⚠️ General Motors Position
“Damage due to the lack of maintenance or use of wrong fuel, oil, refrigerant or lubricants” is excluded from GM warranty coverage.
GM Service Technical College documentation prescribes fuel tank removal and/or fuel pump access as the procedures for accessing fuel tank contents. NZIFDA certified technicians follow GM ACDelco service procedures.
About General Motors
General Motors Company is an American multinational automotive manufacturing company headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. GM is one of the world’s largest automakers.
Current Brand Portfolio
| Brand | Market Segment |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet | Mass market passenger, trucks, SUVs |
| GMC | Trucks and SUVs (North America) |
| Cadillac | Luxury vehicles |
| Buick | Premium vehicles (primarily China/North America) |
Historical/Regional Brands (NZ relevant)
- Holden - Discontinued 2020, but many vehicles remain in NZ fleet
- HSV (Holden Special Vehicles) - Performance variants
- Isuzu - Former partnership (D-Max shared with Colorado)
Select a Brand
Choose a General Motors brand to view model-specific fuel contamination standards:
GM Service Technical Procedure
“Fuel Tank Replacement
WARNING: Fuel system under pressure. Relieve pressure before servicing.
- Relieve fuel system pressure
- Disconnect negative battery cable
- Drain fuel tank using fuel recovery equipment
- Raise and support vehicle
- Disconnect fuel filler pipe and vent pipe
- Disconnect quick-connect fittings at fuel lines
- Disconnect fuel pump electrical connector
- Position suitable jack under fuel tank
- Remove fuel tank strap bolts
- Lower fuel tank”
Popular GM Models in New Zealand
Chevrolet/Holden Colorado
The Colorado (sold as Holden Colorado in Australasia until 2020) is one of the most common GM vehicles requiring misfuel service in NZ.
Holden (Historical - Still in NZ Fleet)
⚠️ Duramax Diesel Engines
GM’s Duramax diesel engines (used in Colorado, Silverado HD) feature common rail injection that is sensitive to fuel contamination:
- Do NOT start the engine if wrong fuel suspected
- Do NOT cycle ignition - may prime fuel system
- Colorado diesel has no fuel pump access panel - tank drop required
- CP4 high-pressure pump failure can contaminate entire fuel system
Holden Vehicles in New Zealand
While Holden ceased sales in 2020, significant numbers remain in the NZ vehicle fleet:
- VE/VF Commodore - Australian-made, unique fuel system layout
- ZB Commodore - Rebadged Opel Insignia (European design)
- Colorado - Same as Chevrolet Colorado, Thai/US production
- Captiva - Korean-designed (GM Daewoo), diesel versions common
NZIFDA certified technicians are trained in procedures for all Holden variants.
Need GM/Holden Fuel Contamination Service?
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