06 Must Know L5P Duramax Problems [+Solutions]

The L5P Duramax engine has been a popular choice for truck enthusiasts since its introduction in 2017. The Duramax L5P engine is popular among Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD drivers. Like any engine, it has its fair share of problems that can cause headaches for owners. This article will explore the top six must-know L5P Duramax problems and their solutions.

 Whether you use your truck for work or leisure, encountering issues with the engine can be frustrating and costly. By being aware of common problems that may arise with the Duramax L5P engine, you can take preventative measures to avoid them or quickly address them if they occur.

L5P Duramax Problems [06 Problems with Solutions]

Like any vehicle, the L5P Duramax has its own problems. While some issues are minor and easily fixable, others can be more serious and require costly repairs.

Let’s discuss these problems with solutions elaborately.

Fuel Injector Failure:

The L5P Duramax engine is one of the most reliable and powerful diesel engines on the market. It is not immune to problems, and one of the most common issues that owners face is fuel injector failure.

The engine has eight injectors that can fail for various reasons, such as clogging, overheating, or electrical malfunction. While any of the eight injectors can fail, two are typically responsible for most issues: injectors 5 and 2.

Common symptoms:

When injectors fail badly, your vehicle will go into Limp Mode, drastically reducing its performance and speed. A code on your dashboard indicates something is wrong with the fuel injector. Depending on the engine type, the code could be P0171, P0174, P0087, or P0300. Due to a faulty injector, white smoke comes from the engine, which is most dangerous for Druamax L5P.

Solution:

Check all injectors and replace the bad injector with a new one for better performance.

TMAP Sensor Failure:

The TMAP sensor is integral to an automobile engine’s electronic control module (ECM). It provides the ECM with vital information about temperature and manifold pressure, which is essential to maintaining the optimal fuel-to-air ratio.

When a vehicle has been driven for 30,000 miles or less, the TMAP sensor can become coated with soot and dirt. This buildup can cause the sensor to fail over time.

Common symptoms:

These include P00C7 and P0106 codes indicating a problem with the MAP system or faulty readings from the MAP sensor.

Solution:

Unplug the battery and clean the sensor with cleaner. If it doesn’t work, then replace it with a new one.

Turbocharger Issue:

One of the critical features of this engine is its Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT). The VGT turbocharger has veins that can change their position, allowing it to adjust to different driving conditions.

This results in improved performance and fuel efficiency; after driving 30,000 miles, some owners have reported issues with the VGT turbocharger. Specifically, the compressor fails to function correctly. This can cause a significant reduction in Duramax’s power and overall performance.

Solution:

Check the turbocharger with the mechanic and replace it if it’s not working.

Leaking Antenna:

This problem is causing dampening to come through the visor and antenna, leading to frustration and damage to the vehicles. Luckily, GM has fixed the visor issue in the 2018 models, so only those with 2017 L5P trucks face this issue.

Solution:

Take your vehicle to the dealer, who will quickly fix the issue.

Faulty Coolant Sensor:

Whether you own a new or old 2017-2018 Duramax L5P, you must be aware of the faulty coolant sensor issue. During winter, many Duramax owners have reported receiving false cooler warning alerts on their dashboards due to the malfunctioning coolant sensor.

The faulty coolant sensor issue has been traced to a design flaw in the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part used in these trucks. The faulty coolant sensor has been reported by some users as the culprit behind coolant leakage in vehicles with 50,000 miles or less.

Solution:

Replace the coolant sensor with a new one.

Poor Paint Quality:

Over time, the paint becomes dull and loses its shine, making your truck look older than it is. This is a big issue that can affect the overall appearance of your vehicle.

One of the main problems with the paint quality of Duramax L5P is swirl marking. This occurs when tiny scratches appear on the surface of your truck after every wash or detailing session. These scratches create little circles that make your vehicle look old and worn out.

Solution:

You can repaint the truck. If you do not, leave the issue; it’s not serious.

What is the L5P Duramax Life Expectancy?

The L5P Duramax is a powerful engine that has overtaken the trucking industry. Known for its reliability and durability, this engine can last over 500,000 miles or more with proper maintenance.

It’s no wonder why it has become a favorite among truck enthusiasts and commercial fleet owners alike. To ensure the longevity of your L5P Duramax engine, it’s crucial to stay on top of basic maintenance tasks such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake replacements, and other routine services.

Regularly checking your vehicle for potential issues and replacing any faulty parts can also help extend the lifespan of your Duramax engine.

Is L5P Duramax Reliable?

The L5P pickup truck has been gaining popularity among truck enthusiasts in the USA, and with good reason. Not only is it a reliable option for all your hauling needs, but it’s also one of the best pickups on the market currently. It’s not uncommon for owners to hit over 500000 miles without encountering any major issues or breakdowns.

Final Thoughts:

In the given guide, we deeply discuss L5P Duramax problems and their solutions. Potential buyers must research and consider the potential risks before committing to a vehicle equipped with this engine. As with any major purchase, being informed and cautious can help prevent major headaches. So if you are considering purchasing an L5P Duramax-equipped vehicle, take the time to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making your decision.

FAQs: