DMax Owners

BrokenBoots · January 16, 2003

What does the owners manual say (if anything) about short trips, firing up/shutting down the engine?

That is probably the main reason I couldn't own one because I do make some short trips.

I know if I ask the salesman he'll tell me, no problem.

I'd like to hear it from you guys.

Thanks

odoh · January 17, 2003

I've recently purchased a D/Max and not too concerned about it. Been driving a diesel Rabbit for 20yrs w/o any known impact. Of course if you are really concerned about it, chk w/me again in 20yrs Should have something solid by then.

As for the manual ~ I don't recall any notes about that at all. The manual is huge of course and I've not read everything. The diesel supplemental manual, while much smaller, has no comments about it as I recall. I'm thinking the general isn't anymore concerned about it than their sales personnel. By the time it could become an issue (and I can't say that it will), they will have no responsibility/obligation. If it makes any difference, the eng itself does have a 100k mile warranty. Some of the competition is meeting that on their complete vehicle currently.

I've installed gauges, one of which is a pyro to enable me to monitor the egts and I try to wait until it decreases to 300f prior to shut down. Additionally, most of our stort trips are handled w/other vehicles like our rabbit ~ mostly for economy and trying to wear it out first.

Don't know where you are located, but I'm told that this will be the final year of EGR free eng for the D/Max. I've CA approved emission equipt (no choice of course ) so I anticipate additional servicing/maint activities because of that. If you are in a state that doesn't require it right now, this might be your last chance to do so. Just something else to consider. Of course the competition is going about it also but perhaps w/an improved/advanced technology/method that might be worth considering. ~ odoh

BrokenBoots · January 17, 2003

Thanks for the reply. At the risk of sounding, uninformed, what is the EGR? (exhaust gas recirculation???)

What is the impact of GM eliminating that feature?

Thanks

odoh · January 17, 2003

Thats right and no danger of them eliminating it. Its required by law in some places and shant go away. Its just has been reported that it will be included on all 04s whether your state/region requires it or not. On gassers it is a problematic item and not seen to be any diff for oilers at this point (DMax is still relatively new). To witt: most want to avoid them. Some us us don't have a choice. Along w/the EGR valve, there is a pump, a control module (ECCU) and understand the heads are different too. ~ odoh