Duramax/Allison 101

Moonlight · May 7, 2003

Well it finally did me in ... stewed over a new 03 Duramax/Allison Crew Cab for the last 6 months. Why? Don't have a good answer except I just like the diesel rattle, towing grunt and the crew cab will be better family wise ... My 02 2500HD Ext. Cab LT was the sacraficial lamb ... sold out right yesterday and will be getting an 03' D/A 2500 CC LT within the next few days. Guess the 0% financing was a little help.

Will be "my" first diesel ... wife has VW TDI which we love ... haven't done a lot on it except oil changes and fuel filter. I'm looking for some basic "good to know" diesel-specific tips on the D/A combo ... thought there might be a diesel FAQ or something on the board but didn't come across one ...

1) Warm up time? Just drive it or warm up for a few minutes?

2) Break-in? Same as 6.0 gas ... 500 miles?

3) How many miles before towing 25' camp trailer? 500 miles?

4) Anyone know how much heavier (assuming heavier) the Duramax is compared to 6.0 ... just curious.

5) Any specific "Do's" and "Don'ts" ?

6) I don't dare ask the oil question ... just planning on using the same as wife's car .... Mobil Delvac 1 ... assuming there's nothing wrong with that.

7) Any known problems with the 03's in general ?

Not looking forward to buying all the accessories "again"

Charlie in TX · May 7, 2003

1) Warm up time? Just drive it or warm up for a few minutes?

As with any motor, take it easy until the oil circulates

2) Break-in? Same as 6.0 gas ... 500 miles?

3) How many miles before towing 25' camp trailer? 500 miles?

I think break-in is 500, then 500 of towing under 50mph. I would just take it easy the first 1000 miles but tow when needed.

4) Anyone know how much heavier (assuming heavier) the Duramax is compared to 6.0 ... just curious.

It is heavier. My guess is about 400lbs

5) Any specific "Do's" and "Don'ts" ?

You've pretty much covered them. Fuel filter at oil change, tranny filter as recomended in owners manual.

6) I don't dare ask the oil question ... just planning on using the same as wife's car .... Mobil Delvac 1 ... assuming there's nothing wrong with that.

7) Any known problems with the 03's in general ?

I took my 'o3 in for warranty work yesterday.

1. The ac pressure switch is defective. GM changed manufacture and got a bad batch. My dealer said most 'o3s need the switch changed.

2. My radio would ocationally not work. The radio came on, I could change the volume ect but no sound would come from the speakers. The door chimes wouldn't even come on. There is a bulitin and new software for the radio.

My only recomendation on an option to get is the steering wheel controls. Best $100 option there is IMO.

Enjoy