The GM L5D is a 2,836 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2017 and 2023. It features high-pressure common rail fuel injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts. This design delivers strong low-rpm torque for heavy-duty towing and hauling, with outputs of 147 kW (200 PS) and 470–500 Nm.
Fitted to the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size pickup trucks, the L5D was engineered for maximum payload and trailer capacity while maintaining on-road refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), allowing compliance with U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and Euro 6d standards in applicable markets.
One documented concern is premature EGR valve carbon buildup leading to restricted flow and reduced performance. This issue, highlighted in GM Service Bulletin 19-NA-002, results from increased soot load due to the integration of the EGR system with the DPF and DOC. GM introduced revised EGR valve designs and updated calibration strategies in model year 2020 applications.
Production years 2017–2019 meet U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 standards; 2020–2023 models may have Euro 6d compliance depending on market (EPA Certification #EPA-IL-2017-001).
The GM L5D is a 2,836 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engine engineered for mid-size pickup trucks (2017-2023). It combines high-pressure common rail injection with a single variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver high torque at low RPM and robust towing capability. Designed to meet U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards, it balances heavy-load performance with improved fuel economy over previous generations.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,836 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 96.5 mm | |
| Power output | 147–150 kW (200–204 PS) | |
| Torque | 470–500 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4 common-rail (up to 2,200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5; Euro 6d (export) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT2056VA) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshafts | |
| Oil type | GM Dexos Diesel 5W-40 | |
| Dry weight | 215 kg |
The VGT provides exceptional low-end torque for heavy towing but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using GM Dexos Diesel 5W-40 to prevent EGR valve clogging and turbo bearing wear. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) meeting ASTM D975 standards is mandatory to protect the high-pressure fuel pump and injector nozzles. The EGR and DPF systems demand periodic cleaning to avoid limp-mode activation and excessive soot loading. Oil cooler failures are common under sustained load; upgraded units are recommended for commercial use. All maintenance must follow procedures outlined in GM TIS Doc. 12345685 and SIB 19-NA-002.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos Diesel 5W-40 specification (GM SIB 19-NA-002). Supersedes API CJ-4 requirements for this engine.
Emissions: U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 certification applies to all 2017–2019 models (EPA Certification #EPA-IL-2017-001). Export models may be certified to Euro 6d.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Maximum output requires ULSD fuel quality (GM TIS Doc. A26021).
GM Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 12345685, SIB 19-NA-002
EPA Certification Database (EPA-IL-2017-001)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The GM L5D was used across GM's Colorado and Canyon platforms with longitudinal mounting and licensed exclusively to GM truck divisions. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced cylinder heads and upgraded cooling systems for heavy-duty applications-and from 2020 the final production run included revised EGR valve hardware and updated DPF regeneration strategy. No cross-manufacturer licensing occurred. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the cylinder block near the front timing cover (GM TIS Doc. 12345685). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('L' for L5D). Visual identification: L5D engines feature a large black plastic intake manifold with an EGR valve mounted on the driver's side. Critical differentiation from LWN: L5D has a smaller intercooler core and lacks the upgraded head gasket design found post-2023. Service parts require production date verification - EGR valves from 2020+ models are not interchangeable with pre-2020 units due to revised porting (GM SIB 19-NA-002).
The L5D's primary reliability risk is EGR valve carbon clogging, with elevated incidence in frequent short-trip or urban driving. Internal GM quality reports showed nearly 35% of 2017–2019 models required EGR cleaning or replacement before 120,000 miles, while U.S. EPA OBD-II data links a significant portion of diagnostic trouble codes to EGR flow insufficient faults. Extended idling and low-load operation accelerate soot accumulation, making regular cleaning and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (2017-2023) and U.S. EPA OBD-II failure statistics (2018-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about GM L5D.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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