Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
What Fuel to Use in the United States
Use of diesel fuel other than Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (15 ppm sulfur maximum) or engine oil other than low ash CJ-4 oil will cause permanent damage to the DPF and related components.
In the United States, for best results use Number 2-D diesel fuel year-round, above and below freezing conditions, as oil companies blend Number 2-D fuel to address climate differences. Number 1-D diesel fuel may be used in very cold temperatures when the temperature stays below -18Β°C (0Β°F). However, the fuel will produce a power and fuel economy loss. The use of Number 1-D diesel fuel in warm or hot climates may result in stalling, poor starting when the engine is hot and may damage the fuel injection system.
It is acceptable to use diesel fuel containing up to 20 percent biodiesel (B20), but the final blended fuel must meet the same specification, ASTM D 975 (Grades No. 2-D or No. 1-D S15 commonly known as Ultra Low Sulfur diesel), as the other fuels used in your vehicle, and the biodiesel used for making this fuel must meet the latest version of ASTM specification D 6751. Biodiesel is produced from vegetable oils or animal fat that have been chemically modified to reduce the possibility of damage to the fuel system and engine. Higher concentration (i.e. greater than B20) biodiesel-containing fuels or the use of unmodified bio-oils blended into diesel fuel at any concentration is not recommended and could damage the fuel system and engine. Such damage would not be covered by your warranty. If there are questions about the biodiesel-containing fuels you are using, contact your fuel supplier.
Because of the cleansing properties of biodiesel, switching from straight diesel to a biodiesel blend can prematurely restrict the fuel filter with normal deposits in the fuel system. A fuel filter replacement might be required sooner than the recommended interval.
Diesel fuel may foam when filling the tank. This can cause the automatic pump nozzle to shut OFF, even though the tank is not full. If this happens, just wait for the foaming to stop and then continue to fill the tank.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.