Fuel filters are an integral component of your truck, protecting against harmful bacteria, dust, and debaris that might end up in your fuel. But if they fill with water it could lead to serious engine issues.
Change of fuel filter does not add any additional protection; in fact it could exacerbate problems if your factory sensor has become corrupted. A fuel pressure sensor fooler is available to solve this issue.
How to Reset the Fuel Filter
If you have an automated steering wheel, press and hold the select button until the “FUEL FILTER LIFE RESET” message displays on the Driver Information Center (DIC). For manual vehicles, turn the ignition key ON without starting the engine; press and hold both brake and accelerator pedals together for 10 seconds; this should reset your system.
The LBZ Duramax stands out as one of the greatest Duramax diesels of all time due to its impressive power and fuel efficiency. General Motors had most major problems resolved by 2006 with this engine, making it reliable enough for towing or hauling loads. Unfortunately, occasional problems can arise such as sputtering engines and an illuminated check engine light due to water infiltrating into its fuel filter; these issues can easily be remedied.
Draining the Water
Draining the water from your fuel filter is an essential maintenance task that should be completed on an ongoing basis. Diesel fuel has a greater tendency than gasoline or petroleum to absorb moisture and this could pose issues with your system if left undone. Missing this step could cause engine and component issues which is why your dashboard will display an alert indicating when this task needs to be completed.
Once you receive an alert, when it’s time to replace your fuel filter you must disconnect it and allow any excess water to drain into a bucket – this process should take approximately ten minutes. When done, replace and reactivate the “Fuel Filter Life” message on the dashboard – an essential step for engine health, better gas mileage and protecting from water damage.
Replacing the Fuel Filter
LML Duramax fuel filters capture water and remove moisture, so if they become clogged they’ll display an error message in their Driver Information Center (DIC). When this occurs it should be replaced immediately after draining off old water from previous filters.
Filters should be replaced every two years, or as often as needed if your truck is used for biodiesel production, towing heavy loads or operating in areas with extreme dust levels.
To gain access to the fuel filter, the fender wall skirt must first be removed using some clips & bolts. There is a metal prime pump attached on top of the filter that must be primed until fuel begins oozing out of its screw hole (it is plastic so take caution not to overtighten). Reinstall screw, reconnect wires and reconnect your truck’s battery. Start and let run for several minutes to check for leaks before restarting it with new fuel.
Prime the Fuel Filter
GM fixed most of the issues associated with their LBZ engine by 2006; however, one key flaw remains.
Priming is an essential step when installing or changing out a fuel filter; this ensures there are no air bubbles in the system and prevents possible misfires of both pumping and starting engines. Without priming, your engine may never start.
To prime a fuel filter, it is necessary to take several steps. Begin by unplugging it from its wire connection, opening its black nylon screw near it, pumping diesel through it into its canister until all air bubbles have been eliminated from your system; repeat this process if you want to ensure your system is free from air bubbles.