My 2023 GMC Sierra 3500 Has A Cold Weather Mode? Here's How To Protect Your Diesel Engine In Winter!

[@robertleeper7849]

I like your videos. A couple of notes on winter driving. All fuel suppliers in cold climates winterize #2 diesel. They shift over before it gets really cold to flush any unwinterized fuel out of the supply system. You only need #1 diesel if you live in extremely cold climates where the temperatures are below minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit. A lot of the diesel sold is biodiesel and biodiesel will gel at a much higher temperature than straight diesel. Again, fuel suppliers know this and adjust the blend to 5% in the winter and up to 20% in the summer. That's why the pump label says biodiesel content of 5% to 20%. The only problem is the one noted by the guy from Texas. Southern fuel is not winterized. If you plan to drive from South to North, you should either fill up with #1 diesel before leaving, or don't leave with a full fuel tank. This can be difficult, because diesel pumps are seldom labeled with winterization information. Also, the Owner's Manual comment about not using the block heater in a garage is because some people have used undersized or damaged extension cords. Best practice is to plug the block heater directly into an outlet. If an extension cord is used, it must have 14-gauge wires, not the cheaper 16-gauge wire. Some people even try to use indoor extension cords with 18-gauge wires. The undersized wires overheat and can cause a fire. Fuel additives keep you from being eaten by a lion. People who use them have never been eaten by a lion. Anecdotal evidence of how well additives work is like that. Just because nothing bad happens is not proof that additives work. I am positive, however, that they do keep you from being eaten by a lion, because no one who uses additives has ever been eaten by a lion.

[@rickdors1832]

I love the tip about the cord over the mirror….mainly because I’ve been doing that ever since the first mishap I had! Good job on the video.

[@donslick8464]

You can also program high idle to come on automatically in cold weather when your remote start the truck.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks, I need to look into that 👍🏾

[@jamesrichardson2893]

@@JB_WhoWork it's in the vehicle settings for when the vehicle is cold. There is a high idle switch to set manually also

[@soggybottom23]

I will have to check my manual again but I think the block heater has a feature that it won't turn on until it gets to below a certain temperature. My thoughts on the cover with the grill shutters is the cover will keep snow from building up and freezing them up.....just my thoughts I may be incorrect lol

[@patriotarborist711]

That's one clean-ass garage!

[@maineiacmike4110]

Great video and I love that you dont beg me to like and subscribe before even watching, lots of good info thank you!

[@Over_the_Hill_RV_Rookies]

Another informative video. I love the view from your driveway. UT is a beautiful state.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks, the back of the house has some nice views too!

[@jamesstouffer1845]

Hi JB, another great video. I appreciate all the winter tips. I did a lot of research on winter anti-gel and found that Hot Shot secret winter anti-gel was the best. I found an extensive study on KZbin from "Project Farm" and I've been using all their products ever since, and I have to say they are the real deal! Keep up the great content, love these videos!

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks James, Hot Shot Secret is what I started using a few months ago and all of their products are great! I was using Diesel Kleen which I thought had some benefits on fuel mileage but Hot Shot was noticeable on the second fill up! 👍🏾

[@pauldenino5644]

PROJECT FARM = PROJECT SCAM. YOU HAVE BEEN DUPED AND/OR YOU ARE A SHILL 🏢🤸‍♂☠

[@heathaggen1125]

I am in Texas and during Snowmaggedon 2020 my fuel gelled because they don't sell pre-treated Diesel here. An issue on GMs, and probably others, that the lift pump and filter are down by the Tank and more exposed than in previous models when the filter was under the hood. I put an electric space heater under the truck and thawed the filter and got some heat on the tank and eventually it ran and had no residual issues from it. I wish as part of the block heater it also included a way to heat the tank and filter also. Sad you didn't make it to Texas, but Utah looks nice.

[@JB_WhoWork]

That stinks, I understand why TX doesn't use a #1 Diesel because it's not good if temps increase but in your case, it would have been nice to have something in the tank when it got cold. We were in Galveston at one point on the beach and miss that area 👍🏾

[@victorcampos7400]

Truck fits in garage?

[@jameshamel7740]

In the 24, you can turn high idle on in the infotainment system if you have the feature.

[@jamesrichardson2893]

I have a 2021 AT4 and I live in Canada. all these trucks have the radiator shutters, but the truck also comes with a cold weather front that should be put on and left on in winter months, unless you're towing.

[@luckyshu2250]

they don't all come with the shutters. it has to be ordered that way that is a cold weather option

[@grantshannonwelding11]

For anyone who is concerned, the #2 diesel in Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota all gets pre treated for anti gel at all KWIK TRIP stations

[@Uncle_Fester24]

Look into the Badger smart controller. If you set it for 7am to be ready it will read the ambient temp and turn on the power so your truck is ready at 7 and will hold it for as long as you program it for. It's really nice.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks Tom, Ive heard Utah gets colder later in the season but I have the app on my phone that will allow me to start my truck which is nice 👍🏾

[@mikejohnson845]

Great video sir, appreciate it!

[@ThatHoneyBadger]

Thanks! Just picked out the same truck.

[@DavidBrown-jt7yi]

This is a really good video. My Cummins goes into high idle on cold mornings on its own when I remote start. It will go back to normal once I get in a put my first on the brake. The Cummins show 10w-30 for climates Warner than 0 degrees. I live in Colorado but usually only see less that 5 days a year below zero, live at 5900 feet elevation. The dealer on oil changes have always put in 10w-30. I know a lot of people say to run 5w-40 year round. It gets into the 90’s here in the summer so I’m not sure if 5w-40 is great at that temperature either. I’ve had the truck for 20 months and so far zero issues.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks David, I only ran 5W40 all year round and the truck had no issues. The 10w40 is cheaper but I prefer synthetic 👍🏾

[@DavidBrown-jt7yi]

@@JB_WhoWork I run a 10w-30 or 5w-40 Amsoil full synthetic in the truck. I do my own oil changes but I know what the dealer provides because they did the first “free” oil change and I asked what they put in the trucks. I have 5w-40 and 10w-30 that I bought and I’m just about at oil change interval for me. I was going to go with 5w-40 this go around. Thanks for the info.

[@OnlyAura]

Did your engine block heater cord come with your truck? If not where did you buy it? I need a new cord for reasons I don't wish to speak of. My truck has the exact same block heater design as yours I just can't find a replacement cord that works with it. Keep up the good work.

[@jabril744]

What about the DEF fluid, some of these GM trucks in my area were having problems with the DEF sensor becoming damaged once it got cold enough to freeze the DEF. Both of my uncles 2 years ago bought new 2020 Gm dual rear wheel 3500s. One was GM that was purchased in the spring, and the other was a Chevy purchase in late fall. Both trucks spent all hours outside. The Gm never had a problem with the DEF sensor. On the other hand, the Chevy had multiple warnings stating the DEF quality was poor or there was no DEF at all even after putting fresh in it. My uncle with the sensor problem reached out to a dealer and they said it would be 3 weeks until they got more sensors in because of the demand from similar sensor problems. The dealer mentioned that GM might have to do a recall on some of these trucks. By the time he got it to the shop it was 40 degrees and still had 1/2 a tank of DEF. On his way to the shop the max speed was limited from 55 to 30mph. After he got it fixed it worked perfectly fine, I just wonder if the sensor will get damaged again this winter. I was hoping that it was just a bad batch of sensors and if not I was hoping GM was going to do something in the future regarding the DEF freezing. DEF only freezes at 12 degrees and last winter we had negative temperatures 3 times and in my book that’s a mild winter. I am a GM fan and I will be for life, this was very disappointing. P.S. Keep up the good content!!

[@JB_WhoWork]

That does suck but honestly there isn’t much you can do with DEF… I wonder if truck stops do anything special with it but I doubt due to the system being so sensitive… thanks 👍🏾

[@otonielmurillo746]

Really nice 👌 I am studying this video and your others

[@mrblack9411]

Very cool new truck stuff

[@kevinvanlohuizen2709]

Great video JB, simple and helpful

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks Bro 👍🏾

[@canguler2265]

i only have a renault clio but i watched the whole video

[@gwendolynbrown9386]

Helpful information Thank You!

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks!

[@duraflexllc4860]

That’s a nice review thank you

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks, really enjoying this rig 👍🏾

[@rph6978]

How does the Duramax drive daily compared to your ram?

[@JB_WhoWork]

I have gotten this question a good bit, maybe I will do a separate video on this 👍🏾

[@Jc-bo1uu]

If your truck has the grill shutters you do not need a grill cover for your truck. The shutters will close and keep air from passing through just like the grill cover will. The shutters will open and close depending on ambient temperature, engine, temperature, engine, coolant, temperature, and engine load.

[@JB_WhoWork]

You still need the grill cover in extreme cold climates though

[@dennissmith7214]

@@JB_WhoWork That not your weather unless you live in Canada or Alaska!🫢

[@brenterwin99611]

@@dennissmith7214 I live in Alaska and have the shutters. You do not need a cover if you have the shutters. The shutters open and close as needed to keep the engine at optimal temp. If you put a cover on, the shutters will open up due to head build up. If the shutters stay wide open due to the cover, the system is unable to adjust for optimal temp. The cover was designed for the trucks that do not have the shutters. On trucks with out the shutters, the cover will come into use at around -20 below depending on humidity level. The shutters cut off 95% of the air flow, much more than the cover. Unless you start over heating, I do not think that the cover would hurt, if you put it on one with shutters. You just are defeating how the system is designed to work.

[@medlinlandmaintenancellc]

I know what you mean by the engine oil however I live in NC where it could get in the lower 20's maybe even upper teens but will most likely warm up in the 40's if not low 50's during the day time. Not sure if that would benefit me here in NC. I have used the engine block heater a few times this year because of it getting in the 20's so earlier here. Anyway GOOD INFO thanks for sharing!!

[@trehbaker1112]

I wouldn't worry about plugging it in if that's as cold as it gets there to be honest.

[@Domiano542]

The GMC heater cord should come with a rubber umbrella at the plug area for winter days when it’s ice rain or snowing. Also the winter grill cover should’ve had the GMC logo in red.

[@aaronkelley8909]

My cummins had a light icon that would trip on when I was plugged in. My Durmax doesn't have that feature.

[@johncaputo205]

I'm curious as to why I watched this entire video and I live in Florida 🤔.. All that means is I like your content 👌. And bc I have a at4 lol

[@JB_WhoWork]

Lol! I appreciate it bro and I see you have great taste in trim level 💪🏾💪🏾

[@hoxton6013]

Nice

[@benjaminwilkins4015]

Factory manual doesn't suggest 5w-40 unless temperatures are consistently under 0 degrees Fahrenheit. As with every vehicle, just read your manuals people!!

[@whitetail229]

Yeah, and your manual tells you to change oil at 12-15000 miles. 👎

[@anthonyhale6040]

Do I need the grill cover for a gas engine truck??

[@JB_WhoWork]

Nope, diesels perform better with heat which is why they typically get optioned with them 👍🏾

[@williamb9625]

It’s summer in - ARGENTINA!!!

[@JB_WhoWork]

😎

[@matthewanderson9912]

Nice little review. Cool thing with GM is every diesel will have the block heater and grill cover. I don’t know if you know this, but your tires are 3 peak snow rated also. I was actually surprised by that but they are. They do pretty good too especially for OEM tires. We had two decent snow storms last winter and I never had any trouble. Even had to panic stop on a curvy two lane to avoid two cars that had wrecked. Had about 8-10” of snow in the road. And my truck never even offered to slide. So that’s another plus with the GM 20” wheels atleast. They actually have pretty good factory tires. I’m sure someone will make the comment they are junk but I disagree.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks, I didn’t know that and never heard of 3 peak snow ratings??? GM does a great job with their tire selections from factory and I think these tires perform well all around 👍🏾👍🏾

[@matthewanderson9912]

@@JB_WhoWork Yeap. They have 3 mountain peaks on them with a snow flake. That means the tire has a certain amount of grip and meets the minimum requirements for severe snow conditions.

[@dustintilton7920]

Except the DRW they dont come with the grill shutters.

[@hammer-r]

Regarding the grill cover, only the 2500 and 3500's do. My 1500 diesel did not come with a cover. Sad cause the ones for the HD's look and fit great. Wish mine came with it. Had to buy an aftermarket one from Canada.

[@steddyk]

My 22 duramax high idle can be set through the settings on the infotainment, just thought i'd add that.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks 👍🏾👍🏾

[@wellthatdidntwork]

Not all 15w40 oils are conventional. There are synthetic 15w40 oil options. I use synthetic 15w40 in my f250 superduty. Also, if you are looking for a really good company that has alot of premium fuel additives to help your diesel fuel system in all climates check out hotshots secrets anti-gel, diesel extreme, and edt treatments. They have a wide range of additives and ive had really good luck using them

[@electricamish]

Up here it usually says winterblend right on the pump, unless you hit the semi fuel island.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Good to know

[@bretbell8705]

Hey JB, I have always ran 15 40 Rotella T6 and I live in Wyoming I have never had an issue even working in North Dakota in the winter. Just my experience.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks for sharing, do you plug in?

[@jacqueslemieux6235]

I use the same 15 40 Rotella T6 synthetic and I live in Michigan where temps are really cold in the mid winter 🥶. Never had a problem and I switch duramax trucks every 3 years. Each one was running good and sold at 200k miles

[@bryankuhl8583]

Everyone I know trades these in before warranty is up as do I. So what's the worry. I live in north WI. And I've had all of the new ones since 2011 and have never had issues

[@The_MM_Life]

What an awesome view from the front of your house. If you had a 3rd gen Cummins what is your thoughts on daily driving it in winter (-10s to -20s) is it to much of a pain? Thanks

[@JB_WhoWork]

The views are 1 of the reasons why we stayed here lol! The Cummins is a little more sensitive in the winter compared to the Duramax but if you follow the steps for the Cummins, grille cover, block heater, lower viscosity oil, and, #1 Diesel, you should be able to run it without issues 👍🏾

[@Acal51]

idk why GM or others dont put a sensor on the block heater plug and warn you if its plugged in.

[@nyok20]

Just go to the truck stop for refuel to avoid headaches.

[@JB_WhoWork]

I typically go there every other fill up

[@Mike-xo3fi]

Hey Buddy thanks for the video. I have a question maybe u can answer for me? I have a 2022 gmc Sierra 2500 with a gvwr 11350 and GCVWR 27500 and sticker says 18500lbs fifth wheel towing but if I added that to the GVWR it will go over the GCVWR? If I’m over the GCVWR I may have insurance issue?? Why would GM say it can tow a fifth wheel 18500lbs? Thanks

[@JB_WhoWork]

Lol, I did a video discussing their ratings on another truck awhile go but for something totally different. The GCWR is what you will have to follow, the tow rating is set by the towing standards, here is the info: www.motortrend.com/how-to/1502-sae-j2807-tow-tests-the-standard/

[@Mike-xo3fi]

@@JB_WhoWork Thanks

[@yeet3673]

This is our first really cold few days with our 2022 GMC 2500 deisel.. truck starts, but there is a high pitched whine (quite loud) not coming from the engine- but coming from underneath and sort of mid-way back. I would've thought maybe it was the auto-step motors having trouble... but nope. Is this gelling?.. maybe some fuel pump having trouble?.. is it too late to put in the fuel cold additive?

[@yeet3673]

Fyi: I'm not car savvy if that wasn't already obvious

[@JB_WhoWork]

It’s probably the DEF system although that makes a ticking sound. If it’s extreme cold, I would add some additive but you probably will be fine once it heats up

[@EmmittMAKNHP]

I appreciate your content, as I just bought a new truck myself. Are there any indicators at the pump that will distinguish whether or not the fuel is diesel one or two?

[@JB_WhoWork]

No problem, out west it’s more common to see both and if you go to truck stops, they will typically have them listed but as long as the diesel station treats the fuel for winter you’re fine, just call them to verify or run a stabilizer that you can pick up from auto store 👍🏾

[@EmmittMAKNHP]

@@JB_WhoWork Thank you for the response. Much appreciated.

[@samgford]

Those grill shudders are a nearly standard on all ford and gm half tons. They don't need protecting.... The engineers already have that figured out

[@giovanniduay2613]

Jb what is your pick between the GMC HD 2500 VS Ram 2500 ? I like your truck looks great 👍

[@JB_WhoWork]

That’s a loaded question, depends on what you’re looking for

[@giovanniduay2613]

I’m looking for HD truck for daily drive for my work. I wanted durability , comfort and longevity of the truck. I saw you before you had a RAM HD 2500 and now you got this beautiful GMC HD AT4. Which one you pick?

[@JB_WhoWork]

I would go for which one I could get a better deal on, these trucks are very close in terms of performance but the ride in GM trucks are better overall. If you plan on ever buying a fifth wheel, you will have more capacity with the GM and because GM has the 10 speed and higher gearing in the rear, the GMC may be better for daily driving if you’re thinking about a diesel 👍🏾

[@giovanniduay2613]

Thanks JB your knowledge on trucks are 👍 great. I’m eyeing the 2500 HD 2024 Denali Ultimate it’s just really good looking truck the 6.6 duramax and 10 speed Allison transmission are hard to beat plus the interior and seats and technology. Keep up your reviews JB a lot of people are watching your KZbin videos.

[@Le_Royaliste_Perlino]

So far, overall, do you prefer the GMC over the Ram?

[@JB_WhoWork]

This GMC is winning me over every time I turn it on lol!

[@williamallen5369]

Does your truck fit in your garage?

[@JB_WhoWork]

Yup

[@brenterwin99611]

I like most all of you videos, but when it comes to oil you are not quite correct. You can run conventional, blends and full synthetic oil. There are two numbers on engine oil grades. In 15W-40, the first number, 15, shows how thick the oil is when it is cold. So, it is followed by the letter “W,” which stands for “weight or winter.” (depending on where you learned) The second number, 40, shows how thick the oil is when the temperature is high. 15w40 can be used from -4 to 104 degrees, and 5W40 between -22 and 104 degrees. At 20 degrees, you are well with in the range of the 15W40 oil. With that being said 20 degrees is also with in the range for 5W40. You are correct that in colder weather the 5W40 is the better option if you go into the below zero range. All of the oil specifications for for any given weight oils are the same. Meaning that all 15W40 oils with a CK-4 use code are the same. Weather it is conventional, a blend or full synthetic. The place where the blend and the full synthetic have an advantage is that they are able to be poured at lower temperatures. Meaning that they will be able to be moved more easily and will allow for faster lubrication of the engine at start up, in colder weather. (cold starting is where most of your engine damage occurs) You are also right in that the engine will heat up to operating temps faster with the 5W40. I live in south central Alaska and work at the north slope of Alaska. We see -20 to -60 for 4 months in the coldest part of winter. We use 0W40, engine block heater and battery heater just to get them started, after sitting over night. I would not put the 0W40 in my personal rig. I would stay with the two recommended in the manual. You have a lot of good information, keep up the videos.

[@alanking6173]

I would really would have a gas motor, to much BS with a Diesel engine, Diesel fuel prices ?

[@toddramer9844]

Bumper warmers are standard equipment on GM now so your hands don't get cold pushing that piece of poop!😂

[@supporterofsanity]

Dang that’s a lot of steps to get your GMC to work in the winter. Special oil, the grill blankey, gotta plug it in to charge it overnight. Mocha lattte special diesel juice. To get my Ram to work I move the gearshift from P to D. Who work!😂

[@JB_WhoWork]

😂😂😂 Well some of this stuff you have to do for the Cummins and my GM starts up pretty dang quickly compared to my Cummins lol 💪🏾🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@supporterofsanity]

@@JB_WhoWork lol 💯correct just messing with you😂

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

I have the 2022 version of this same truck. I live at about 6k feet above seal level outside of Denver. My truck is fine so far, but my old 7.3L Powerstroke is cantankerous on cold mornings. I plug it in if I know that I will be driving it that morning.

[@JB_WhoWork]

@supporterofsanity all good, I enjoy your comments bro 👍🏾

[@JB_WhoWork]

@Rich Farfugnuven yea older diesels were a beast to get started, years ago one of my neighbors had a 5.9L 12v Cummins and he could never get that thing started in the morning and that was in South Carolina!!!

[@carlosierra11]

They will open when your truck reaches operating temperature

[@JB_WhoWork]

We had just got home which is why I was expecting them to open