3.0 Duramax - glow plugs an issue

One78 · March 14, 2022

Hi all, found a 2020 Sierra with the 3.0 Duramax that I'm interested in trading for. It has 30k miles, and on the Carfax report, it has two instances of "glow plug(s) replaced".

Is this anything to be concerned about?

redwngr · March 14, 2022

Maybe somebody thought glowplugs might be a cause for the 'crank / no start' condition?

(that's the first I recall of glowplugs being replaced...)

For most 3.0's with the condition it seems the ecm update from Oct 21 corrected the issue.

Even without the update, it didn't affect all trucks.

Sure would be nice to know 'the rest of the story'.

seamus2154 · March 14, 2022

I totally agree with the above. Have not seen that issue, and dont have it either. Great drive train, you will enjoy it. Is it certified? That would make me feel better, but I'll bet some dealer was throwing parts at it for the crank no start issue. That is just a software update. I had it done, not one issue since.

One78 · March 15, 2022

Makes since, thanks everyone!

Oh Canada · March 18, 2022

I have had to replace one glow plug so far. 68,000 km on my truck. Failed about 15,000 kms ago, didnt impact anything except you could no longer use command start.

If you live in a colder environment, i strongly caution you against buying this truck UNLESS you are going to do the DEF delete. My truck needs a new def tank and there is zero in stock, zero in production and zero information on a potential date. Power has be derated and truck is basically rendered useless.
I am one extremely unhappy customer.

eckseleven · March 20, 2022

On 3/18/2022 at 11:22 AM, Oh Canada said:

I have had to replace one glow plug so far. 68,000 km on my truck. Failed about 15,000 kms ago, didnt impact anything except you could no longer use command start.

If you live in a colder environment, i strongly caution you against buying this truck UNLESS you are going to do the DEF delete. My truck needs a new def tank and there is zero in stock, zero in production and zero information on a potential date. Power has be derated and truck is basically rendered useless.
I am one extremely unhappy customer.

"Do the DEF delete"? Could you elaborate? I wasn't aware of that being possible.