2020 Silverado 2500 "Idle vehicle to cool engine" message

Liz Mosbey · September 22, 2021

What would cause the "Idle vehicle to Cool Engine" message to appear? All of my gauges reflect they are within normal range. It is a 2020 Silverado 2500 HD with 25,000 miles on it.

Thankful · September 22, 2021

It's probably programmed into the computer to let you know to cool the engine after a long driving session. In other words, don't shut your engine off immediately after a long drive. I found this link as info: https://liveworkdream.com/2016/10/26/diesel-engine-idle/

Random · September 22, 2021

When I had previously read through my trucks manuals, it mentioned after a heavy towing event, it might need to idle for a bit to cool off the engine and would auto start if it needed to in order to cool off the engine. Guessing your computer is thinking some part of your engine needs additional cooling before shutting down.

WRuby · November 9, 2022

Did you ever find a solution for this Error message? We are also getting it on a 3500 2020 Silverado. In town driving....and no towing.....

Jpbski · January 21

I’m getting the same code. It’s after a 20 minute drive and not towing. Weird thing is it’s 20 degrees.

Another JR · January 22

9 hours ago, Jpbski said:

I’m getting the same code. It’s after a 20 minute drive and not towing. Weird thing is it’s 20 degrees.

Are your radiator shutters stuck closed? They could have a bunch of ice preventing opening. They would be closed at 20F at starting but would open once the truck warms up.

Jpbski · January 22

What are the radiator shutters? The front end is wide open

Another JR · January 22

14 hours ago, Jpbski said:

What are the radiator shutters? The front end is wide open

I can’t tell from your message whether you have a gas or diesel engine. On the gas engine at least, if you don’t have the snow plow package, there are rotating horizontal shutters in front of most of the radiator, kind of like a louvered blind. They are there to slightly improve the aerodynamics and gas mileage at very low temperatures where all that radiator area isn’t needed. I don’t know if the diesel has the same shutters.

https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-parts/gm-front-bumper-shutter-replaced-87830732-84735801?c=bD0xJm49U2VhcmNoIFJlc3VsdHMmYT1nbWMmbz1zaWVycmEtMzUwMC1oZCZ5PTIwMjEmdD1zbHQmZT02LTZsLXY4LWdhcw%3D%3D

Crazy Canuck · January 24

The diesels do have them as well with some exceptions. I am not sure about the GMs but on Fords they will not fully close below freezing to prevent...freezing. In the 3 years I have owned GM HDs I have never thought to look for that, perhaps this weekend.

pcmem · February 17

If you have the snowplow prep package it deletes the shutters and adds what they now call the winter front. They used to trim and form the winter fronts for the grill and bumper but now you just get a piece of black vinyl that hooks into the grill.

gemarsh · February 17

4 hours ago, pcmem said:

...

They used to trim and form the winter fronts for the grill and bumper but now you just get a piece of black vinyl that hooks into the grill.

It's a couple of steps up from bungy straps and cardboard!