Fluid Type Application Fluid Capacity Service Interval Fluid Spec Notes Engine Oil 3.0L Duramax (LM2 & LZ0) w/ Filter 7.0 QTS. ~7,500 miles SAE 0W‑20 dexosD™ Approved Use only dexosD™‑approved 0W‑20 diesel engine oil. GM requires low‑ash oil for emissions system protection. Recommended: Green Diamond 0W‑20 Light Duty Diesel Motor Oil Do not substitute other viscosities. Fuel Tank Silverado / Sierra 1500 Diesel 24.0 GALS. (approx.) Ultra‑Low Sulfur Diesel Recommend: Use Diesel Extreme every 6,000 miles and Everyday Diesel Treatment with every fill up. For additional lubricity, LX4 Lubricity Extreme may be used. In freezing temperatures, switch from Everyday Diesel Treatment to EDT+ Winter Defense for protection against fuel gelling. Automatic Transmission Fluid GM 10L80 – Drain & Refill 8.1 QTS. Severe Service: 45,000 miles DEXRON ULV Recommended: Green Diamond ULV ATF. Use Shift Restore as preventative maintenance or to address shift concerns. GM 10L80 – Total Capacity 12.8 QTS. DEXRON ULV All capacities are approximate. Verify fluid level using GM service procedures. Brake Fluid Hydraulic Brake System N/A 5 Years DOT 3 Brake Fluid Use only DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container. Differential Gear Oil Front Axle (4WD) 1.15–1.25 QTS. Severe Service: 50,000 miles SAE 75W‑90 Synthetic Gear Oil Recommended: 75W-90 Blue Diamond Severe Gear Oil. Service immediately if submerged. Rear Axle 2.1–2.75 QTS. Severe Service: 50,000 miles SAE 75W‑90 Synthetic Gear Oil Recommended: 75W-90 Blue Diamond Severe Gear Oil. Service immediately if submerged. Transfer Case Fluid Transfer Case 1.6 QTS. Normal: 97,500 milesSevere: 45,000 miles DEXRON ULV Use DEXRON ULV only. Recommended: Green Diamond ULV ATF. Service immediately if water intrusion is suspected. Engine Coolant 3.0L Duramax 20.2 QTS. (5.05 GALS.) 150,000 miles / 5 years GM Approved Extended Life Coolant Recommended: Hot Shot's Secret 150k Extended Life Yellow Antifreeze. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) SCR System 5.3–5.4 GALS. As Needed ISO 22241 / API Certified DEF Recommended: Hot Shot's Secret Premium DEFender to avoid SCR system issues. Maintain DEF level to avoid speed limitation. Fill with at least 2 gallons if warning appears. Windshield Washer Fluid Washer System N/A As Needed Windshield Washer Fluid Follow the manufacturer's mixture instructions.

3.0L Oil & Fluid Capacities | 3.0L Duramax Problems

Duramax 3.0L (LM2 & LZ0) Overview

Certain vehicles, such as the Chevy Silverado 1500, Tahoe, Suburban and GMC Yukon, boast some of the most impressive performance due to their Duramax engines. Identified as having one of the 10 best engines by Wards Auto in 2020, GMC Sierra pickups can handle everything from highway driving to towing jobs. Although the engine exhibits robust horsepower, the GMC Sierra 3.0 diesel engine may still present some engine problems. Hot Shot’s Secret is here to help you diagnose and treat those issues with a broad range of expertise and carefully formulated products.

Fluid Type	Application	Fluid Capacity	Service Interval	Fluid Spec	Notes
Engine Oil	3.0L Duramax (LM2 & LZ0) w/ Filter	7.0 QTS.	~7,500 miles	SAE 0W‑20 dexosD™ Approved	Use only dexosD™‑approved 0W‑20 diesel engine oil. GM requires low‑ash oil for emissions system protection. Recommended: Green Diamond 0W‑20 Light Duty Diesel Motor Oil Do not substitute other viscosities.
Fuel Tank	Silverado / Sierra 1500 Diesel	24.0 GALS. (approx.)		Ultra‑Low Sulfur Diesel	Recommend: Use Diesel Extreme every 6,000 miles and Everyday Diesel Treatment with every fill up. For additional lubricity, LX4 Lubricity Extreme may be used. In freezing temperatures, switch from Everyday Diesel Treatment to EDT+ Winter Defense for protection against fuel gelling.
Automatic Transmission Fluid	GM 10L80 – Drain & Refill	8.1 QTS.	Severe Service: 45,000 miles	DEXRON ULV	Recommended: Green Diamond ULV ATF. Use Shift Restore as preventative maintenance or to address shift concerns.
Automatic Transmission Fluid	GM 10L80 – Total Capacity	12.8 QTS.		DEXRON ULV	All capacities are approximate. Verify fluid level using GM service procedures.
Brake Fluid	Hydraulic Brake System	N/A	5 Years	DOT 3 Brake Fluid	Use only DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container.
Differential Gear Oil	Front Axle (4WD)	1.15–1.25 QTS.	Severe Service: 50,000 miles	SAE 75W‑90 Synthetic Gear Oil	Recommended: 75W-90 Blue Diamond Severe Gear Oil. Service immediately if submerged.
Differential Gear Oil	Rear Axle	2.1–2.75 QTS.	Severe Service: 50,000 miles	SAE 75W‑90 Synthetic Gear Oil	Recommended: 75W-90 Blue Diamond Severe Gear Oil. Service immediately if submerged.
Transfer Case Fluid	Transfer Case	1.6 QTS.	Normal: 97,500 miles Severe: 45,000 miles	DEXRON ULV	Use DEXRON ULV only. Recommended: Green Diamond ULV ATF. Service immediately if water intrusion is suspected.
Engine Coolant	3.0L Duramax	20.2 QTS. (5.05 GALS.)	150,000 miles / 5 years	GM Approved Extended Life Coolant	Recommended: Hot Shot's Secret 150k Extended Life Yellow Antifreeze.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)	SCR System	5.3–5.4 GALS.	As Needed	ISO 22241 / API Certified DEF	Recommended: Hot Shot's Secret Premium DEFender to avoid SCR system issues. Maintain DEF level to avoid speed limitation. Fill with at least 2 gallons if warning appears.
Windshield Washer Fluid	Washer System	N/A	As Needed	Windshield Washer Fluid	Follow the manufacturer's mixture instructions.

Duramax deserves premium treatment, so when choosing oil, you must select an oil that matches the capabilities of your engine. Generally, there are five key factors to consider when choosing the correct oil for your vehicle. Before attempting to diagnose your engine troubles, check out our guide to choosing the optimal oil for your vehicle. Duramax 3.0 diesel engines require 7 quarts of oil for oil changes, and you should perform them with the frequency recommended in your owner’s manual.

No vehicle glides through life without giving problems, with the right information, you can diagnose those issues as efficiently as possible. Consider these common Duramax 3.0 problems.

The best oil for the 3.0 EcoDiesel engine depends on its generation. They have the same oil weight, but the oil’s API and specifications differs.

The Generation 2 3.0 EcoDiesel is in the 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The best oil for these vehicles is 5W-40 weight full synthetic engine oil like our Gray Diamond Euro engine oil 5W40. The oil has to meet the FCA Material Standard MS-10902 and the API CJ-4, ACEA E9/E7 or ACEA A3/B4 oil categories, which our recommendation exceeds

The Generation 3 3.0 EcoDiesel is in all 2020 and newer Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator models. The recommended oil for these vehicles is 5W-40 weight full synthetic oil, which must meet the FCA Material Standard MS-12991 and API SN or SN+ oil categories. Our Gray Diamond Euro engine oil 5W40 once again exceeds these requirements.

Using engine oils not specified for Generation 2 in Generation 3 models can cause deposits in the turbocharger, reducing the vehicle’s performance.

The 3.0 EcoDiesel engine is fuel-efficient, has low emissions and improves performance. Overall, it is a reliable engine that gets better over time. However, it has a few challenges. Some of the common problems affecting the 3.0 EcoDiesel engine include:

Oil Cooler Failure

The 3.0 EcoDiesel is a towing engine. However, when transporting heavy loads or navigating mountainous terrains, the engine oil can overheat, causing an oil cooler failure. This problem can occur in vehicles that have not towed before, but it is more common when heavy towing. The coolant and oil mix contaminate the cooling system when the oil cooler fails. This problem is most prevalent in the 2014-2016 models.

EGR Cooler Issues

The Ram 1500’s EGR cooler is prone to cracking — hairline cracks leak coolant into the engine bay, which may cause fires. Even if the likelihood of a fire breaking out is low, coolant leakage can cause other performance issues. Fortunately, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recalled several model years of Ram 1500s due to EGR cooler failure in 2019.

Leaking Exhaust Couplers

The 2014 and 2015 EcoDiesel Ram 1500s are prone to leaking exhaust couplers, leaving the vehicle’s interior smelling like diesel exhaust. The coupler is susceptible to cracking, which can cause the exhaust fumes to penetrate the engine and enter the cabin through the air system.

CP4 Pump Issues

The 3.0 EcoDiesel engine is prone to CP4 pump issues, which led to recalls. The CP4 high-pressure pump may stop working because of premature wear and tear, discharging debris to the fuel system, and causing the vehicle to stall or even become inoperable.

One solution for a CP4 pump failure is replacing the pumps. You can also use Hot Shot’s Secret’s Everyday diesel treatment and LX4 lubricity extreme to prevent the fuel pump from being destroyed. Fuel lubricity is a key area in maintaining fuel pumps and injectors.

Purchase Engine Treatments or Contact Hot Shot’s Secret’s Team of Experts

If you’re experiencing an issue not covered in this guide, contact our team of experts. Hot Shot’s Secret is proud to share our knowledge and help you identify the best products for your engine issues. You can also use our free diagnostic tool to input your information and gain more insight into your engine’s health. We produce a wide range of high-quality fuel additives and treatments that could prolong the life span of your vehicle and its components.

Contact us online to discuss your 3.0 Duramax engine issues and receive tailored suggestions. You can also shop our fuel and oil additives and engine treatments directly.

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The contents of HotShotsSecret.com, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the Diagnose Your Diesel section are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your mechanic or other qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding your vehicle’s condition.

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