2011 Chevy Silverado Diesel issue

Discussion in 'The Bench' started by badbuik, May 20, 2018.

  1. badbuik

    badbuik Well-Known Member

    im having a problem with my 2011 Silverado 2500 diesel. It’s a DEF issue, I’ve searched the internet and found this is a common problem, which is hard to address... I have a p249D code, points to low flow on the def injector, and could be a bunch of other def issues... I found the injector, and “cleaned” it, because in one of the numerous threads, somebody did this, def is corrosive and the tip might be clogged, I shot brake fluid thru it, but it doesn’t go, stuck sakety wire in the feed side, comes out clean, I hit it with 20 psi of air, then tried 40, nothing comes thru..... Not sure what pressure the system operates at... Put it back together, the damn “check engine” light and same P249D code.... Anyone else delt with this?? Not sure where to go next, like I said, this is a big “crap sandwich” from GM, owners have spent $1000s only to have the damn light and code come back on..... New def injector nozzle is at least $170, but may not be the actual cure......
    Thanks, Gary G
     
  2. badbuik

    badbuik Well-Known Member

    I bought this truck like 3 years ago, soon after it got some codes regarding the DEF system, dealer replace something, gotta call them.. I have had the BS “DEF POOR QUALITY” message like 3 times, hadn’t had any issues until recently when I topped off the DEF, like I do about every 2-3 weeks... I freeway drive a lot, 240 commuting for work a week, plus the around town stuff.....
     
  3. TORQUED455

    TORQUED455 Well-Known Member

    Welp, this is the bad year for Duramax emissions issues. Unless you have the factory scanner (Tech 2) and a lot of 2011 Duramax emissions experience, you are likely not going to be able to fix it yourself w/o shotgunning a whole bunch of parts at it, and there is no guarantee that a part alone will fix it. The first simple thing is to perform the reductant injector reset through the Tech 2. If that doesn’t fix it, someone needs to monitor all 4 of the EGT temp sensors and NOx sensors too. Also the reductant fluid pressure needs to be checked (again through scan tool), and the reductant fluid level reset done after filling the reductant tank, the service bay test needs to be done, and finally the coupe de grace Reductant Fluid Quality test, (through the scan tool). For some reason, performing the reductant heater tests also get things moving in the right direction too. Good luck, you’re going to need it.
     
  4. 1972Mach1

    1972Mach1 Just some M.M.O.G. guy.....

    As he said, 11s are the worst year until 17s unfortunately. I've got 2 of the best duramax diesel guys on the planet at work. I'll let them read your post and I'll let you know what they say.
     
  5. scubasteve455

    scubasteve455 Well-Known Member

    I had a 2009 Duramax Head gasket problems! Never again! Ever! Bought Ford 2013
    F250 diesel. Best vehicle ever owned! Drove Chevy 30 years never again
     
  6. scubasteve455

    scubasteve455 Well-Known Member

    Ford forever
     
  7. scubasteve455

    scubasteve455 Well-Known Member

    GM never made a good reliable Diesel. That had to turn to Isuzu. Where is Isuzu in the American market now. Nowhere.
     
  8. TORQUED455

    TORQUED455 Well-Known Member

    Uhh, not to get into a Ford vs Chevy debate, but it’s pretty hard to argue that Ford probably had THE worst diesel engine ever in the 6.0L, and then the 6.4L wasn’t much better. We’ve done head gaskets and EGR coolers on the 6.7’s too. Just sayin’!
     
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  9. 436'd Skylark

    436'd Skylark Sweet Fancy Moses!!!!!

    Between the 6.0, 6.4 and the maxxforce it's nothing short of a miracle that international is in business still.

    Yeah the duramax is made in Ohio too. This is it's 18th year in production. But you're right, it's junk. :rolleyes:

    Back to the OP- def itself is a pita. It has a short shelf life and proper storage is a must. Buy it as you need it and keep the tank full. Make sure you are buying it from a store that moves a lot of stock with fresh inventory. Lots of aftertreatment issues are self inflicted with the owner using crummy def.
     
  10. Dano

    Dano Platinum Level Contributor

    Isuzu has a pretty significant market share in the US in class 3-5 trucks and makes a heck of a Diesel engine. What GM spec'd &/or did with the engine is another story and then throw the EPA in the mix and well...
     
  11. alvareracing

    alvareracing Platinum Level Contributor

    Best thing I ever did was delete all that crap and go with EFILIVE. A complete custom tune not a generic box tuner
     
  12. scubasteve455

    scubasteve455 Well-Known Member

    Bob & Joe you got me correct. Just feel like GM dropped the ball long time ago
     
  13. badbuik

    badbuik Well-Known Member

    I appreciate the input... I knew this could open the “brand bashing”.. So none of you have actually had this issue?? I can’t afford to drop it off at the dealer, but will need to call them to see about recalls... Not really sure what to do next.... Also don’t have $1200 to delete the crap, plus I don’t think I can “Californialy” do that.... I’m pretty sure this code will not cause the truck to go to Limp mode, it’s my daily driver, and my son needs it to go camping.... Not ideal to just drive with the damn “engine” light on, but it drives me crazy, I gotta fix it!!!!
    Thanks, Gary G
     
  14. 1972Mach1

    1972Mach1 Just some M.M.O.G. guy.....

    Ran it by the fellas, and without it being here, they both think it's the injector IF they had to just take a stab at it. As stated, make sure you're getting fresh, good quality DEF. We do have a lot of issues with bad DEF, or as stated, you can take the whole system off.....Not that I recommend that. That would be illegal........
     
  15. badbuik

    badbuik Well-Known Member

    So from what I understand there’s another injector aft of the turbo, and the actual DEF injector nozzle.. The aft of the turbo one, sprays fuel I guess, to help burn off emissions, and that DEF injector nozzle, that I pulled out... Like I said brake cleaner did not spray thru, but I don’t know what the operating pressure is.. Not sure if the P249D code could have that other injector being bad “low flow”.??? I called the dealer, my extended warranty ended on 5/11/18, but “some diesel emission items have a special extra warranty”, back in 1/16, I had DEF ISSUES, they replaced the tank assembly... They say if I bring it in, it’s just the $140 “open the can of worms fee” I mean Diagnostics fee..
     
  16. Da Torquester.

    Da Torquester. Platinum Level Contributor

    Amen to that. My 2008 had a DPF. Got rid of it and went with EFI live. No regen, no issues, and thankfully no emissions test.
     
  17. rmstg2

    rmstg2 Gold Level Contributor

    I hope you get it ironed out without to much trouble Gary, I'm also driving a 2011 Duramax, so far so good. I hear Ford came out with cup holders on the tail gate so there is a place to sit your beverage while waiting for a tow truck.

    Bob H.
     
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  18. TORQUED455

    TORQUED455 Well-Known Member

    Gary, the injector after the turbo is to inject diesel into the exhaust for regen. Regen and DEF are different systems. Spend the $140. It beats guessing and throwing the wrong part(s) at it.

    Scuba, all of the manufacturers have things that are good and not so good. I decided to upgrade my 2003 Sierra Denali that I had almost since it was new. I could have chose anything but stuck with GM, and ordered a new 2018 Sierra Denali 2500 HD Duramax. I’m new to the diesel ownership, and the L5P is a beast!
     
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  19. scubasteve455

    scubasteve455 Well-Known Member

    Drove GM my whole life. After the 2005 Dura max. Went to Ford F-250 Diesel The First year with “Ford Diesel” not international anymore. It was like the best transition ever made. Huge difference. Should not have bashed the duramax. And I’m sure Bob’ s Rig is the ****. 2005 was disappointing to me. The head gaskets on them went bad on everyone .
     
  20. Todd69GS

    Todd69GS Silver Level contributor

    Everyone? Lol
    I always get a kick out of the brand loyalty internet squabbles. Should be called blind loyalty instead I suppose.
     
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