Diesel Fuel Gelling in Cold Temperatures Causing In-Tank Fuel Pump Whine and Driveability Concerns – 2010-2020 GM Passenger Cars & Trucks

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Service Bulletin Bulletin No.: 18-NA-103
Date: June, 2019
INFORMATION
Subject: Information on Diesel Fuel Gelling in Cold Temperatures Causing In-Tank Fuel Pump
Whine and Driveability Concerns
Brand: Model:
Model Year: VIN:
Engine: Transmission:
from to from to
GM Passenger Cars and
Trucks 2010 2020 — — Any Diesel —
Involved Region or Country United States, Canada and N.A. Export Regions
Condition Some customers may comment that the in-tank fuel pump is whining, the engine is hard
to start and/or stalls and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is illuminated.
Cause
Some diesel fuels may have blends that are incompatible with cold ambient temperatures
causing the diesel fuel to gel and/or develop solids that may block the in-tank fuel pump
pickup. The technician may observe on a scan tool one or more of the following DTCs set
in the K20 Engine Control Module:
• DTC P0087 Fuel Rail Low Pressure
• DTC P018B Fuel Pressure Sensor Performance
• DTC P228A Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Control – Forced Engine Shutdown
• DTC P228B Fuel Pressure Regulator 2 Control – Forced Engine Shutdown
• DTC P2635 Fuel Pump Flow Performance
Correction Bring the vehicle inside to allow the diesel fuel to warm up to more than 0°C (32°F).
Confirm the engine will start and the whining noise from the fuel pump is gone.
Service Recommendation
Fuel Waxing/Icing
Fuel distributors blend #1 and #2 diesel fuels for
seasonal requirements in a particular region. In
Canada, diesel fuel blend #1 is categorized as type A
(Winter) and diesel fuel blend #2 is categorized as
type B (Summer). No other blending of fuels is
recommended. However, a customer may desire to use
a winter fuel additive to prevent fuel waxing or icing
during extreme cold snaps. If a winter fuel additive is to
be used, it must not contain any metal based additives,
alcohol or other water emulsifiers that may compromise
the water removal effectiveness of the fuel filtering
system.
1. Bring the vehicle inside to allow the diesel fuel to
warm up to more than 0°C (32°F). Confirm the
engine will start and the whining noise from the fuel
pump is gone. This may take as little as one to two
hours. Fuel temperature sensor data can be
monitored with the scan tool. Once the engine can
be started and is running, the warm return fuel will
further aid in thawing the tank. When the fuel has
thawed it is suggested to drain the water separator
at the bottom of the fuel filter to ensure any water is
removed.
2. DO NOT replace the in-tank fuel pump for this
concern. If the fuel pump whine noise is gone after
warming the fuel, the fuel blend that was used is
most likely incompatible with the climate
conditions. Purchasing fuel from a high volume fuel
retailer increases the chance that the fuel is fresh
and of good quality.
Page 2 June, 2019 Bulletin No.: 18-NA-103
Parts Information
No parts are required for this repair.
Warranty Information
Note: This Condition should not be considered a
vehicle problem but an issue with the local fuel
blend. Do not submit a warranty claim for this
procedure.
Version Information
Version 3
Modified Released April 5, 2018
July 25, 2018 – Added the 2019 Model Year.
June 24, 2019 – Added Model Year 2020 vehicles and removed the Supersede stating:
This Bulletin replaces PIP5543.

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