Cold Weather Operation

2011 GMC Savana Special 4.8 ASECTION Cold Weather Operation

As reductant will freeze at temperatures below 0Β°C (32Β°F), there are 3 reductant heaters. Reductant heater 1 is in the reductant reservoir, reductant heater 2 is in the supply line to the reductant injector and reductant heater 3 is at the reductant pump. The ECM monitors the reductant temperature sensor located within the reservoir in order to determine if reductant temperature is below its freeze point. If the ECM determines that the reductant may be frozen, it signals the Glow Plug Control Module (GPCM) to energize the reductant heaters.

Reductant pump operation is disabled for a calibrated amount of time to allow the heaters time to thaw the frozen reductant. Once the thaw period expires, the ECM energizes the reductant pump to circulate warm reductant through the de-energized reductant purge valve and back to the reservoir to speed thawing. The ECM looks for an increase in the reductant temperature to verify that the reductant reservoir heater is working.

RENDER: 1.0x

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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.