a DEF malfunction??? So with all the tailgating that goes on these days the EPA will be responsible for numerous injuries and deaths... GOVERNMENT IS THE PROBLEM!!!!
@@arnehurnik Its all an anti auto agenda globally now. EU smog cities mostly winter as burn charcoal, turf. wood, coal as electricity too expensive due to green agenda and KWhr over .40 not uncommon. China same. Sweden was smart as big Hydroelectric use and 0bama missed his opportunity for clean air in USA.
I was wavering between the ZR2 Diesel and the Taco OR and ended-up with the Taco. Even though i wasn't too keen on a gas engine, I realize now it was a good choice given the BS you have to deal with Diesel nowadays.
I have the Jeep Liberty CRD which has basically the earlier design of the engine in the GM mid size truck. GM is using a design by VM Motori for they engine since at one time during development they own part of VM that is now all owned by FCA. It's an ok engine and I have 154k on it but it has no after treatment system. I'm eventually going to replace it but not with another diesel. I'm going to go with the Tacoma too.
I had a similar issue w/ my new 2019 ZR2. It took 2 different Chevrolet dealerships to find/fix the DEF problem. It was NOT related to an obstruction in the fluid system, but simply a wiring harness coming loose and burning the insulation on the exhaust pipe causing a "short" in the harness-to-computer circuit. Since correction, I have had excellent performance and am very happy with it.
I’ve had a Colorado with a Duramax for almost exactly 2 years with zero problems. I read a couple of forums that have a lot of posts about diesels and I think the problems are pretty rare. Of course anyone with a problem, gas or diesel, is going to get online and complain but in general it seems people very much like their diesels. I love mine - I think it’s the perfect engine for this truck. I get diesel from Walmart (figure there is high turnover) and also add the recommended dosage of Stanadyne because diesel in general is not very high quality. I use DEF from Walmart also because I’ve noticed the dates are always fresh. Good truck, no regrets.
Other than this problem the truck has been great. I also run Standadyne performance formula in the winter. My distance between regens has gone up by 50 miles or so when running the additive
Man I must be really unlucky. 2018 ZR2, About a day after I bought the truck I realized the dash right above the speedometer was not assembled correctly it had a tab sticking out so the dealership replaced that piece, it is supposedly pretty simple. Then my heater and ac blower motor bearings started squealing and the dealership replaced the blower motor. Now the cluster has failed, the screen between the RPM and speedometer is flickering on and off sometimes. So they will replace that on Monday 12/31/18... mechanically the truck is great but these piddly little things are getting kinda annoying.
@@RepairGeek check your differentials. I went to put amsoil in my differentials today (1/4/19), and found a tooth on the differential magnet. Truck has never made any sounds and still drives fine, but I have another appointment on Monday (1/7/19), they said they would warranty it but we'll see on Monday, they said I could keep driving it since it's not making any noise. 2018 ZR2 16,365 miles bought it new. This truck has had a few problems now
I have a 2017 colorado with the 2.8L duramax with 29k miles on it and I haven't had to regen once. I think idling the truck is really what causes the regen. I've also used nothing but BMW def ( since it was free) for the whole 29k miles and have not had any def issues at all. Solid engine, I love it
I have the same year Colorado withe the diesel and haven't had 1 Regen and have 48000 miles. I use a mix of seafoam and Lucas fuel additive on most fill ups though!
You guys are most definitely having regens. Yes, idling and slow, short trips will cause more frequent regens, but there is no way to not regen without deleting. The ECM triggers them based on both pressure readings from DPF sensors, or mileage. Whichever happens first.
I should add to that, if you are normally making longer drives, then you likely won't ever notice the regen happening. If it happens during short stop and go driving you'll see a higher idle during regen. But on the highway the only way you'll notice is if you have instant mpg up on your display. You'll see it drop noticeably during the regen and then come back up.
@@BAYAREAMX There is a message, but that only pops up if you haven't been driving long enough stretches for it to complete a regen. After a certain number of incomplete attempts you'll get that message. If you always have long enough drives, you'll never see it. Depending on your driving style and conditions, regens will occur every 3-500 miles on average.
I was thinking of getting a Diesel for my next truck but after doing the calculation I changed my mind. I found that Diesel cost more plus the cost of repairs and then the def fluid. I just didn't feel comfortable at the point so I went with a 5.7 V8 gas engine. Thank you so much for explaining this so clearly.
The only plus side to a diesel you may not have factored in is the resale value. Typically diesels have higher resale. Usually enough to cover the cost of the diesel option.
Thanks for showing all the part in the exaust system. I'm about to change the DEF hose because the DEF fluid FROZED or something. Temporary repair.......
Good info. Ran duramax 6.6L engines, 2010 with over 850,000 miles and a 2013 with 674,000 miles. The experience I have had, these emmisions exhausts, whole system, needed to be replaced before 500k mile mark. The newer system with the exhaust fluid is way more sensitive to fluid/fuel quality issues. Buying DEF from truck stops I make it a habit of dumping the nossle downward before bring it to the fill in the truck. Seem the nossle aways has fluid in it being stored upward. I have even run into issues with fuel in far Western States being that it is some sort of alternative bio fuel. Causes the regen system to not burn as hot as the truck needs to clean out the particulate filter. White smoke and engine codes.
That exhaust system is way too complex to be reliable long term. I'm all for clean air & water, but I wouldn't take a chance on owning a diesel in the U.S. I currently own a 2015 Colorado with the gas 6. It has been trouble-free thus far with 24,000 on the clock. When you drop 40 large you don't expect to running to the dealer every other minute. I hope you don't have a stinker on your hands. Good luck man.
Time will tell. It only had 6700 miles on it when the issue popped up. My girlfriend is a sustainability major and couldn't believe they would de-rate the engine to 5mph because, how many of these 2.8's are out there? They can't be polluting that much. Emergency vehicles can drive around with the same fault for 40,721 miles with no de-rate according to the owners manual.
@@RepairGeek "Emergency vehicles can drive around with the same fault for 40,721 miles with no de-rate according to the owners manual." no shit? wow now we are getting somewhere inb4 computer change lol
@@skoal22005 it's because GM or the EPA doesn't want to be sued by a patient in the back of an ambulance that drives at 5mph to the hospital. Ford and International got the pants sued off of them back in the day when 6.0's would blow head gaskets on the way to the hospital.
Had this problem multiple times, .have replaced injector . Used only GM Def still get this code. Usually goes away on its own. Love this truck but am glad still have a 2011 ram cummins to drive when this one is in the shop.
Thats a complex exhaust system, I just don’t know how all of those components will hold up long term, especially if you off road. I’ll stick with gas for now.
I had the problem as well , 12000 miles, the warning was general engine light , pur DEF in the tank but was still full , the dealership took care of the problem in 2 hours sweet , My highest mileage is 26 average 22 around town !!
I had the Z71 DuraMax. Just Loved it. I never had an issue with the Engine... I turned the Truck in before the Lease was up for another issue. The Truck would eat up every Radio the Truck had. It was frustrating that GM refused to troubleshoot the problem and fix the Short it had in the dash. Instead they would switch out the Radio after each one died on me.
Just remember what Pittsburgh looked like in the 1930s - 1940s; "the Smoky City." Also look up what Los Angeles still looked like in the 50s - 60s; Smog haven. Not commenting on the reliability or lack thereof for strict emission controls, just saying remember the air hell that's being avoided.
I've dealt with a similar problem with a Ford system. Assuming they operate under similar principles, the def system does not stay primed between injection cycles. It is purged and remains dry from the pump to the injector when not in use. Given that info, I could imagine that residue or pooling anywhere in the system could generate crystalization that would get picked up and pushed forward to the injector. This is speculation but could provide a possible cause in your situation. If this becomes a reoccurring issue I would assume an engineering flaw in the system. If it does not then it could have been environmental and a one off situation. Good luck and I hope the problem is sorted for the Long haul.
I am so glad that we got the 2.8 duramax out here in Australia before they put that rubbish on ours. From 2016 onwards they put a DPF on them here. I have a 2014 Colorado with the 2.8 and love it.
I got a 2019 ZR2 extended cab long bed and it's already got 20k on it. I run 51 psi in the tires, use Mobile 1 5w-30 Dexos2 oil changed every 6,500 miles, always carry around 850 pounds of cargo in the bed for my work and set the cruise control to 55 mph on highways doing 75/25% hwy/city driving most of the time. Since I live in southern CA I spend a lot of evenings in traffic on my 1.5-2 hour commute home. I haven't reset the trip #1 odometer since I got the truck and over the 20k span the average mpg is 27.9. The best mileage I have ever got using the trip #2 odometer was 31.5 mpg over a 610 mile trip before refueling. It was mostly 55 mph highway driving with little traffic. I have been extremely pleased with the truck especially the interior comfort, electronics and noise isolation. The only thing that bugs me which I have not addressed is that sometimes when I turn the blower fan on the a/c kicks on even though the a/c switch is off. My dad has a 2012 Mercedes E320 Bluetec diesel with 75k miles on it which is a fun car to drive but he had the heating element in the def tank go bad twice. The first time at 35k the dealer replaced it for free. The second time at 60k the stealer wanted a whopping $3k for the repair. He declined the repair and now drives it with the check engine light on. Luckily the computer didn't derate the engine into limp-home mode or anything but you're absolutely right in that these complicated exhaust systems are the death of modern diesels and will be the first thing to break down. BTW, i also have a 1987 Mercedes 300TDT station wagon with hydraulic self-leveling suspension, a 3 liter inline 6-cylinder diesel that gives 29 mpg average overall with conservative driving even with 431k on the odometer! I've owned the vehicle since it had 120k on it . .Only had the head gasket replaced once, head fully reconditioned, replaced injectors, a/c compressor, alternator brushes, glow plugs several times and nitrogen spheres for the rear suspension. Also suspension and brake components that wore out. I do all the work myself on that engine as it is very archaic and lacks computer control.
Hi, I'm at the dealership right now looking at the colorado zr2 bison and seriously am considering it. I have owned an fj cruiser for 13 years and 180k miles. Will you think I get that out of the zr2?!
Welcome to the world of every semi truck driver. I am an owner operator. I own a 2012 Volvo 780. The aftertreafment systems are all junk. I've spent over $15k on my truck in the past year. Currently my check engine light is on. It's a great truck. Great engine. After treatment system is another story.
I don't have any gripe with DEF in general, but I'm glad I'm not paying the bills for it in the truck sector side of things. A Volvo DPF-system circuit board costs $4000 or so. Once you get a DPF-system error you have 10 hours until things become undriveable, a tanker with
Your mention of DEF crystallizing is kind of what I suspected happened when DEF sits for extended periods of time. Sounds like that is exactly what caused the DEF injector to plug up. The fact that I don't drive my 2009 Duramax much is why I haven't traded it towards a newer truck. Sounds like leaving a DEF equipped truck sit around for months on end is a bad thing for the DEF system. I've had my 2009 since August of 2009 and it just hit 56,000 miles last week. Nope, I don't drive it much. I'm starting to research a Colorado Duramax as a daily driver, which is how I found your channel. I binged watched a bunch of it today.
Have 03 federal emissions.no cat or egr ex texas truck in california full banks big boss bundle six gun w speed loader. Hauls ass leaks nothing. Has been a great truck run bio or my own mix. Smells like french fries.haha
Had the same message, “Bad DEF” on a long trip. Luckily I got to a small town and a service station had some DEF. Put a new gallon in and the message finally went away after 15 miles of driving. The truck had just been serviced by a dealer and the only DEF put in it was from GMC. Have had a couple other issues....On last regeneration I was driving on a freeway for 45 miles and the light wouldn’t go off....Drove it to the dealership and was told that my “average speed” while driving was too low and this was causing issues...I drive it like I do any other vehicle and couldn’t find anything in the manual about operating speeds. Love the truck, but not sure I’d buy it again.
If you're ever back at the same dealer I'd love to know what their specification for average speed needs to be. Like you said the owner's manual lists nothing. That answer from the dealer is BS. How can a diesel UPS or FedEx truck stop and start all day long? I'd buy DEF from a truck stop. It's usually about $2.79 a gallon near me. Nobody goes to the dealer to buy DEF and chances are it's been sitting around a while. Sounds like they are selling you old DEF and blaming your driving habits. As long as the truck can get to full operating temperature speed shouldn't matter.
I have a 2016 Z71 diesel with a bit over 168,000 miles on it. The only real problem I have had are with the NOx sensors. Having worked with industrial NOx control systems I can tell you that this technology is the same as used on power plants for their NOx emissions and is well proven. Instead of urea (DEF) solution they use straight ammonia, but this is needed to work with the catalyst to reduce the NOx to N2, which of course makes up 79% of our air. The problem with DEF is that the urea is not super stable and over time will oxidize, which is what the initial code is setup for. I never let my truck sit idle for more than a day or so, which eliminates that as a possible issue for me. I agree with you and everyone else that the "step-down" program the motor is programmed with is a safety issue. Last year I drove from Atlanta to Cincinnati and 60 miles before I got there that same fault message came up on my display. I ended up spending the entire weekend at a local dealer getting this resolved and never did attend the trade show I went there for in the first place. What is worse however, is if you are in a remote area like the Grand Canyon, or out in the desert somewhere with no cell service, there is a real reasonable probability that you could be stranded in a place where your safety is compromised. My opinion is that the program needs to allow you one day's worth of driving before shutting down so you can get home. For me a total of 700 to 750 miles would do it. All I know is I was over 400 miles from home when my NOx sensors last failed, and that is not right. I otherwise love the truck.
Thats why i deleted my 16. EGR valve went bad, regen to limp mode. Dealer made me pay for resetting computer and cleaning filter. Love how it runs now and i can work while idling now.
Def fluid caution make sure what your putting in Def tank is not expired read up on how to Decipher Expiration codes . When gen starts keep driving till it regenerate is complete . Wipe def nozzle before pouring in to prevent crystals from dropping nozzle . In others wards be neat .
Just 1 issue? You are lucky my friend. My 2018 has had many issues since i purchased it new including a new rear end at 800 miles. I wont be keeping at past the warranty.
I've heard some DEF is low grade, depending on where you get it from, certain "brands" If it was offroaded, you got nothing to worry about, have you seen the press courses..... minivans could do it.
I’ve got over 23,000 on my 2017 Chevy Colorado with the 2.8L Diesel engine. Mix of highway and city driving and the truck runs great. No problems at all.
Good video man. Higher RPM's and engine loads are the only way to avoid (but on a majority) of the exhaust issues. Tier 4 final equipment has similar exhaust, but has far less issues because the exhaust runs so much hotter. DEF when left to sit gets pretty nasty, so the faster it flows through the better the components survive.
I have a 2017 GMC Canyon and I find it interesting that yours used only 1 1/2 gallon to fill. Mine, when it says low uses nearly 5 gallons. So I think you are spot on with the DEF having crysalized in the tank.
It wasn't showing low. I topped off the DEF in case the DEF quality in the tank was actually bad to try and delute it. The tanks are about 5.5 gallons.
My work van is a MB Sprinter...to open the DEF cap i need slip joint pliers...the crystals seize the cap on. Diesels are nothing but trouble...hard to start in the cold and the cost of the engine makes it cheaper to burn gas.
You and I have the same engine but different pick up I have the Holden Colorado here in Western Australia. We don’t have DEF fitted to our 2.8 Duramax engines. Mine is only two months old and so far it’s been great.
Thank you for sharing your personal owner's experience ! Looking forward to more videos on living with it. I want a Diesel powered vehicle, I really do . . . BUT . . . all this Bull Crap with the EPA and their unrealistic emissions level standards and stupid high MSRP does not help. At the end of the day the owner is left to deal with all the aftertreatment system's WOES and nightmares. It even makes me think there's an "invisible force" behind the EPA doing everything in it's power to not let light duty diesel vehicles gain a stronghold in the USDM and discourage would be owners from even considering the VERY FEW available today. And I, just like you, do not judge and criticize anyone who deletes their vehicle . . . well, OK, sometimes I do . . . but only the Assholes in their Brodozers rolling coal giving a bad rap to Diesel. Those people don't see they are digging their own "graves", singling themselves out for all the wrong reasons and getting all kinds of unwanted attention from Big Brother. 👎😔💩
I had the same issue, z71 2.8. I live in a cold state, the diesel heater went bad and the DEF crystallized because it wasn’t heated properly. It was under warranty and GM fixed it for free. I don’t have anymore issues now.
Thanks for the transparency. I was hellbent on getting a colorado diesel but the scr scared me away. We use way too much salt up here. Ended up with a full size gas truck. The diesel would fair better in Texas or California.
@@RepairGeek yeah but spraying FF on all those sensors isnt going to make much of a difference because they're all attached to the hot exhaust system. I can imagine the bolts holding them on will rust and seize and likely have to get cut off. Seems like too many possible points of failure.
Resist the Lies: Toyota, has had way more issues with diesels in the countries that they sell diesels in. They will not sell them here for a reason. Try Googling Toyota of Australia Diesel issues. I like Toyota too but I don’t Sack Swing like you.
Thanks for the video!! mine has done the same thing twice. fresh def fixed it both times but I never got an answer from the dealer as to why. its only happened in the winter, when I'm driving a long distance. in idaho the speed limit is 80 so this truck going to 65 is dangerous. I'm at 50k miles on mine and haven't had any other issues other than def quality.
Just for your own knowledge. Commenters have said that if your injector becomes plugged you can soak the tip in distilled water and possibly unclog it that way. You would just need to buy a new gasket for the injector.
Don’t have to worry about DEF in Australia, or the EPA, thankfully . 14000km so far its been good. Did a 6000km pulling a camper trailer trip to Queensland last year and the only problem was hitting a kangaroo on the return trip. We have the SUV version called a Holden trailblazer, and it’s been awesome. I think the EPA has broken your diesels, sad, that’s so sad.
My mileage warning would drop dramatically over a few days. 900 then 3 days and 120 miles later, drop to 200 miles, then 25 miles later drop to 60 miles. My 2015 GMC 3500 had 149,xxx when I bought it in January 2018. These problems came up in my first 7000 miles. It would just eat through def fuild! I switched to GM DEF and within 1000 miles it started running better. I now have accurate warning messages and reduced fuild consumption. 15,000 miles later and no issues.
Love my Duramax 2.8 starts and drives even at -20 outside temp then it warmed up to +19 thats when i had an issue def pressure regulator went out 13,000 miles on my truck so local dealer fixed it under warrenty. Just passing it along.
Solid def May or may not have made it past the def filter. Welcome to emission regulation systems on diesels. I have been dealing with these issues in logistics for years. Chances are the DEF did crystallize in your injector. This stuff turns into essentially chalk overtime when heat soaked. I’ve seen Volvo over the road tractors clog a 4 inch exhaust pipe with this stuff.
The second your warranty is up RIP that emissions crap off, I bought my wife a 2018 F250 Platinum the first time I drove it I got the low Def warning so it's going to get a DPF delete aftermarket exhaust and a program soon.
As a former service advisor, getting the wrong part is a generic excuse for the repair taking long and is almost never true. It’s just to buy time, provide the customer an update and shift blame.
This is why people remove these horrid emissions control systems when the warranty runs out. I’ve been selling trucks for five years now and the biggest and most often complaints are the modern diesel trucks and SUV’s.
I have a 2018 colorado zr2 2.8 L. It had 111k miles on it when I got it. At 140k miles my fuse block had cracked in half causing intermittent starting. At 143k mile just before my warranty expired I blew a head gasket and hydrolocked the engine. Since then I got ARP head studs and have NOT, deleted the truck. All in all it's a great truck, I love it and do not recommend a 25hp tow tune. Terrible results probably
Ive seen it many times. Its not the inside of the def injector causing problems. Its the part of the injector in the exhaust. Builds up a crystal mess when exhaust is too hot at shutdown. Just like spraying hard water on windows. Most times after running again and cooled down the crystal dissolves and sprays fine. Just clean off the injector tip and good as nee
There's a good way to help keep your exhaust system from acting up in these diesels Try not to hit the throttle pedal too fast just kind of slowly push the pedal down to accelerate What's happening is if you accelerate to fast it's like as any diesel you're making a lot of black smoke in their So just try to accelerate in a way to where you think it will not produce black smoke Also it helps to put fuel additives
I have a 2017 2500 HD. It has 73k miles on it. I have had one regen since I bought it new. ONE> of course I drive highway most of the time and gen,,,,,well pretty fast. I think this is why I do not have a problem with my exhaust system.
My 2018 Def system went out three times and the Chevy dealership had to replace some module because the wires where corroded. I only had the truck for 3 months brand new It had 4.3 on the odometer.
The way it does that is the injector dribbles a little and it crystallizes. Over time it builds up and clogs the tip of the injector. This is a very common failure on def equipped trucks.
Really want to get one of these diesels because of it's towing capacity, but every time I hear of some emissions problem thanks to the EPA I have serious second thoughts about buying one!
I'm also a life long Ford guy, it does not matter what brand you purchase these days due to the things you outlined with the epa, that said I hope all the money your saving on fuel your putting in a piggy bank that system in 5 years looks like a major MONEY PIT!!
WOW! That is a LOT of sensors in the exhaust system. Long term that would be a pain to maintain for a DIY person like me. Thanks EPA. That is just one more thing to be thankful for going with the gasser V6 18' Colorado I have. These trucks are amazing machines. I am sure I would love the diesel as well. I would just do the delete if I had one... take all of that stuff off... and put in some exhaust bung plugs where the sensors and fuel injector input were (If Possible). Then all of that junk would be out of the way... and fade into a distant memory. lol
Which is why everyone is doing the delete with cars that are equipped with DEF once the warranty expires lol. Friend of mine has one that's been deleted, it's phenomenal now!
I have the same 2.8 l in my 2018 Denali Canyon. I have had the entire system replaced in my truck over the past 2 years. Get used to this. About every 6 months there is a catastrophic failure of the emissions system on this vehicle. There are serious design deficiencies in this system. So far: Entire DEF fuel injection system (heater, pump, injector), DPF regeneration system, DPF sensor system. My truck actually shut down and on the side of the road and had to be towed because of the first failure. Did the 65 mph countdown on a 350 mile trip. Terrible vehicle. i wan to get rid of this thing, but I am going to pay for crappy GM design on depreciation.
The good ol EPA. Saving the environment one plastic def bottle at a time
Def is actually more harmful to the environment than most people would think.
Yes..FUCK THE E.P.A..delete tune and straight pipe!!
@@ashtonmariefranklin1981 its AMMONIA
EPA, CARB, California law makers and environmentalist in California are not engineers. Just retards making us spend more money
Don't forget all the cardboard those plastic bottles come in.
Got a G.M. owned 2018 ZR2 diesel that was from the Las Vegas Auto show with 98 miles on it. Driven for a little over a year with 13,000 miles on it, haven't had a problem. In fact this diesel is a little jewel, it's very fuel efficient and is unbelievably smooth. I would recommend the 2.8 engine choice to anyone interested in a diesel.
13k is no benchmark for reliability. 50k maybe. I have a 07 duramax and have had virtually no issues and 200k miles. I don’t think any def diesel will be able to achieve that.
Buy yourself a lottery ticket because that's very rare I've had lots of issues never buy another GM product again
Have a 2005 duramax and have a zr2 bison 2.8 ordered. Don’t listen to the haters. Just delete it
Leroy Truk most are ford owners anyways
Hey Bob, neighbor here... got my 2017 Z71with the 2.8 diesel from same dealership had just under 18k miles on it.. so far so good, the truck is great! i though i had a DEF issue in that the indicator reads "OK" level but the sliding gauge just to the right stays at the bottom end..but I seen others with the same indications.
"Don't delete your pickup"
AGGRESSIVELY NODS
lol, love it. Great videos.
Ok man your almost correct! I’m a cummins engine tech, though I’ve worked for ford, gm and cat. All of them except cat (cat has only the cgi / EGR system, diesel exhaust fuel injection, doc and dpf) use the following aftertreatment system. Components vary in size and manufacturer, but they all go in a specific order. Sensors can be mounted either in the component or in the exhaust pipe as well. Here’s the order: engine control module, oem ecm connector, EGR exhaust temp, EGR exhaust pressure, turbo vgt, diesel fuel inj, exhaust gas temp, inlet NOX, doc intake temp, inlet dpf temp, inlet dpf pressure, dpf differential pressure, outlet dpf pressure, dpf particulate matter, dpf outlet temp, def controller, def temp, def pressure, def quality, def heater, def filter, def doser valve / inj, scr catalyst inlet temp, scr catalyst outlet temp and outlet NOX. The following is the order of the exhaust components: exhaust manifold, Exhaust gas recirculation cooler, EGR valve, turbo, diesel oxidation catalyst, diesel particulate filter, diesel exhaust fluid decomposition tube (def comp tube may be integral to the exhaust pipe), supplemental catalyst reduction canister (scr cat), muffler / resonator and tailpipe. These sensors and components are in a specific order and only function in that fashion. They are divided into 6 systems: exhaust gas recirculation, aftertreatment system controls, diesel exhaust fuel injection, diesel oxidation & particulate filtration, urrea / def injection, supplemental catalyst reduction. These aftertreatment systems are controlled by the engine control unit via the oem body controller and wiring harness. Simply put they’re supposed to make your engine more fuel efficient for more efficient power and less ozone polluting. That the theory, but it doesn’t mean that’s the way it actually is. More money for more crap that will eventually be replaced by god only knows what in the distant future.
Great video. As a GM dealership mechanic who works on these systems. I cant stand the DEF system. Thanks for showing some of the sensors and explaining what they are. Most customers dont believe anything we say when trying to tell them what is wrong when they are upset. Hopefully they watch videos like this to get a little more informed.
Jon patchett well yeah because most dealerships would be dramatic about it and try to get you to buy others stuff for the vehicle when it doesn’t need it.
If the price was reasonable for exhaust components it would be easier , it
is had to swallow a $2000.00 bill for emissions failure (premature)
When you see brand new semi trucks broken down on the side of the highway its probably a emissions issue. Major problem in big trucks.
My food will cost more
What a bizarre statement. There’s absolutely no information to back up that generalized claim.
TFlorida1 like hell there isn’t! I’m one of them!
@@TheMrbeasely do you drive a OTR truck or operate modern heavy construction equipment? If you did, you wouldn't make such a ludicrous statement.
TFlorida1 ....all the information I have is from actually haven driven after treatment equipped Freightliners, Volvos and Internationals since DEF became federally mandated. My personal experience is that emissions related shutdowns have been quite frustrating. I’ve had multiple breakdowns related to after treatment systems. The only other breakdown I’ve encountered, over the last several years, was a broken clamp on the charged line from an intercooler.
I’ve had multiple failures to regenerate, low DEF dosing, clogged DPF filters, and coolant leaking from the DEF tank heater into the DEF itself. In fact, thanks to a problematic DEF system, I spent a Christmas at an International dealership instead of with my family.
If I ever have any problems related to the exhaust system, it's getting deleted.
T C mine's been deleted for 1000miles and I couldn't be happier
Where are you guys getting a delete tune from?
Contact Shield and Spear Performance. Best out there.
Is the best to do
Deleting voids all warranty...as soon as mine is up I’ll also be deleting
Nice video! I appreciate your showing all the sensors and fuel injector. Your video ended an argument, as there are a lot of people who do not believe me when I tell them the 2.8 has a 5th "indirect injector". You saved me a trip onto my dirty cold garage floor to photo it. Sending a virtual beer your way sir. The actual injector is the same part as the big Duramaxes by the way. From what I have seen, the Diesel particulate filter sensor is the most common issue, followed by the DEF injector.
My Canyon has 38K miles on it, no problems to date knock on wood. It has a GDE emissions system intact tune, which limits speed to 124 MPH in the event of a DEF code - LOL. The final version of that emissions system intact tune (before the EPA storm troopers moved in) reactivated DEF injection, which I prefer as it seems likely the injector is less likely to crystallize into a non functioning lump if it is being used and not dormant. That and running the DEF system negates having to drain stale DEF out of the tank - one could still get a bad DEF message even with the tune.
All versions of the intact tune turn off EGR, which is a great thing as the 2.8 runs a lot of EGR. I recommend everybody install a catch can. I have a Provent 200, it catches probably 8 oz of oil between changes. Taking the oil mist out just leaves dry EGR soot for stock engines. Mist plus soot = intake clogging goo... Of course, no dry soot and no PCV oil in the intake is best, that is what the combo of catch can and tuning gives you.
Averaging 27.5 MPG lifetime over 28K miles with the tune (stock was 25.1, and it has stock sized but knobbier Cooper AT3s on it since tuning, which reduce mileage), breaking 34 MPG cruising on the highway at 70 MPH is not uncommon. The truck is a 4x4 long box. The tuned 2.8 hardly ever has to rev past 2,000 RPM. Stock it had good low end, tuned it has, so much low end torque it is kinda ridiculous. Also have the GDE transmission tune, it shifts a lot earlier and firmer to take advantage of the torque. They are gonna have to pry this particular Canyon from my clutching fingers :)
While compact truck shopping in 2018 I narrowed my choices down to a Tacoma TRD Pro and the Colorado ZR2. I went with a 2018 ZR2 diesel and the truck has been problem free. Great explanation of the sensors and such on the exhaust system.
I been with my 2017 for 6 years and half, with 0 issues. Can't be happier.😊
A clogged def doser (injector) can occur. I see it on buses that I work on. Just part of the fun of owning these new diesels. Good luck
Its the nature of Urea to form crystals, ever hear of gout.?
I have that engine in a 05 jeep liberty. 120k miles, egr has been “broke” for the last 110k. Runs like an absolute dream (with the now suncoast TQ). Zero issues. The rest of the vehicle will probably fall apart around the engine though, but until then, she’ll rattle on.
I have an 06 CRD. Really like it for the last 10 years. Probably will be my 1st and maybe last diesel. Don't want to deal with after treatment system. Planning to get a Tacoma
That is a different engine. Might be Vm motori r428 or r428. This is newer 2.8 durmax vm motori XLD28
America EPA CAUSES this drama. I live in Baghdad Iraq working for our government and we use to Toyota hiluxes. Now we use the Colorado ZR2 and guess what we have none of your exhaust crap. No DEF, no sensors, a muffler with one sensor and we love it. My team and I love the ZR2; we average 35 miles to a gallon and these machines are loaded down with 5000 lbs of weight to include body armor. When we go out with Chevrolet Suburbans with the 6.0. Junk. Gasoline is just no when loaded down with armor they get 2.6 to 3.0 miles to a gallon. We beat the crap out of these ZR2. Delete your emission crap and I would not doubt a 40 mpg truck on the highway
You get all those benefits, and the only thing you need to do to get them is die of cancer from the particulate emissions! I can't believe the US hasn't seen the light on that trade off!
jblyon2 right...
jblyon2 Lol you’ll die of cancer from Glyphosate a hundred years before diesel particulate matter gives it to you. Don’t you realize the ultra-tiny particulate sails right thru a dpf? Only the large, black particles are trapped. They are heavy and fall right to the ground. The ultra fine particles can stay afloat for hundreds of miles. Boy, you need to learn more about actual things and not just blindly follow liberal-esq thought patterns.
jblyon2 get educated. You spew stuff out that you know nothing about
john kraft I know that they don’t use def systems on any Military trucks or equipment. It is because of reliably issues.
I had similar issues with my ZR2 too. Had to go to the shop three times. First time was for the DEF injectors being clogged. Second time was for a NO2 sensor and the third time was for a DEF module or something related to the DEF system ECU. I still enjoy the truck and hopefully these issues have been resolved but you're right about most of the issues we're seeing being DEF related. The powertrain I know is solid.
At least the Tank is under the truck unlike the 2500 hd trucks makes it hard to tell if it fell off if you know what Im talking about! Best to delete after the warranty is up in my opinion.
Had my def pump replaced at 15k miles. Sold the pos 2.8l Colorado at 38k miles with other engine/transmission problems
The government has ruined cars!! All of that stuff is unreliable and costs the vehicle owners lots of $$
So the EPA Mandates that the vehicle slows down with a DEF malfunction??? So with all the tailgating that goes on these days the EPA will be responsible for numerous injuries and deaths... GOVERNMENT IS THE PROBLEM!!!!
@@arnehurnik When you are living in YOUR mud hut and eating BUGS - let us know how that works out for you... 🚽
Too bad they ignore chimneys and heating systems that burn oil, coal, wood, burning bunker oil with zero abatement.
@@arnehurnik Its all an anti auto agenda globally now. EU smog cities mostly winter as burn charcoal, turf. wood, coal as electricity too expensive due to green agenda and KWhr over .40 not uncommon. China same. Sweden was smart as big Hydroelectric use and 0bama missed his opportunity for clean air in USA.
@@arnehurnik def is for NOx and has nothing to do with soot... Its active sabotage for resale and overall efficiency.
I was wavering between the ZR2 Diesel and the Taco OR and ended-up with the Taco. Even though i wasn't too keen on a gas engine, I realize now it was a good choice given the BS you have to deal with Diesel nowadays.
I have the Jeep Liberty CRD which has basically the earlier design of the engine in the GM mid size truck. GM is using a design by VM Motori for they engine since at one time during development they own part of VM that is now all owned by FCA. It's an ok engine and I have 154k on it but it has no after treatment system. I'm eventually going to replace it but not with another diesel. I'm going to go with the Tacoma too.
Any diesel worth getting has to be pre 1997. The 12 valve Cummins is a perfect dream engine.
So True,I do not know how many millions of these things that were produced.
I have an Isuzu 1.8L diesel. Engine runs smooth as silk for a diesel.
12 valve Cummins will never be matched again!
03 HO CR 5.9 NV5600. No such thing as a clean 12v they're molested. Still a pre-emissions truck. It depends on the manufacturer.
original owner...1988 F250 7.3 IDI...simple and RELIABLE!
I will never, ever, EVER own a newer diesel...EVER!
I had a similar issue w/ my new 2019 ZR2. It took 2 different Chevrolet dealerships to find/fix the DEF problem. It was NOT related to an obstruction in the fluid system, but simply a wiring harness coming loose and burning the insulation on the exhaust pipe causing a "short" in the harness-to-computer circuit. Since correction, I have had excellent performance and am very happy with it.
I’ve had a Colorado with a Duramax for almost exactly 2 years with zero problems. I read a couple of forums that have a lot of posts about diesels and I think the problems are pretty rare. Of course anyone with a problem, gas or diesel, is going to get online and complain but in general it seems people very much like their diesels. I love mine - I think it’s the perfect engine for this truck. I get diesel from Walmart (figure there is high turnover) and also add the recommended dosage of Stanadyne because diesel in general is not very high quality. I use DEF from Walmart also because I’ve noticed the dates are always fresh. Good truck, no regrets.
Other than this problem the truck has been great. I also run Standadyne performance formula in the winter. My distance between regens has gone up by 50 miles or so when running the additive
Man I must be really unlucky. 2018 ZR2, About a day after I bought the truck I realized the dash right above the speedometer was not assembled correctly it had a tab sticking out so the dealership replaced that piece, it is supposedly pretty simple. Then my heater and ac blower motor bearings started squealing and the dealership replaced the blower motor. Now the cluster has failed, the screen between the RPM and speedometer is flickering on and off sometimes. So they will replace that on Monday 12/31/18... mechanically the truck is great but these piddly little things are getting kinda annoying.
@@RepairGeek check your differentials. I went to put amsoil in my differentials today (1/4/19), and found a tooth on the differential magnet. Truck has never made any sounds and still drives fine, but I have another appointment on Monday (1/7/19), they said they would warranty it but we'll see on Monday, they said I could keep driving it since it's not making any noise. 2018 ZR2 16,365 miles bought it new. This truck has had a few problems now
@@codyvance2832 interesting. Rear diff it take it?
@@RepairGeek yeah rear differential, front was fine
I have a 2017 colorado with the 2.8L duramax with 29k miles on it and I haven't had to regen once. I think idling the truck is really what causes the regen. I've also used nothing but BMW def ( since it was free) for the whole 29k miles and have not had any def issues at all. Solid engine, I love it
I have the same year Colorado withe the diesel and haven't had 1 Regen and have 48000 miles. I use a mix of seafoam and Lucas fuel additive on most fill ups though!
You guys are most definitely having regens. Yes, idling and slow, short trips will cause more frequent regens, but there is no way to not regen without deleting. The ECM triggers them based on both pressure readings from DPF sensors, or mileage. Whichever happens first.
I should add to that, if you are normally making longer drives, then you likely won't ever notice the regen happening. If it happens during short stop and go driving you'll see a higher idle during regen. But on the highway the only way you'll notice is if you have instant mpg up on your display. You'll see it drop noticeably during the regen and then come back up.
@@scarsman I thought a message popped up during regen instructing to not stop driving until regen is complete.
@@BAYAREAMX There is a message, but that only pops up if you haven't been driving long enough stretches for it to complete a regen. After a certain number of incomplete attempts you'll get that message. If you always have long enough drives, you'll never see it. Depending on your driving style and conditions, regens will occur every 3-500 miles on average.
I was thinking of getting a Diesel for my next truck but after doing the calculation I changed my mind. I found that Diesel cost more plus the cost of repairs and then the def fluid. I just didn't feel comfortable at the point so I went with a 5.7 V8 gas engine. Thank you so much for explaining this so clearly.
The only plus side to a diesel you may not have factored in is the resale value. Typically diesels have higher resale. Usually enough to cover the cost of the diesel option.
Thanks for showing all the part in the exaust system. I'm about to change the DEF hose because the DEF fluid FROZED or something. Temporary repair.......
I’m glad I have an older diesel.
David Moutardier got an ‘05 duramax. 290,00 and going strong.
7.3 powerstroke all day baby
92 Nissan TD 27 190,000 4WD daily driver. Mechanical pump and injectors.
EPA requires diesel emissions to be cleaner than the air we breathe.
@@REALBanannaman ever heard of a hyperbole?
I'll give you a hint. I was exaggerating to make a point.
Good info. Ran duramax 6.6L engines, 2010 with over 850,000 miles and a 2013 with 674,000 miles. The experience I have had, these emmisions exhausts, whole system, needed to be replaced before 500k mile mark. The newer system with the exhaust fluid is way more sensitive to fluid/fuel quality issues. Buying DEF from truck stops I make it a habit of dumping the nossle downward before bring it to the fill in the truck. Seem the nossle aways has fluid in it being stored upward. I have even run into issues with fuel in far Western States being that it is some sort of alternative bio fuel. Causes the regen system to not burn as hot as the truck needs to clean out the particulate filter. White smoke and engine codes.
That exhaust system is way too complex to be reliable long term. I'm all for clean air & water, but I wouldn't take a chance on owning a diesel in the U.S.
I currently own a 2015 Colorado with the gas 6.
It has been trouble-free thus far with 24,000 on the clock.
When you drop 40 large you don't expect to running to the dealer every other minute.
I hope you don't have a stinker on your hands.
Good luck man.
Time will tell. It only had 6700 miles on it when the issue popped up. My girlfriend is a sustainability major and couldn't believe they would de-rate the engine to 5mph because, how many of these 2.8's are out there? They can't be polluting that much. Emergency vehicles can drive around with the same fault for 40,721 miles with no de-rate according to the owners manual.
@@RepairGeek "Emergency vehicles can drive around with the same fault for 40,721 miles with no de-rate according to the owners manual." no shit? wow now we are getting somewhere inb4 computer change lol
@@skoal22005 it's because GM or the EPA doesn't want to be sued by a patient in the back of an ambulance that drives at 5mph to the hospital.
Ford and International got the pants sued off of them back in the day when 6.0's would blow head gaskets on the way to the hospital.
full delete!
Piss in the DEF tank. Same thing.
I have a 2018 Colorado diesel with 451,000 km. We have replaced almost every sensor including the ecm and catalytic converter. Running fine.
Had this problem multiple times, .have replaced injector . Used only GM Def still get this code. Usually goes away on its own. Love this truck but am glad still have a 2011 ram cummins to drive when this one is in the shop.
Thats a complex exhaust system, I just don’t know how all of those components will hold up long term, especially if you off road. I’ll stick with gas for now.
I had the problem as well , 12000 miles, the warning was general engine light , pur DEF in the tank but was still full , the dealership took care of the problem in 2 hours sweet , My highest mileage is 26 average 22 around town !!
I had the Z71 DuraMax. Just Loved it. I never had an issue with the Engine...
I turned the Truck in before the Lease was up for another issue. The Truck would eat up every Radio the Truck had. It was frustrating that GM refused to troubleshoot the problem and fix the Short it had in the dash. Instead they would switch out the Radio after each one died on me.
All thanks to the EPA.
Epa based on the euro trash rules
The EPA was created by Richard Nixon. If you've got a problem with clean air and water, go talk to Trickie Dick.
RCs By A Dummy He’s dead.
Just remember what Pittsburgh looked like in the 1930s - 1940s; "the Smoky City." Also look up what Los Angeles still looked like in the 50s - 60s; Smog haven. Not commenting on the reliability or lack thereof for strict emission controls, just saying remember the air hell that's being avoided.
Delete it and don't post anything about it!
I've dealt with a similar problem with a Ford system. Assuming they operate under similar principles, the def system does not stay primed between injection cycles. It is purged and remains dry from the pump to the injector when not in use. Given that info, I could imagine that residue or pooling anywhere in the system could generate crystalization that would get picked up and pushed forward to the injector. This is speculation but could provide a possible cause in your situation. If this becomes a reoccurring issue I would assume an engineering flaw in the system. If it does not then it could have been environmental and a one off situation. Good luck and I hope the problem is sorted for the Long haul.
Glad I went with Gas. Seen many low mileage late model diesel trade ins when shopping.
2.8 duramax is way better
I am so glad that we got the 2.8 duramax out here in Australia before they put that rubbish on ours. From 2016 onwards they put a DPF on them here. I have a 2014 Colorado with the 2.8 and love it.
I got a 2019 ZR2 extended cab long bed and it's already got 20k on it. I run 51 psi in the tires, use Mobile 1 5w-30 Dexos2 oil changed every 6,500 miles, always carry around 850 pounds of cargo in the bed for my work and set the cruise control to 55 mph on highways doing 75/25% hwy/city driving most of the time. Since I live in southern CA I spend a lot of evenings in traffic on my 1.5-2 hour commute home. I haven't reset the trip #1 odometer since I got the truck and over the 20k span the average mpg is 27.9. The best mileage I have ever got using the trip #2 odometer was 31.5 mpg over a 610 mile trip before refueling. It was mostly 55 mph highway driving with little traffic.
I have been extremely pleased with the truck especially the interior comfort, electronics and noise isolation. The only thing that bugs me which I have not addressed is that sometimes when I turn the blower fan on the a/c kicks on even though the a/c switch is off.
My dad has a 2012 Mercedes E320 Bluetec diesel with 75k miles on it which is a fun car to drive but he had the heating element in the def tank go bad twice. The first time at 35k the dealer replaced it for free. The second time at 60k the stealer wanted a whopping $3k for the repair. He declined the repair and now drives it with the check engine light on. Luckily the computer didn't derate the engine into limp-home mode or anything but you're absolutely right in that these complicated exhaust systems are the death of modern diesels and will be the first thing to break down.
BTW, i also have a 1987 Mercedes 300TDT station wagon with hydraulic self-leveling suspension, a 3 liter inline 6-cylinder diesel that gives 29 mpg average overall with conservative driving even with 431k on the odometer! I've owned the vehicle since it had 120k on it . .Only had the head gasket replaced once, head fully reconditioned, replaced injectors, a/c compressor, alternator brushes, glow plugs several times and nitrogen spheres for the rear suspension. Also suspension and brake components that wore out. I do all the work myself on that engine as it is very archaic and lacks computer control.
Hi, I'm at the dealership right now looking at the colorado zr2 bison and seriously am considering it. I have owned an fj cruiser for 13 years and 180k miles. Will you think I get that out of the zr2?!
My 2016 has 35k on it and has been great with zero problems so far
Welcome to the world of every semi truck driver. I am an owner operator. I own a 2012 Volvo 780. The aftertreafment systems are all junk. I've spent over $15k on my truck in the past year. Currently my check engine light is on. It's a great truck. Great engine. After treatment system is another story.
I don't have any gripe with DEF in general, but I'm glad I'm not paying the bills for it in the truck sector side of things. A Volvo DPF-system circuit board costs $4000 or so. Once you get a DPF-system error you have 10 hours until things become undriveable, a tanker with
Your mention of DEF crystallizing is kind of what I suspected happened when DEF sits for extended periods of time. Sounds like that is exactly what caused the DEF injector to plug up. The fact that I don't drive my 2009 Duramax much is why I haven't traded it towards a newer truck. Sounds like leaving a DEF equipped truck sit around for months on end is a bad thing for the DEF system. I've had my 2009 since August of 2009 and it just hit 56,000 miles last week. Nope, I don't drive it much.
I'm starting to research a Colorado Duramax as a daily driver, which is how I found your channel. I binged watched a bunch of it today.
I was ready to trade my Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon for a ZR2 diesel for an overland build. Thank you, I'm cured me of that desire.
The joys of owning a 2001 LB7 that came with no emissions crap whatsoever, and why I'll keep it forever.
Jeff Smith I have a 2005 duramax that I will have forever as well. The newer diesels will never outrun it so why buy them ?
Leroy Truk 1998 12 valve 270,000 still going strong. Never getting this new garbage👍🏻
Have 03 federal emissions.no cat or egr ex texas truck in california full banks big boss bundle six gun w speed loader. Hauls ass leaks nothing. Has been a great truck run bio or my own mix. Smells like french fries.haha
I love the nodding when you say “I’ll never tell you to delete your truck” 😅 I didn’t get a diesel Gladiator because of this emissions crap.
Had the same message, “Bad DEF” on a long trip. Luckily I got to a small town and a service station had some DEF. Put a new gallon in and the message finally went away after 15 miles of driving. The truck had just been serviced by a dealer and the only DEF put in it was from GMC. Have had a couple other issues....On last regeneration I was driving on a freeway for 45 miles and the light wouldn’t go off....Drove it to the dealership and was told that my “average speed” while driving was too low and this was causing issues...I drive it like I do any other vehicle and couldn’t find anything in the manual about operating speeds. Love the truck, but not sure I’d buy it again.
If you're ever back at the same dealer I'd love to know what their specification for average speed needs to be. Like you said the owner's manual lists nothing. That answer from the dealer is BS. How can a diesel UPS or FedEx truck stop and start all day long?
I'd buy DEF from a truck stop. It's usually about $2.79 a gallon near me. Nobody goes to the dealer to buy DEF and chances are it's been sitting around a while. Sounds like they are selling you old DEF and blaming your driving habits. As long as the truck can get to full operating temperature speed shouldn't matter.
I have a 2016 Z71 diesel with a bit over 168,000 miles on it. The only real problem I have had are with the NOx sensors. Having worked with industrial NOx control systems I can tell you that this technology is the same as used on power plants for their NOx emissions and is well proven. Instead of urea (DEF) solution they use straight ammonia, but this is needed to work with the catalyst to reduce the NOx to N2, which of course makes up 79% of our air. The problem with DEF is that the urea is not super stable and over time will oxidize, which is what the initial code is setup for. I never let my truck sit idle for more than a day or so, which eliminates that as a possible issue for me. I agree with you and everyone else that the "step-down" program the motor is programmed with is a safety issue. Last year I drove from Atlanta to Cincinnati and 60 miles before I got there that same fault message came up on my display. I ended up spending the entire weekend at a local dealer getting this resolved and never did attend the trade show I went there for in the first place. What is worse however, is if you are in a remote area like the Grand Canyon, or out in the desert somewhere with no cell service, there is a real reasonable probability that you could be stranded in a place where your safety is compromised. My opinion is that the program needs to allow you one day's worth of driving before shutting down so you can get home. For me a total of 700 to 750 miles would do it. All I know is I was over 400 miles from home when my NOx sensors last failed, and that is not right. I otherwise love the truck.
Thats why i deleted my 16. EGR valve went bad, regen to limp mode. Dealer made me pay for resetting computer and cleaning filter. Love how it runs now and i can work while idling now.
Def fluid caution make sure what your putting in Def tank is not expired read up on how to Decipher
Expiration codes .
When gen starts keep driving till it regenerate is complete .
Wipe def nozzle before pouring in to prevent crystals from dropping nozzle . In others wards be neat .
Dont use cheap DEF fluid. Get your OEM DEF fluid. That can cause issues on different brands of fluids
Just 1 issue? You are lucky my friend. My 2018 has had many issues since i purchased it new including a new rear end at 800 miles. I wont be keeping at past the warranty.
Get used to it because I go through this every 6 months when it comes to diesel and there emissions.
I've heard some DEF is low grade, depending on where you get it from, certain "brands" If it was offroaded, you got nothing to worry about, have you seen the press courses..... minivans could do it.
I’ve got over 23,000 on my 2017 Chevy Colorado with the 2.8L Diesel engine. Mix of highway and city driving and the truck runs great. No problems at all.
Good video man. Higher RPM's and engine loads are the only way to avoid (but on a majority) of the exhaust issues. Tier 4 final equipment has similar exhaust, but has far less issues because the exhaust runs so much hotter. DEF when left to sit gets pretty nasty, so the faster it flows through the better the components survive.
Yep the crystals dissolve in water. I work on Cummins and soap and water is an authorized way to clean the injector.
I have a 2017 GMC Canyon and I find it interesting that yours used only 1 1/2 gallon to fill. Mine, when it says low uses nearly 5 gallons. So I think you are spot on with the DEF having crysalized in the tank.
It wasn't showing low. I topped off the DEF in case the DEF quality in the tank was actually bad to try and delute it. The tanks are about 5.5 gallons.
My work van is a MB Sprinter...to open the DEF cap i need slip joint pliers...the crystals seize the cap on. Diesels are nothing but trouble...hard to start in the cold and the cost of the engine makes it cheaper to burn gas.
You get most of that extra money back you spent on the diesel when you trade it in.
Issues because of the American EPA. The rest of the world runs on diesel. I live abroad and diesels are superior.
You and I have the same engine but different pick up I have the Holden Colorado here in Western Australia. We don’t have DEF fitted to our 2.8 Duramax engines. Mine is only two months old and so far it’s been great.
Thank you for sharing your personal owner's experience ! Looking forward to more videos on living with it.
I want a Diesel powered vehicle, I really do . . . BUT . . . all this Bull Crap with the EPA and their unrealistic emissions level standards and stupid high MSRP does not help.
At the end of the day the owner is left to deal with all the aftertreatment system's WOES and nightmares.
It even makes me think there's an "invisible force" behind the EPA doing everything in it's power to not let light duty diesel vehicles gain a stronghold in the USDM and discourage would be owners from even considering the VERY FEW available today.
And I, just like you, do not judge and criticize anyone who deletes their vehicle . . . well, OK, sometimes I do . . . but only the Assholes in their Brodozers rolling coal giving a bad rap to Diesel.
Those people don't see they are digging their own "graves", singling themselves out for all the wrong reasons and getting all kinds of unwanted attention from Big Brother. 👎😔💩
They definitely don't want people to own a economical diesel engine they can't abuse with diesel prices as they do with gas prices
Seafoam or fuel additives is a must to protect those sensors and prevent dpf complications later on!!
I had the same issue, z71 2.8. I live in a cold state, the diesel heater went bad and the DEF crystallized because it wasn’t heated properly. It was under warranty and GM fixed it for free. I don’t have anymore issues now.
I deleted my 2018 ZR2 2.8 with Auto Agent from Canada. I highly recommend doing it. I reside in Wyoming so restrictions are easy to avoid.
Thanks for the transparency. I was hellbent on getting a colorado diesel but the scr scared me away. We use way too much salt up here. Ended up with a full size gas truck. The diesel would fair better in Texas or California.
I spray mine down with Fluid Film religiously. I haven't had any more emissions problems since this video. Knock on wood...
@@RepairGeek yeah but spraying FF on all those sensors isnt going to make much of a difference because they're all attached to the hot exhaust system. I can imagine the bolts holding them on will rust and seize and likely have to get cut off. Seems like too many possible points of failure.
Should have bought a Tacoma my 2017 TRD off-road and has had zero issues
Diesel??
Resist the Lies: Toyota, has had way more issues with diesels in the countries that they sell diesels in. They will not sell them here for a reason. Try Googling Toyota of Australia Diesel issues. I like Toyota too but I don’t Sack Swing like you.
Your the type of dude I'd call to help me think threw a complex problem bro
Thanks for the video!! mine has done the same thing twice. fresh def fixed it both times but I never got an answer from the dealer as to why. its only happened in the winter, when I'm driving a long distance. in idaho the speed limit is 80 so this truck going to 65 is dangerous. I'm at 50k miles on mine and haven't had any other issues other than def quality.
Just for your own knowledge. Commenters have said that if your injector becomes plugged you can soak the tip in distilled water and possibly unclog it that way. You would just need to buy a new gasket for the injector.
@@RepairGeekthank you!
This is just one reason why I will never get rid of my 2000 7.3L Powerstroke. :)
Jr10 ..thats the best engine ever produced
Jr10,the best diesel engine ever produced together with the Cummins 12v ..
Don’t have to worry about DEF in Australia, or the EPA, thankfully .
14000km so far its been good.
Did a 6000km pulling a camper trailer trip to Queensland last year and the only problem was hitting a kangaroo on the return trip.
We have the SUV version called a Holden trailblazer, and it’s been awesome. I think the EPA has broken your diesels, sad, that’s so sad.
My mileage warning would drop dramatically over a few days. 900 then 3 days and 120 miles later, drop to 200 miles, then 25 miles later drop to 60 miles. My 2015 GMC 3500 had 149,xxx when I bought it in January 2018. These problems came up in my first 7000 miles. It would just eat through def fuild! I switched to GM DEF and within 1000 miles it started running better. I now have accurate warning messages and reduced fuild consumption. 15,000 miles later and no issues.
You earned my subscription ! ✌️keep’em coming.
Love my Duramax 2.8 starts and drives even at -20 outside temp then it warmed up to +19 thats when i had an issue def pressure regulator went out 13,000 miles on my truck so local dealer fixed it under warrenty. Just passing it along.
Solid def May or may not have made it past the def filter. Welcome to emission regulation systems on diesels. I have been dealing with these issues in logistics for years. Chances are the DEF did crystallize in your injector. This stuff turns into essentially chalk overtime when heat soaked. I’ve seen Volvo over the road tractors clog a 4 inch exhaust pipe with this stuff.
The second your warranty is up RIP that emissions crap off, I bought my wife a 2018 F250 Platinum the first time I drove it I got the low Def warning so it's going to get a DPF delete aftermarket exhaust and a program soon.
Diesels use to be so simple and RELIABLE...like my 1988 F250 7.3 IDI...still have it...original owner ;)
As a former service advisor, getting the wrong part is a generic excuse for the repair taking long and is almost never true. It’s just to buy time, provide the customer an update and shift blame.
This is why people remove these horrid emissions control systems when the warranty runs out. I’ve been selling trucks for five years now and the biggest and most often complaints are the modern diesel trucks and SUV’s.
I have a 2018 colorado zr2 2.8 L. It had 111k miles on it when I got it. At 140k miles my fuse block had cracked in half causing intermittent starting. At 143k mile just before my warranty expired I blew a head gasket and hydrolocked the engine. Since then I got ARP head studs and have NOT, deleted the truck. All in all it's a great truck, I love it and do not recommend a 25hp tow tune. Terrible results probably
Delete the DPF- EGR
Fass lift pump
CP3 upgrade
Time
Let er eat!
I depend on my vehicle so much. The fuel economy would be nice but one screw out like that would pay for a lot of gas.
Sure, those VM Motori diesels make power but I've only heard reliability complaints from every local owner.
Hope it lasts you.
Thanks for info. Well explained reality on DEF systems.
Ive seen it many times. Its not the inside of the def injector causing problems. Its the part of the injector in the exhaust. Builds up a crystal mess when exhaust is too hot at shutdown. Just like spraying hard water on windows. Most times after running again and cooled down the crystal dissolves and sprays fine. Just clean off the injector tip and good as nee
New
285000 miles on a freightliner dd15. Been problems with the DEF system since it was less than a yr old
There's a good way to help keep your exhaust system from acting up in these diesels Try not to hit the throttle pedal too fast just kind of slowly push the pedal down to accelerate What's happening is if you accelerate to fast it's like as any diesel you're making a lot of black smoke in their So just try to accelerate in a way to where you think it will not produce black smoke Also it helps to put fuel additives
I have a 2017 2500 HD. It has 73k miles on it. I have had one regen since I bought it new. ONE> of course I drive highway most of the time and gen,,,,,well pretty fast. I think this is why I do not have a problem with my exhaust system.
My 2018 Def system went out three times and the Chevy dealership had to replace some module because the wires where corroded. I only had the truck for 3 months brand new It had 4.3 on the odometer.
These problems usually occur from idling around all the time, very simple
The way it does that is the injector dribbles a little and it crystallizes. Over time it builds up and clogs the tip of the injector. This is a very common failure on def equipped trucks.
Those bottles with the built in accordion type funnels cause issues.
Residue lays in the crevices.
Use your own funnel and clean it afterwards.
Really want to get one of these diesels because of it's towing capacity, but every time I hear of some emissions problem thanks to the EPA I have serious second thoughts about buying one!
Good to know, and what to look out for durning pre purchase inspection
I'm also a life long Ford guy, it does not matter what brand you purchase these days due to the things you outlined with the epa, that said I hope all the money your saving on fuel your putting in a piggy bank that system in 5 years looks like a major MONEY PIT!!
WOW! That is a LOT of sensors in the exhaust system. Long term that would be a pain to maintain for a DIY person like me. Thanks EPA.
That is just one more thing to be thankful for going with the gasser V6 18' Colorado I have.
These trucks are amazing machines. I am sure I would love the diesel as well. I would just do the delete if I had one... take all of that stuff off... and put in some exhaust bung plugs where the sensors and fuel injector input were (If Possible). Then all of that junk would be out of the way... and fade into a distant memory. lol
Which is why everyone is doing the delete with cars that are equipped with DEF once the warranty expires lol. Friend of mine has one that's been deleted, it's phenomenal now!
If the dealer corrects the problem i would have no complaints
The hd duramax trucks also have this issue. Also the def heater elements go bad as well.
i heard truck stops are better because the go through more def
The price we pay for cleaner air. But agree absolutely to the frustration.
I have the same 2.8 l in my 2018 Denali Canyon. I have had the entire system replaced in my truck over the past 2 years. Get used to this. About every 6 months there is a catastrophic failure of the emissions system on this vehicle. There are serious design deficiencies in this system. So far: Entire DEF fuel injection system (heater, pump, injector), DPF regeneration system, DPF sensor system.
My truck actually shut down and on the side of the road and had to be towed because of the first failure. Did the 65 mph countdown on a 350 mile trip. Terrible vehicle. i wan to get rid of this thing, but I am going to pay for crappy GM design on depreciation.