Chevrolet DURAMAX DIESEL - 2011 User manual

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DURAMAX Diesel Engine (LML/LGH) - 2011
2011 DURAMAX Diesel Engine (LML/LGH) M
In Brief ........................ 1-1
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-1
Performance and
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 5-15
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . . . 9-1
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-16
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Conversions and
Add-Ons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Vehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . 11-2
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . . 11-8
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . 11-12
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Index ..................... i-1

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DURAMAX Diesel Engine (LML/LGH) - 2011
ii Introduction
The names, logos, emblems,
slogans, vehicle model names, and
vehicle body designs appearing in
this manual including, but not limited
to, GM, the GM logo, CHEVROLET,
GMC, the CHEVROLET and GMC
Truck Emblems, SILVERADO,
SIERRA, DENALI, EXPRESS,
SAVANA, and Duramax are
trademarks and/or service marks
of General Motors LLC, its
subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.
This manual describes features that
may or may not be on your specific
vehicle either because they are
options that you did not purchase or
due to changes subsequent to the
printing of this owner manual.
Please refer to the purchase
documentation relating to your
specific vehicle to confirm each of
the features found on your vehicle.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “General
Motors of Canada Limited”for GMC
and Chevrolet Motor Division
wherever it appears in this manual.
This manual contains information
that pertains to the operation of your
diesel engine. It also contains your
Diesel Maintenance Schedule.
The sections in this manual
correspond to the sections in your
owner manual. This manual, along
with your owner manual, will assist
you in the proper use and
maintenance of your vehicle.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.
Canadian Vehicle Owners
Propriétaires Canadiens
A French language copy of this
manual can be obtained from your
dealer or from:
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de
ce guide en français auprès du
concessionnaire ou à l'adresse
suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
1-800-551-4123
Numéro de poste 6438 de
langue française
www.helminc.com
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 22743552 A First Printing ©2010 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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DURAMAX Diesel Engine (LML/LGH) - 2011
Introduction iii
Using this Supplement
This supplement contains
information specific to the unique
components of the vehicle. It does
not explain everything you need to
know about the vehicle. Read this
supplement along with the owner
manual to learn about the vehicle's
features and controls.
Index
A good place to look for what you
need is the Index in back of this
supplement. It is an alphabetical list
of what is in the supplement, and
the page number where you will
find it.

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DURAMAX Diesel Engine (LML/LGH) - 2011
iv Introduction
2NOTES

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DURAMAX Diesel Engine (LML/LGH) - 2011
In Brief 1-1
In Brief
Initial Drive Information
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Performance and
Maintenance
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . 1-2
Diesel Particulate Filter
(Exhaust Filter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Diesel Exhaust Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Initial Drive
Information
Transmission
Cold Operation
(Allison Transmission)
When temperatures are very cold,
the transmission will prevent certain
operations to protect against
damage. The chart below shows
shift range availability based on
transmission oil temperature:
.All shift ranges available at
−25 C (−13 F) or above.
.2 (Second) and 3 (Third) shift
ranges only at −35 C (−31 F) to
−25 C (−13 F).
.2 (Second) shift range only at
−35 C (−31 F) or lower.
Torque converter clutch operation
will also be prevented when air or
transmission oil temperatures are
below certain levels.
For areas where ambient
temperatures are below
−40 C (−40 F), use synthetic
transmission fluid approved to
Allison Transmission specification
TES‐295. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 11‑8
and Automatic Transmission Fluid
on page 10‑11.
Adaptive Shift Controls
The shift quality of a new vehicle
may not be ideal because the
Adaptive Shift Control process may
not have determined the best
settings for a particular shift or
condition. Shift quality will improve
with continued driving.
Low Traction Mode
(Allison Transmission)
Low Traction Mode aids in vehicle
acceleration on slippery road
surfaces such as ice or snow.
By selecting 2 (Second) using
Range Selection Mode while at a
stop, the transmission will limit
torque to the drive wheels to
prevent slippage.

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DURAMAX Diesel Engine (LML/LGH) - 2011
1-2 In Brief
Heater Performance Mode
(Allison Transmission)
When cold weather conditions are
detected, the transmission raises
part throttle upshift points after
the 1 (First) to 2 (Second) upshift
to increase engine speed.
This feature shortens engine and
cab warm up times.
When the transmission is in this
mode, upshifts may be delayed.
This is normal and does not
indicate an operational problem.
Four Wheel Drive
(Allison Transmission)
When operating in 4↓
(Four-Wheel-Drive Low), there
is a very deep gear reduction.
The resulting shifts will feel
exaggerated.
Performance and
Maintenance
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and, on most vehicles, displays a
DIC message when it is necessary
to change the engine oil and filter.
The oil life system should be reset
only following an oil change.
Resetting the Oil Life System
To reset the Engine Oil Life System
on van models:
1. Display the OIL LIFE
REMAINING on the DIC.
2. Press and hold the SET/RESET
button on the DIC for more than
five seconds. The oil life will
change to 100%.
To reset the Engine Oil Life System
on most pickup models:
1. Display the OIL LIFE
REMAINING on the DIC. If the
vehicle does not have DIC
buttons, the vehicle must be in
P (Park) to access this display.
2. Press and hold the SET/RESET
button on the DIC, or the trip
odometer reset stem if the
vehicle does not have DIC
buttons, for more than
five seconds. The oil life will
change to 100%.

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DURAMAX Diesel Engine (LML/LGH) - 2011
In Brief 1-3
On all models, the Engine Oil Life
System can be reset as follows:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with
the engine off
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal
slowly three times within
five seconds.
3. Display the OIL LIFE
REMAINING on the DIC. If the
display shows 100%, the system
is reset.
4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑10.
Diesel Particulate Filter
(Exhaust Filter)
The Duramax engine is equipped
with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
that, by design, will filter or trap
particulates. The DPF is located
under the vehicle in the exhaust
system and looks like a catalyst.
Depending on a number of factors
monitored by the engine computer,
the DPF will need to be cleaned of
accumulated solids. When a
cleaning is needed, the engine
computer will initiate a cleaning
action by warming the exhaust gas
temperature. This feature has been
designed to operate automatically,
with limited operator involvement or
awareness.
Cleaning the DPF
(Exhaust Filter)
While the DPF cleaning is
automatically controlled by the
engine computer, the vehicle will
need to operate continuously for
approximately 30 minutes and at
speeds greater than 48 km/h
(30 mph) to clean the DPF
effectively. If the vehicle is returned
to idle during the cleaning process,
the driver may notice a slightly
different sound or a slightly elevated
engine idle speed. This is normal.
No action is required on the part of
the driver during a regular DPF
cleaning. See Diesel Particulate
Filter (Exhaust Filter) on page 9‑10.

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DURAMAX Diesel Engine (LML/LGH) - 2011
1-4 In Brief
Special DPF Driver Messages
If the vehicle is used for numerous
short trips or extended slow-speed
operation, the engine computer may
not be able to adequately heat up
the exhaust system to clean the
DPF effectively. The engine
computer has been designed to
continuously monitor the condition
of the DPF. When the engine
computer detects that the DPF is
nearly full of particulates and that
the vehicle is not being operated in
a manner that would allow effective
automatic DPF cleaning, the Driver
Information Center will display the
message CLEANING EXHAUST
FILTER KEEP DRIVING UNTIL
MESSAGE IS CLEARED.
If the vehicle continues to be
driven in a manner that prevents
effective DPF cleaning, the DPF will
become plugged with particulates.
If this occurs, the engine computer
will turn on the Service Engine Soon
Light in the instrument cluster and
the DIC will display the message
REDUCED ENGINE POWER.
See Diesel Particulate Filter
(Exhaust Filter) on page 9‑10
and Engine Power Messages on
page 5‑11.
Fuel
Use Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel
Fuel (ULSD)
Use Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel
(ULSD) only. The emission control
hardware used on the vehicle may
be damaged by using fuel with high
sulfur levels. Use only fuel that is
dispensed from pumps bearing the
ULSD label.
Do Not Use Low Sulfur Diesel
Fuel (LSD)
Do not use fuel that is dispensed
from pumps bearing the LSD label.
Do Not Use Non-Highway Fuel
Fuel labeled as off road or
non-highway is typically very
high in sulfur content and will
damage the emission control
system. Non-Highway fuel is not
intended for use in on-highway
vehicles and does not have the
fuel properties needed by the
DPF-equipped Duramax Diesel.
In addition:
.Use the correct engine oil.
.Do not add gasoline to
diesel fuel.
.Do not modify the induction or
exhaust systems.
See Fuel for Diesel Engines on
page 9‑17 and Engine Oil on
page 10‑7.

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DURAMAX Diesel Engine (LML/LGH) - 2011
In Brief 1-5
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is used
with diesel engines to reduce the
amount of regulated emissions
produced. The DEF system must be
maintained for the vehicle to run
properly.
Locating Diesel Exhaust Fluid
DEF can be purchased at a
Chevrolet or GMC dealer. It can
also be purchased at authorized
vehicle and truck dealerships.
Additionally, some diesel truck
fuelling stations or retailers may
also have DEF for purchase. For
vehicles with an active OnStar
®
subscription, OnStar can help to
locate a DEF retailer. For more
information on locating DEF see
www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/vehicles/
diesels_fluid.html. See “Customer
Assistance Offices”in the owner
manual for phone numbers to assist
you in contacting a GM dealer.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑8.
As the DEF tank becomes low
on fluid, warnings begin with
approximately 1600 km (1000 miles)
of remaining range. These warnings
will increase in intensity as the tank
becomes empty. Once the tank is
empty, the vehicle will be speed
limited to 89 km/h (55 mph) and
eventually to 7km/h (4 mph).
The tank should be refilled to
avoid vehicle speed limitation.
If there is an issue with the quality
of the fluid or the exhaust fluid
system, warnings will be displayed
in the Driver Information Center
(DIC). The vehicle will have 322 km
(200 miles) before being speed
limited to 89 km/h (55 mph). If the
vehicle continues to be driven in this
condition, it will become speed
limited to 7km/h (4 mph). See Diesel
Exhaust Fluid on page 9‑12.

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DURAMAX Diesel Engine (LML/LGH) - 2011
1-6 In Brief
2NOTES

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DURAMAX Diesel Engine (LML/LGH) - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-1
Instruments and
Controls
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge . . . 5-5
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . 5-6
Wait-to-Start Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Information Displays
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Engine Cooling System
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . 5-11
Engine Power Messages . . . . 5-11
Fuel System Messages . . . . . . 5-12
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Diesel Particulate Filter
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Service Vehicle Messages . . . 5-13
Starting the Vehicle
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Transmission Messages . . . . . 5-14
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . 5-14
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . 5-15

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DURAMAX Diesel Engine (LML/LGH) - 2011
5-2 Instruments and Controls
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Instrument Cluster
English Pickup Shown, Metric Similar

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DURAMAX Diesel Engine (LML/LGH) - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-3
English Van Shown, Metric Similar

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DURAMAX Diesel Engine (LML/LGH) - 2011
5-4 Instruments and Controls
See the owner manual for
telltales and gauges not listed in
supplement.
Fuel Gauge
Metric Pickup Models
English Pickup Models
Metric Van Models
English Van Models
When the ignition is on, the fuel
gauge shows approximately how
much fuel the vehicle has left in the
tank. The gauge will first indicate
E (empty) before the vehicle is out
of fuel, but the vehicle's fuel tank
should be filled soon.
An arrow on the fuel gauge
indicates the side of the vehicle
the fuel door is on.

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DURAMAX Diesel Engine (LML/LGH) - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-5
Listed are four situations customers
may experience with the fuel gauge:
.At the gas station, the fuel pump
shuts off before the gauge reads
F (full).
.It takes a little more or less fuel
to fill up than the fuel gauge
indicated. For example, the
gauge may have indicated the
tank was half full, but it actually
took a little more or less than
half the tank's capacity to fill
the tank.
.The gauge moves a little while
turning a corner or speeding up.
.The gauge does not go back to
E (empty) when the ignition is
turned off.
None of these indicate a problem
with the fuel gauge.
For information on how to fill the
fuel tank, see Filling the Tank on
page 9‑35.
The vehicle also has a fuel cooler.
To clean, powerwash the bottom of
the vehicle.
Engine Oil Pressure
Gauge
Metric Pickup Models
English Pickup Models
Metric Van Models

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DURAMAX Diesel Engine (LML/LGH) - 2011
5-6 Instruments and Controls
English Van Models
{WARNING
Do not keep driving if the oil
pressure is low. The engine can
become so hot that it catches fire.
Someone could be burned. Check
the oil as soon as possible and
have the vehicle serviced.
Notice: Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always follow the maintenance
schedule for changing engine oil.
The engine oil pressure gauge
reads in kPa (kilopascals) or psi
(pounds per square inch) when the
engine is running. Oil pressure may
vary with engine speed, outside
temperature and oil viscosity.
If readings are outside the normal
operating range, the low oil
pressure message may display on
the Driver Information Center (DIC),
or for vehicles without DIC the oil
pressure light comes on. If the oil
level is outside the normal operating
range of 0-548 kPa (0-80 psi), check
the oil level immediately. DO NOT
operate the engine with the oil
pressure warning light on or a
ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL
message displayed.
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
A computer system called OBD II
(On-Board Diagnostics-Second
Generation) monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition, and emission
control systems. It makes sure that
emissions are at acceptable levels
for the life of the vehicle, helping to
produce a cleaner environment.
This light comes on when the
ignition is on, but the engine is not
running, as a check to show it is
working. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer.

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DURAMAX Diesel Engine (LML/LGH) - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-7
If the check engine light comes on
and stays on, while the engine is
running, this indicates that there is
an OBD II problem and service is
required.
This light also comes on when the
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is not
working. See Diesel Exhaust Fluid
on page 9‑12 for more information.
Malfunctions often are indicated by
the system before any problem is
apparent. Heeding the light can
prevent more serious damage to the
vehicle. This system assists the
service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice: If the vehicle is
continually driven with this light
on, after a while, the emission
controls might not work as well,
the vehicle fuel economy might
not be as good, and the engine
might not run as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs
that might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Notice: Modifications made to the
engine, transmission, exhaust,
intake, or fuel system of the
vehicle or the replacement of
the original tires with other
than those of the same Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) can
affect the vehicle's emission
controls and can cause this light
to come on. Modifications to
these systems could lead to
costly repairs not covered by
the vehicle warranty. This could
also result in a failure to
pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test.
See Accessories and
Modifications on page 10‑2.
This light comes on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing: A misfire condition
has been detected. A misfire
increases vehicle emissions and
could damage the emission control
system on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.
The following can prevent more
serious damage to the vehicle:
.Reduce vehicle speed.
.Avoid hard accelerations.
.Avoid steep uphill grades.
.If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as
soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to flash, when
it is safe to do so, stop the vehicle.
Find a safe place to park the
vehicle. Turn the vehicle off, wait at
least 10 seconds, and restart the
engine. If the light is still flashing,
follow the previous steps and see
your dealer for service as soon as
possible.

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DURAMAX Diesel Engine (LML/LGH) - 2011
5-8 Instruments and Controls
Light On Steady: An emission
control system malfunction has
been detected on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be
required.
An emission system malfunction
might be corrected by doing the
following:
.If the vehicle has been driven
through a deep puddle of water,
the vehicle's electrical system
might be wet. The condition is
usually corrected when the
electrical system dries out.
A few driving trips should turn
the light off.
.Make sure to fuel the vehicle
with quality fuel. Poor fuel quality
causes the engine not to run as
efficiently as designed and may
cause: stalling after start-up,
stalling when the vehicle is
changed into gear, misfiring,
hesitation on acceleration,
or stumbling on acceleration.
These conditions might go away
once the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these
conditions occurs, change the
fuel brand used. It will require at
least one full tank of the proper
fuel to turn the light off.
See Fuel for Diesel Engines on
page 9‑17.
If none of the above have made the
light turn off, your dealer can check
the vehicle. The dealer has the
proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to fix any
mechanical or electrical problems
that might have developed.
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and
local governments may have
programs to inspect the on-vehicle
emission control equipment
For the inspection, the emission
system test equipment is
connected to the vehicle’s
Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument
panel to the left of the steering
wheel. See your dealer if assistance
is needed.

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DURAMAX Diesel Engine (LML/LGH) - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-9
The vehicle may not pass
inspection if:
.the check engine light is on with
the engine running, or if the light
does not come on when the
ignition is turned to ON/RUN
while the engine is off.
.the critical emission control
systems have not been
completely diagnosed by the
system. This can happen if the
battery has recently been
replaced or if the battery has
run down. The diagnostic
system evaluates critical
emission control systems during
normal driving. This can take
several days of routine driving.
If this has been done and the
vehicle still does not pass the
inspection , your dealer can
prepare the vehicle for
inspection.
Wait-to-Start Light
The wait to start light shows that the
engine is functioning properly and
indicates when the engine can be
started.
The fast warm-up glow plug system
makes the wait to start light stay on
for a shorter amount of time than
most diesel engines.
For more information, see Starting
the Diesel Engine on page 9‑1.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) Warning Light
This light, a Driver Information
Center (DIC) Message, and a chime
come on when there is an issue with
the Diesel Exhaust Fluid.
See Diesel Exhaust Fluid Messages
on page 5‑12 for information on the
specific message displaying with the
light.
If the DEF fluid level has not been
corrected, the light will continue to
flash when the vehicle is started or
after a fuel refill. The vehicle's
speed may also be limited.
Also see Diesel Exhaust Fluid on
page 9‑12 for more information.

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DURAMAX Diesel Engine (LML/LGH) - 2011
5-10 Instruments and Controls
Information Displays
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
The Driver Information Center (DIC)
is located on the instrument panel
above the steering wheel. The DIC
comes on when the ignition is on.
A Duramax Diesel vehicle may have
the following additional DIC menu
items.
FUEL FILTER LIFE REMAINING
To access this display, the vehicle
must be in P (Park). If your vehicle
has DIC buttons, press the vehicle
information button until FUEL
FILTER LIFE REMAINING displays.
If your vehicle does not have DIC
buttons, press the trip stem until
FUEL FILTER LIFE REMAINING
displays. This display shows an
estimate of the fuel filter's remaining
useful life. If you see 90% FUEL
FILTER LIFE REMAINING on the
display, it means 90% of the current
fuel filter life remains. The fuel filter
life system will alert you to change
your fuel filter on a schedule
consistent with your driving
conditions.
When the remaining fuel filter life is
low, the CHANGE FUEL FILTER
message will appear on the display.
You should change your fuel filter as
soon as you can.
FUEL FILTER LIFE RESET
You must reset the FUEL FILTER
LIFE REMAINING display after each
fuel filter change. It will not reset
itself. Also, be careful not to reset
the FUEL FILTER LIFE REMAINING
display at any time other than
when the fuel filter has just been
changed because it cannot be reset
accurately until the next fuel filter
change. The fuel filter life will
change to 100% when the system
has been reset. To reset the system,
press and hold the set/reset button,
or the trip stem if there are no DIC
buttons, for two seconds while
FUEL FILTER LIFE REMAINING is
displayed on the DIC.