⚠️ Chevrolet Colorado / Canyon — High misfuel risk
Petrol-in-diesel on 2.8L Duramax is a frequent pickup misfuel scenario at NZ petrol stations—do not start if petrol entered the diesel tank.
If the engine was not started
Do not crank Duramax if petrol was added; drain and inspect before priming.
If the engine was started
Diesel: HP pump and injector replacement likely. Petrol: filter, pump, and line cleaning.
⚠️ Chevrolet position — Colorado / Canyon
GM typically requires tank drop or chassis-specific access on midsize trucks—follow GMSI for VIN. Misfuel excluded from warranty.
Vehicle information
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Make | Chevrolet |
| Model | Colorado / Canyon |
| Market status | Chevrolet Colorado pickups appear in New Zealand mainly as grey imports; NZ-new utes were sold as Holden Colorado (see Holden Colorado page). |
| Body styles | Midsize pickup truck |
| Generations | GMT31XX (2015–2022), 2023+ redesigned truck |
| Engines | Petrol: 2.5L, 3.6L V6, 2.7L turbo (model year dependent); Diesel: 2.8L Duramax four-cylinder diesel (2016–2022 NZ offering) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 21.0 gal (typical; diesel and petrol per spec) |
| Fuel system | Petrol injection or Duramax common-rail diesel; AdBlue on diesel emissions package |
| Access method | Tank drop or OEM-prescribed access—usually no rear-seat panel on pickups |
| Anti-siphon | Yes |
| OEM service portal | GM Service Information (GMSI) / ACDelco TDS |
OEM access procedure
- Depressurize the fuel system per GM service information; disconnect battery negative.
- Access fuel module via under-seat/boot panel or perform tank lowering if required for the platform.
- Disconnect electrical connector and fuel line fittings; use line plugs as specified.
- Remove lock ring and lift module; extract wrong fuel with approved recovery equipment.
- Inspect tank and lines; replace filters if contamination reached the engine supply circuit.
- Reinstall module with new seal; verify connections and perform leak check.
- Prime system and clear DTCs per GMSI before returning vehicle to service.
Additional notes
- GMC Canyon is mechanical twin—same fuel procedures.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I put petrol in my Chevrolet Colorado / Canyon diesel?
Do not start the engine or turn the ignition on (diesel priming pumps can activate). Have the tank drained and the fuel system inspected by an NZIFDA-certified technician using OEM service information. Contaminated fuel must be handled as a hazardous substance under HSNO Act 1996 and disposed of per regional council requirements (Resource Management Act 1991) and the Waste Minimisation Act 2008.
Can I drive my Chevrolet Colorado / Canyon after a small amount of wrong fuel?
No — even a small amount of petrol in a diesel common-rail system can damage the high-pressure pump and injectors. Follow the OEM drain-and-flush procedure before driving.
Will misfuel damage void my Chevrolet warranty in New Zealand?
Manufacturer warranty terms typically exclude damage from incorrect or contaminated fuel. Keep invoices from an authorised repairer or NZIFDA-certified operator; consumer disputes may go to the Disputes Tribunal or Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and Fair Trading Act 1986.
Where is the fuel pump access on a Chevrolet Colorado / Canyon?
On many NZ-new and used-import examples, access is via a service panel under the rear seat or in the luggage area — confirm in OEM workshop data for your chassis code. Saddle-tank designs may need both modules drained.
Need certified fuel contamination service?
Find an NZIFDA certified operator or read consumer guidance on wrong-fuel incidents.
Find an operatorFor consumers