jimstringer

I purchased a 2017 GMC 2500 HD Denali Duramax on May 21, 2017. I have driven it less than 8000 miles and have had it in the dealership 4 separate times because the check engine light came on. They did “burn downs”, tightened a cold air pipe to the engine, and reprogramming the computer. After driving more that 250 miles to and from the GM dealership and spending numerous days of my time dealing with this issue, I spoke with the dealership owner. He shared the following information: After speaking with his GM regional representative, he was told that “GM programmed computers on 2017 GMC trucks equipped with the Duramax engine to detect any DEF that didn’t meet the exact same quality specifications as GM DEF”. More plainly stated, GM is essentially forcing 2017 Duramax owners to buy GM DEF or there is a real chance the check engine light will come on and the vehicle could eventually go into shutdown mode. This would clearly pose a problem for everyone that buys DEF from anyone other that GM. I have a motor coach that requires DEF. Farmers and other businesses that own 2017 Duramax equipped trucks, and have other vehicles requiring DEF would also be severely impacted. We buy and store DEF from third party sellers, because it is more convenient and much cheaper than buying DEF from GM. NOTE: A service bulletin has just been released that requires owners to bring their vehicles in to have the computers reprogrammed. This is supposed to reduce the sensitivity related to DEF quality. I had this done to my truck and will do a follow-up post after I add NON GM DEF to my truck.

Regarding the comment about using fresh DEF, I owned a 2014 Duramax and used DEF from AutoZone and SAMS, and had no problems with DEF quality. I used the same DEF I always used in the 2014 Duramax with no problems, but the same DEF causes the check engine light to come on in the 2017 Duramax. As much DEF as these companies sell, it is fresh. The GM Service department says the computer is configured so that it only functions based on GM DEF quality standards. There are so many 2017 Duramax owners have experienced similar problems that it forced GM to issue a service bulletin on the problem. Maybe the fix recommended in the service bulletin will solve the problem. Farmers and other businesses using a DEF by the barrel won't buy from GM because of the price differnece. GM needs to fix the problem.

I purchased a 2017 GMC 2500 HD Denali Duramax on May 21, 2017. I have driven it less than 8000 miles and have had it in the dealership 4 separate times because the check engine light came on. They did “burn downs”, tightened a cold air pipe to the engine, and reprogramming the computer. After driving more that 250 miles to and from the GM dealership and spending numerous days of my time dealing with this issue, I spoke with the dealership owner. He shared the following information: After speaking with his GM regional representative, he was told that “GM programmed computers on 2017 GMC trucks equipped with the Duramax engine to detect any DEF that didn’t meet the exact same quality specifications as GM DEF”. More plainly stated, GM is essentially forcing 2017 Duramax owners to buy GM DEF or there is a real chance the check engine light will come on and the vehicle could eventually go into shutdown mode. This would clearly pose a problem for everyone that buys DEF from anyone other that GM. I have a motor coach that requires DEF. Farmers and other businesses that own 2017 Duramax equipped trucks, and have other vehicles requiring DEF would also be severely impacted. We buy and store DEF from third party sellers, because it is more convenient and much cheaper than buying DEF from GM. NOTE: A service bulletin has just been released that requires owners to bring their vehicles in to have the computers reprogrammed. This is supposed to reduce the sensitivity related to DEF quality. I had this done to my truck and will do a follow-up post after I add NON GM DEF to my truck.

Need GM Service Bulletins and all other available information on flat towing my 2017 GMC 2500 HD 4x4. Do I have to disconnect both batteries? Is there another way that precludes having to disconnect the batteries without damaging the electrical system, running the battery/batteries down, or having to reprogram all electrical accessories, (radio, seats, etc.) All I have found is the attached service bulletin on 2014 Sierra 1500 4x4.