[DeeK]

Hello Everybody, After being a loyal Toyo Taco driver since 1997, I finally got tired of waiting for a Toyota diesel and bought a colorado 4x4 crew duramax. After breaking it in for a thousand miles, I drove 2600 miles to pick up a 3000lb+ trailer. Impressions: love the truck, love the pulling power, internal comfort very good. Some things bug: no dash indicator for 2 vs 4wd mode, I find the interior space not nearly as usable as Taco, mainly in terms of drink holders which only accept a coke can size and the door slots which fit a match book or two. I also haven't figured out how to turn off things like radio or podcasts (other than from cell phone source) so they sometimes continue to play in the background after I have hit the stop button. Maybe somebody knows the trick on this. Got almost 30 mpg on way out for trailer and about 20 on way back. Right after I got back, the DEF warning came on although it blocked out all other info so I couldn't even tell what mile I was at and the engine light came on too. I added DEF and the light went off but the engine light still on so I am scheduled for service tomorrow. I'm bummed about that but we'll see what they find. I guess it's sounding like going low on DEF after 3,400 miles is normal but I am disappointed. When they sold me the truck they said it should last 1-2 oil changes. No way that's true unless my usage is excessive or there's something wrong with a sensor or something else and that's why engine light is on. Will update when I find out. Anyway, summary is I like truck and hope it will be reliable but the jury is out. I appreciate this site!

 

[Burgess159]

To turn off the radio, hit the center of the volume button. Unless I misunderstood you =) And the DEF going low after that many miles is not unheard of. I think it depends what the dealership put in the truck before you got it. And probably how much you work the truck, like if you towed that trailer a bunch of those 3,400 miles. Our DEF lasted until 6,500 miles. Got our first free maintenance and they didn't fill it up completely, because I didn't make it nearly as far this time before it went from saying DEF: OK to reading a % of DEF remaining. If you fill it up completely, I'm not sure how far you will make it, although maybe someone else can chime in on that.

Glad you appreciate the site. There is lots of helpful info on here. And if you don't see something, just make a post and ask. Lots of people from different backgrounds who know a lot already about these engines/ trucks.

 

[Dieselsurf]

Don't let the DEF get low. If you drive it harder it uses more DEF. To fill it takes around a box and a half to 3/4 depending on the % remaining. I fill when I get in the % readings. No problems there. 30,000 miles so far as of Father's day.

 

[Shawn]

I would agree on the DEF, I got about 3400 miles before the warning came on and filled it with a box and the lite went off, I'm at 6600 miles and at about 24% with service do soon(10% oil life). Other than that, trucks been a charm. I owned a Tacoma crew cab and FJ prior to this.
Enjoy

 

[Rockcrawlerdude]

It's possible the dealer didn't fill the def tank before you took delivery. I got 7,000 miles out of my first tank of DEF, but I wouldn't let it get down to 10% again so I'll probably fill it whenever it changes from OK to %

Oh, and welcome.

 

[DeeK]

Thanks everybody.
Burgess, when I push the center of the volume knob it just mutes it but the radio is still on and the volume stays off until the navigatrix stops talking or any other change and then it pops back on. To get around that, I can turn the volume off and then back on later but what is more annoying is if I'm listening to a podcast and hit stop, it automatically starts playing again later on its own. The only way I've figured out to actually stop it is to go to a different function or stop it on my cell, which is the source. Kind of a nit to pick I guess.
I do question if the DEF wasn't filled up to begin with even though they specifically said it was. Heard from service today and it was three things: a filer/converter, a sensor and something else I can't remember, all apparently related to the DEF and emissions systems. The service guy said those would definitely cause excessive DEF usage so I'll try to be optimistic that DEF usage will decrease and also that these components aren't prone to future failure. I'm sure glad they're under warranty, bet it wold be pretty expensive if not. How are you guys seeing percentage on DEF? The only thing mine ever showed was "DEF OK" but to be honest I quit checking because I figured it was no problem for a few more thousand miles. Does it start showing percentages when you get lower? BTW, I find it silly that when the DEF warning screen comes on, all the functionality of the steering wheel stuff controls (like making phone calls, seeing miles, navigation, etc) disappears. I couldn't even tell what my odometer reading was. Why would they do that other than to make sure you cannot possibly ignore the DEF warning? seems like overkill.

 

[Rockcrawlerdude]

Thanks everybody.
Burgess, when I push the center of the volume knob it just mutes it but the radio is still on and the volume stays off until the navigatrix stops talking or any other change and then it pops back on. To get around that, I can turn the volume off and then back on later but what is more annoying is if I'm listening to a podcast and hit stop, it automatically starts playing again later on its own. The only way I've figured out to actually stop it is to go to a different function or stop it on my cell, which is the source. Kind of a nit to pick I guess.
I do question if the DEF wasn't filled up to begin with even though they specifically said it was. Heard from service today and it was three things: a filer/converter, a sensor and something else I can't remember, all apparently related to the DEF and emissions systems. The service guy said those would definitely cause excessive DEF usage so I'll try to be optimistic that DEF usage will decrease and also that these components aren't prone to future failure. I'm sure glad they're under warranty, bet it wold be pretty expensive if not. How are you guys seeing percentage on DEF? The only thing mine ever showed was "DEF OK" but to be honest I quit checking because I figured it was no problem for a few more thousand miles. Does it start showing percentages when you get lower? BTW, I find it silly that when the DEF warning screen comes on, all the functionality of the steering wheel stuff controls (like making phone calls, seeing miles, navigation, etc) disappears. I couldn't even tell what my odometer reading was. Why would they do that other than to make sure you cannot possibly ignore the DEF warning? seems like overkill.

Def percentage shows up at 30% I believe. Above that it just says OK. I let my DEF get low one time (10%) and after I refilled it I had a check engine light and reduced power warning. Consensus is don't let it get that low. Pour a jug in when it starts reading % and you'll be ok.

 

[Burgess159]

I have never seen the DEF warning come on. I guess I never let it get that low? Lowest ours has gotten was 13% I would think though that you could use the arrow keys on your steering wheel controls and either hit OK to get it out of the way, or mess around with the arrows to see if you can't make it go away.

 

[Rockcrawlerdude]

The warning i got said "service exhaust fluid system soon - 99 miles until speed reduced" and was accompanied by a check engine light and he's right, you can't get it off the screen.

 

[RollyPollieBenito]

Thanks everybody.
Burgess, when I push the center of the volume knob it just mutes it but the radio is still on and the volume stays off until the navigatrix stops talking or any other change and then it pops back on. To get around that, I can turn the volume off and then back on later but what is more annoying is if I'm listening to a podcast and hit stop, it automatically starts playing again later on its own. The only way I've figured out to actually stop it is to go to a different function or stop it on my cell, which is the source. Kind of a nit to pick I guess.
I do question if the DEF wasn't filled up to begin with even though they specifically said it was. Heard from service today and it was three things: a filer/converter, a sensor and something else I can't remember, all apparently related to the DEF and emissions systems. The service guy said those would definitely cause excessive DEF usage so I'll try to be optimistic that DEF usage will decrease and also that these components aren't prone to future failure. I'm sure glad they're under warranty, bet it wold be pretty expensive if not. How are you guys seeing percentage on DEF? The only thing mine ever showed was "DEF OK" but to be honest I quit checking because I figured it was no problem for a few more thousand miles. Does it start showing percentages when you get lower? BTW, I find it silly that when the DEF warning screen comes on, all the functionality of the steering wheel stuff controls (like making phone calls, seeing miles, navigation, etc) disappears. I couldn't even tell what my odometer reading was. Why would they do that other than to make sure you cannot possibly ignore the DEF warning? seems like overkill.

When you push the center button, you have to hold it in until the system turn off. Just pushing it and letting go only mute or un-mute the radio.

Welcome to the sight.

 

[Ohio Boss]

Hello Everybody, After being a loyal Toyo Taco driver since 1997, I finally got tired of waiting for a Toyota diesel and bought a colorado 4x4 crew duramax. After breaking it in for a thousand miles, I drove 2600 miles to pick up a 3000lb+ trailer. Impressions: love the truck, love the pulling power, internal comfort very good. Some things bug: no dash indicator for 2 vs 4wd mode, I find the interior space not nearly as usable as Taco, mainly in terms of drink holders which only accept a coke can size and the door slots which fit a match book or two. I also haven't figured out how to turn off things like radio or podcasts (other than from cell phone source) so they sometimes continue to play in the background after I have hit the stop button. Maybe somebody knows the trick on this. Got almost 30 mpg on way out for trailer and about 20 on way back. Right after I got back, the DEF warning came on although it blocked out all other info so I couldn't even tell what mile I was at and the engine light came on too. I added DEF and the light went off but the engine light still on so I am scheduled for service tomorrow. I'm bummed about that but we'll see what they find. I guess it's sounding like going low on DEF after 3,400 miles is normal but I am disappointed. When they sold me the truck they said it should last 1-2 oil changes. No way that's true unless my usage is excessive or there's something wrong with a sensor or something else and that's why engine light is on. Will update when I find out. Anyway, summary is I like truck and hope it will be reliable but the jury is out. I appreciate this site!

On the DEF, other replies are correct, the Dealer did not load much into mine. However, I just towed a trailer and was already low on DEF and knew it. When you go up hill with a load and the engine works harder the DEF is consumed faster.
As for reliability, I'm disappointed as well. I've had it in the shop 3 times in 11K miles. Today it had a crack in the timing belt cover and by the time I got it to the dealer I had oil all over the passenger side of the truck. The cast aluminum cover failed.
Also had water get into the Stability Control Module and it had to be replaced. That was scary as it went out during a light snow and I was doing unplanned donuts.
Third issue was the Boss LED trail lights on roll bar were wired up wrong and causing several systems to fault at the same time. The truck dash was literally going nuts!
I've driven GMC and Chex with minimal issues. But this one is making me rethink my $45K decision.

 

[DeeK]

On the DEF, other replies are correct, the Dealer did not load much into mine. However, I just towed a trailer and was already low on DEF and knew it. When you go up hill with a load and the engine works harder the DEF is consumed faster.
As for reliability, I'm disappointed as well. I've had it in the shop 3 times in 11K miles. Today it had a crack in the timing belt cover and by the time I got it to the dealer I had oil all over the passenger side of the truck. The cast aluminum cover failed.
Also had water get into the Stability Control Module and it had to be replaced. That was scary as it went out during a light snow and I was doing unplanned donuts.
Third issue was the Boss LED trail lights on roll bar were wired up wrong and causing several systems to fault at the same time. The truck dash was literally going nuts!
I've driven GMC and Chex with minimal issues. But this one is making me rethink my $45K decision.

Still waiting on parts for mine, will be more than a week by the time I get it back assuming they come in soon! Trying to figure out whether this is just a new truck wrinkle or if I now have a problem on my hands. Looking at the threads, this DEF consumption issue and the fix they are doing to mine seems kind of common and, if so, that raises the question of why they don't keep the parts on hand and whether it's something that is likely to fail again.

 

[DeeK]

Update: Not looking good. Spoke to dealership again today and now the story has changed from "the part should be here tomorrow" to "the part is not available anywhere in the U.S. and there is no ETA for when it will be available". I contacted the dealership on June 21st and they booked me for service on June 27th, 9:30 a.m., first available appointment. Truck's been there since then and now there is no estimate about when I can have it back and they say I shouldn't drive it in this condition: translation, it will void your warranty if you do. I had high hopes for this truck; loved the one and only trip I've had to date. However, if there are so many minimax owners with the same problem that GM cannot keep the parts in stock to fix it, that indicates to me this problem is widespread and will likely recur. It also seems likely that GM is/was well aware of the problem and yet continues to sell what appears to be a truck with defective exhaust system. I think pretty soon I will try and start a thread to start soliciting the experience of others with similar experiences to evaluate the scope of the problems.
If others here think I am being too reactive or over responding, please help me understand how GM can have what appears to be an issue that is so common, and has been occurring since the minimax was introduced, and yet is still selling the truck with the problem even though it (GM) is unable to provide the parts needed to fix the truck.
I'm disappointed, exasperated, and about to lose $11K on a trailer deal because I cannot transport the trailer to the seller in a timely manner.

If a Chevy representative is watching this site, this would be an excellent time/place for you to respond.

 

[Rockcrawlerdude]

That's a buncha crap

 

[Burgess159]

Sorry to hear about that. Kind of hard to believe they don't have the part here in the U.S. The trucks are made 45 minutes from my house in Wentzville, MO. But I guess they probably import parts and assemble it there.

I really am sorry you haven't had good luck with your truck. Perhaps myself and others have just been lucky so far and that this is something that is going to happen no matter what at some point, whether it be at 1000 miles, 10,000 or 100,000. I'm just hoping that if and when it does happen to me, I've got the money to just say "take a hike, epa exhaust system!" Cut the thing off, go get a straight pipe and then get deleted tunes. Or perhaps have that done before it has a chance to go bad. I like the truck too much to get rid of it when I can just get rid of the problem (eventually).

Now, should GM address this problem and fix it? Yes they should. But if they don't, I'm not going to let that get me down, I will find a way to make it work. And I know that not everyone will agree with me and go that route. And to those of you, like I said, I believe GM should fix your truck free of charge since they have apparently installed a faulty exhaust system that is prone to premature failure.

Granted, the DPF is going to plug up completely at some point in the life of the truck, that's a fact for any diesel with one of those. And it will probably be out of warranty and we will all have to pay $5000 I'm thinking to get a new exhaust with new DPF and we will be good to go until it plugs completely again.

I really do hope they help you out and make things right for you though. Good luck.

 

[DeeK]

Thanks Burgess (and rockcrawlerdude), I had not thought of basically bypassing the system. I don't like to muck up the environment, but, if this keeps happening when it's off warranty, I can't see shelling out big $$ for the lifespan of the truck either. I guess if the problem persists, it's time to start looking into bypassing that system when it goes out of warranty. Is that illegal or does the responsibility lie solely with Chevy to make sure it meets code requirements at time of production and after that the consumer is free to do whatever? I'm in a backwater state that doesn't have emissions testing, yet, anyway.

 

[Rockcrawlerdude]

@DeeK good luck. I hope they get you taken care of in a timely fashion. I hope they offer you something nice. I would expect at least an extended warranty out of this.

@Burgess159 I was wondering if the DPF would eventually not come clean anymore. That makes sense. I'm not sure if it will become completely clogged, but I imagine it will get less clean each time until it regens quite frequently. Never heard of any filter that can be cleaned over and over again to 100%... I guess I will delete eventually as well.

 

[CleverUserName]

@DeeK good luck. I hope they get you taken care of in a timely fashion. I hope they offer you something nice. I would expect at least an extended warranty out of this.

@Burgess159 I was wondering if the DPF would eventually not come clean anymore. That makes sense. I'm not sure if it will become completely clogged, but I imagine it will get less clean each time until it regens quite frequently. Never heard of any filter that can be cleaned over and over again to 100%... I guess I will delete eventually as well.

The soot captured in the DPF gets turned into ash during the passive or active regen cycle. Once it's full of ash, it's full-period. that's it. You need to have it replaced or some can be cleaned out. Typical lifespan of a DPF is 150-200K depending on driving style and engine total hours

 

[Rockcrawlerdude]

The soot captured in the DPF gets turned into ash during the passive or active regen cycle. Once it's full of ash, it's full-period. that's it. You need to have it replaced or some can be cleaned out. Typical lifespan of a DPF is 150-200K depending on driving style and engine total hours

Dang. Once again, I prove how little I know.

 

[Burgess159]

@Burgess159 I was wondering if the DPF would eventually not come clean anymore. That makes sense. I'm not sure if it will become completely clogged, but I imagine it will get less clean each time until it regens quite frequently. Never heard of any filter that can be cleaned over and over again to 100%... I guess I will delete eventually as well.

Yes, our 2008 Chevy 3500HD with a 6.6 duramax plugged up at work. It has probably 100,000 on it, but that truck pulls constantly, around 15-20,0000 lbs. I think it kept giving a check engine light and saying engine power reduced and it was doggy. Deleted and it's a new truck again. Yes you could replace the filter eventually, and then again if you make it you 400,000 miles or whatever, and again if you make it 600,000. But you have to shell out $X thousands of dollars each time.