Chevy Colorado 2016 Diesel 170 Thousand mile Overview

In this overview of my 2016 Chevy Colorado, I will talk about some of the things that have gone bad over the years and things that I have change. This truck has 170,000 miles on it. Although I drive most of the miles on the highway. I have used it to pull trees and brush out of the yard. This 2.8 Duramax Diesel is one strong runner. It also gets great fuel mileage.

[@nscalewunderland]

I know you sold your truck at 200K. Curious what you bought to replace it as these mini diesels don’t exist anymore in the Colorado. Bummer. But for those watching this video, my experience is: 2017 Colorado Diesel, 66K miles, 2 nox sensors and particulate filter and something else emission systems related (got the dreaded “def fluid quality issue” warning light that eventually limited truck to 5 mph max speed ($3K for all that); heater diverter valve went out so no heat (plastic part buried in the dash … required complete removal of entire dash ($3K); replaced headlight bulbs with LEDs as the regular ones are horrible. As bad as this sounds, it’s still the best small truck I have ever owned (coming from a tundra & two tacomas). Feels like a truck, super comfortable, rides great (mine the long bed), unreal fuel economy (I’ve got upwards of 600 miles a tank (20 gal)) … the thing sips fuel … amazing range. Tows like a charm. Overall great. The emissions system is the real problem with so many sensors and unknowns … but that’s how modern diesels are in this country.

[@robertnorman1499]

I have a 2018 Colorado with 60000 miles, been pretty dependable except for the Def heater replacement. I do mostly highway driving, average 32 plus miles per gallon. 16 -22 towing.

[@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672]

I do a lot of highway driving also. My best over 500 miles range calculator was 36 miles per gallon. I am on average 29 miles per gallon consistent. I did notice driving over mountains I get better fuel mileage. Probably because diesel is efficient going up hills and uses no fuel going down hill.

[@autodidacticartisan]

Jesus, what were you towing to make that fuel economy go down so much?

[@cementsisters8813]

I have 180,000 miles on my 2017 Duramax. It is still running well. I did replace the water pump, belts, nox sensor, filters and my middle display screen is possessed 😮 oh, and the 4 wheel drive went out

[@wolflord256]

FYI, the tire pressure calibration/re-learn requires a tool to activate the tire pressure sensors in each wheel, it's not an automatic process. The DIC just kicks off this re-learn process, and then once it's ready you take the tool to LF, RF, RR, LR and activate each TPM sensor (horn will beep on each successful activation and position registration). Once you've done all four then you're good to go.

[@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672]

That is a bummer because my tires are not correct. Are you able to get this tool? Know what it is called?

[@wolflord256]

@@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672 I got mine on amazon, it's the VXSCAN TPMS Relearn Tool, Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor Activation Tool OEC-T5 for GM. There are a few others out there that will do the job as well.

[@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672]

@@wolflord256 Nice 12 dollars on Amazon 7 on Ebay. I will get that on ordered for sure. Thanks for the response.

[@08brianjb]

@@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672 some models you can drop the pressure in the tire to make it select that tire... So start the reprogram sequence on the DIC then let the air out of the tires in the order it is asking (usually LF, RF, RR, LR).. each time the horn will honk once the tire is identified. Not sure if it works with this model but I have done it on other vehicles plenty of times.

[@rickdewitt600]

Good review. Helpful. Thanks.

[@richgwilley1641]

I have a 2017 Canyon diesel with 103,000 miles on it with no major issues. I get between 30-34 mpg and don’t plan on selling any time soon.

[@TheRandalHandle]

Good/helpful video. I am considering a used Canyon/Colorado. From what I'm reading, if you do an EGR/DEF delete these trucks can get upwards of 30 mpg at all times, not just highway

[@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672]

I had a friend that had a 3/4 ton and when he did the delete he got about 5 to 8 miles per gallon in savings. Only a few problems with that. One is it is not legal, the cost for the delete will take a lot of fuel savings to break even. To resell it with the delete maybe an issue. You may sell it then it may come back on you and you will get that old truck back. With that said a lot of people modify their rides.

[@grinchyface]

It's not the delete, it's the tune after the delete. There isn't much point in deleting modern emission systems in seeking fuel savings. Also, nitric oxides and diesel particulate are terrible for everyone around you.

[@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672]

@@grinchyface Nothing is good for everyone around you. That would include electric cars. They have hidden emissions. Digging for lithium, tires, charging, materials it is made of. Once the road tax kicks in the electric car will be over priced.

[@Lyndonkb11]

@@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672 The biggest benefit to deleting them is the reliability! That and the engine will last a lot longer.

[@6.2Slomaro]

You know what’s wasteful, Def system. Does more harm than good. Imagine the manufacturing to the def system and the def fluids. Now your vehicle is broke and you can’t legally drive so you end up junking it. Such a waste of a good vehicle. It was just a way for someone to make bunch of money off of everyone.

[@michaelglenn2106]

I have a 2016 duramax too and mine doesn't have battery voltage or engine hours.

[@robgg956]

2018 with 60k miles on mine, so far 2 NOX sensors, Exhaust Particulate Sensor and a new battery.

[@kyleward6627]

Still have it? What mileage are you at now? any issues?

[@LETerEATRenne]

I’m really considering buying one of these, coming from a Toyota background I’m always a little worried reliability, appreciate the info and general over view.

[@Lyndonkb11]

I’d own one of these over a Tacoma any day! Way better on fuel too

[@KubanKevin]

It’s an Italian designed turbo diesel built in Thailand. As long as you’re okay with that and dealing with the emissions equipment, go ahead

[@charlesdonaldson962]

If you have HD radio in yours like my 19 model does, just tune in an HD radio station, leave it on for a bit and the clock should set.

[@greghercher2068]

Im looking at a 2018 canyon denali with 133k miles, would you recommend this for a lifetime truck under $20,000?

[@alexk5462]

Do you remember ballpark of what the timing belt replacement cost you? Just bracing myself for what is to come on my pickup

[@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672]

I actually had them replace the water pump also because the labor is already in there to get to the timing belt. I paid about $1,300 dollars. That get you new radiator fluid also. I would recommend getting new hoses and clamps. I did not do that and a month later I had one of the old clamps break. Now I feel I am driving with a weak clamp or hose. Small price to pay once it is all apart.

[@alexk5462]

Awesome! Thank you for the reply, actually seems more affordable than I was figuring. I'll have to refer back to this comment when I get the work done to remember your recommendations lol

[@dennishetheymemanscarfile3364]

Tow with my 2016 like a BAD DOG

[@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672]

I pulled trees down. Pulled the motor mount right out of the frame. One on the motor and one on the tranny.

[@dennishetheymemanscarfile3364]

@@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672 Must have been a long running start. Did the tires even spin?

[@prigs750]

I have a 21 Z71 with the 2.8 and really enjoy it. Only 21k miles so far. It's a lease and goes back in 7 months. Am considering buying it, but the service manager did not recommend it. He said too many things go wrong after the 3 year/36K warranty expire. I'm really torn on what to do. Concerning your tires, is it 2 sets after the OEMs or including them?

[@kevinkirby3158]

Did you ever change the high pressure fuel pump? If so, what was the cost?

[@colin-me]

This is great! Thank you for this video. I just bought a Colorado with the baby duramax. I looking to learn more about the engine would you be able to do a video where you just look under the hood and show what’s going on. I’m also trying to figure out if there is a block heater already installed on my truck but I can find the port where they put that in. Any chance you could point that out. Thanks for everything

[@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672]

I will try to do an overview video of what is under the hood. I do not have a block heater. I live in PA so it does not get cold to the point the engine would not start. If you turn the key until the glow plug light goes out, it will start right up. These engines run on a high pressure diesel spray. I do not think it is like the old school diesel engine. If you had a heater, it would probably be mounted in the grill area. A plug is easy to see. If you don't see it, it probably is not there.

[@johndearborn3449]

I've had mine parked outside and at 17 degrees (F) below zero in Chicago, and it started fine. I Was worried and it cranked slower than normal, but it starts well in the cold at average 20's here on Ohio winters.

[@colin-me]

@@johndearborn3449 that’s awesome. I’ve heard similar things. I live up in maine but I’m on the coast. It gets way down there some times but the ocean does a lot to moderate the temp most of the time

[@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672]

@@johndearborn3449 I live in PA. I don't recall it being that cold. Zero with a wind chill. Never had a cold start issue.

[@blakecraft5143]

I have a 16 with the 3.6 and let me tell you never again. I’ve put all 91K miles on it and it’s had a lot of issues

[@ericg.7053]

What's happened so far?

[@blakecraft5143]

@@ericg.7053 rear window leaking basically brand new. Purge valve had to be replaced. Something to do with the gear shifter not going into park completely so the key wouldn’t come out. High pressure fuel pump went out. Shutter shift from hell tranny or torque converter is going to go at some point. Just over the truck doesn’t run good sometimes very disappointed with it. I got it new, I should’ve got a tacoma if I could do it all over again

[@lucky5wonder]

how does it do when going up steep streets or highways?

[@zoroluva]

Hey buddy. How's the space between the wheel wells in the bed? Can you a lay down 4x8 sheet flat?

[@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672]

No it does not sit flat. You can support a board over the wheels and build up the back and front of the wheels then it will sit flat. I just ran mine on an angle. It was not bad. Did that with sheetrock also. It is a little bit of stress down to one board. I kept them attached to keep the sheet rock stiff.

[@zoroluva]

@@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672 aaah thank you. Yup drywall is my greatest concern. Sucks to get a cracked board. Thanks for the review and for getting back to me

[@krisn8820]

How many transmissions?

[@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672]

The only thing that I replaced was the timing belt at 150 thousand miles per the manual, oil changes, tires, brakes and rotors. I have pulled over many of tree stumps to so it does get some good jolts. Diesel Motor and tranny work well. 32 to 36 miles per gallon.

[@paulwenzl1711]

When did yiu actually change your air filter for the first time?

[@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672]

I changed it after the 3 year. About 90 thousand miles.

[@paulwenzl1711]

That is insane! I bet your truck love that! I'm surprised no check engine light came on sue to air starvarion.

[@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672]

@@paulwenzl1711 No difference in gas mileage. I did not notice any difference.

[@bradh6185]

Have you had to clean or replace the egr valve? Or have you otherwise had an issue with soot buildup?

[@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672]

I have have two knox sensors go bad other than that, I have not had many issues with anything other than the maintenance items as far as the drive train. I do have a problem with a sensor that operates the Compass. With this bad, it will not allow the time and date to auto set because it does not know where it is.

[@bradh6185]

@@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672 Thank you. Sounds like it's been pretty good overall.

[@autodidacticartisan]

Im buying one next week for 25k with 80k miles. Any advice?

[@tannermontana93]

Did you buy it?

[@autodidacticartisan]

@@tannermontana93 yeah

[@Roger-il8iw]

Avoid the 16 year model if you can. Get 17 or 18

[@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672]

I have was happy with mine. I did sell it at 200,000 miles.

[@BungSmuggler]

Why not the 16 model?

[@Roger-il8iw]

@@BungSmuggler avoid first year models in general. They had a lot of issues in the 16.

[@rpc47]

Did you change the timing belt? If so cost

[@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672]

I did change the timing belt at 150000. It will come up on the screen and no other functions on the screen will work. It is a factory reset. I paid $1300 and I also did the water pump because it was taken off for the belt replacement. I do suggest to replace the hoses and especially the hose clamps. I had a hose clamp break soon after the repair and a metal hose break about a month after that.

[@rpc47]

@@aroundthehousewithjohnmila672 Thank you so much for your reply. I have a little ways to go at 120k but I am preparing myself. Thanks again Ralph

[@lazyanarchist1146]

Can barely hear you